My experience at Baruch College has certainly met my expectations. Upon entering college, i had an inkling of the work load i was to encounter. Friends and relatives already attending college forewarned me of the work, but my high school experience had not prepared me. With time i have adjusted to college life, and balanced my priorities. As of now, the grades for most of my classes are relatively high, with the exception of one class: public administration. The grades for this class are not very low, but can definitely be better. I hope to raise my grade in this class by doing well on the final exam. I dislike the seniority based scheduling system because it is difficult to acquire a class with a good professor, but i respect it.
Apart from adjusting to the level of work, my first semester at Baruch went well. I like the Baruch business/profession atmosphere. I joined the MSA (Muslim Student Association) where i made friends with upperclassmen who have been ‘showing me the ropes.’ The folks at the association are very welcoming and a great way to learn about the school, in addition to the learning communities. I am not involved in school activities as i would like to be, but i hope to change that in the future semesters.
If i could relive my first semester, I would become more involved in school activities. There are a plethora of clubs at my disposal, and i have not utilized them. I would also have visited the STARR career center to begin building my resume and interview skills.
Since i entered college, i have become more of a hermit. It is difficult to balance work and play, but i am developing punctuality and time-management. I cannot remember the last time i spent quality time with my friends. It saddens me to have to reject my friends persistent requests to ‘chill’ during the weekends. I am also focused on my work, as i wish to lay a strong foundation for my college career with a high GPA. College has also opened my eyes to the world of grammar. I must credit professor Hentzi (my writing professor) for his patience in dealing with a room full of chirping crickets when he asks questions regarding the mechanics of grammar. As time passes, i am beginning to notice myself become more comfortable talking in public. Before, i would prefer to keep to myself, but i realize interaction is key in networking, which will allow me to find jobs and make life-long friends.
