Author Archives: ariel.torkian

Although I did not expect a great campus life at a college like Baruch, I was dissapointed by the lack of effort made by the students at baruch. Baruch must improve their social aspect of college because their academic aspect is definately up to my standards. If i could go back and do something differently for my first semester, I would study much harder for exams because each exam is so crucial in college. The transition from high school to college has been very tough for me due to the increase in work. I think I have changed, but for the better. I have become more independent and have branched off from my parents. Socially, I dont think I have changed a whole lot bit but I dont think i could really judge that.

-Ariel Torkian-

Hi my name is Ariel Torkian, and I am from Long Island, New York. I consider myself to be a diligent and hard worker but i tend to get lazy at times. I like to have a good time but I always remember that there are consequences for all your actions.

I came to college in search of finding what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life. Coming into Baruch, I had my heart set on business but now I am a little indecisive because I am struggling tremendously in Math. Hopefully, by working hard and paying attention in class i can reach my goals at Baruch, and pursue a career in business. There have been some drastic changes in the transition from high school to college. Although I am only enrolled in four days of courses in college versus five in high school, i have a significant amount more of work in college. Midterms and exams are beginning to take a toll on me and I am literally exhausted 90 percent of the day. In high school, I could easily “scheme” my way through english class but with the more challenging novels in college I really have to sit down and do the reading.

A really embarrassing moment in my life came during an 11th grade football practice. My jabbering teammate continually would claim he was the stronger defensive end. He was undersized and tiny but was a very scrappy and hard working player. He worked hard in the offseason and I took him very lightly. Once the season began, he challenged me in a bench pressing contest, and blew me out the water. I was embarrassed in front of my whole team and more importantly my coaches. Next season, I hit the weight room and increased my strength and this time i blew him out of the water. It just goes to show you that “what you put in is what you will get in return”.

I think the first year of college will change my maturity level dramatically. In high school, the teachers spoon feed you and keep reminding you when an assignment or exam is due. In college, the professor says the assignment or exam date once and you are expected to remember it the first time. I have also noticed that in college, the majority of work done is out of the classroom. The use of textbooks and online working programs (course compass) are far more common in college than in high school. Hopefully all changes will be for the better and I will succeed from an education at Baruch college.

As an individual, I pride myself on always being the best and striving for success. Although I didn’t always put the greatest effort into activities I enrolled in and school, sports, I have come to the point where I can proudly say that I have reached my goal. College is a time to flourish and broaden your horizons; hopefully during the time I attend I will achieve my goals and expand my knowledge of business. I have always been a respectable athlete, from volleyball all the way to sports like football and basketball. My competitive nature makes it easy to succeed and play hard against opponents.  To begin with, my number one issue at Baruch is the lack of social connection between the students. When I came to Baruch, I knew that it was a commuter school but the overall stereotype of college is about “making new friends” and “partying hard”. Unfortunately Baruch does not offer these types of privileges but what they lack in fun they make up for in education. The sole reason I enrolled in Baruch was because of the highly respected Zicklin School of Business. I hope to receive a degree from Zicklin, and pursue a career in investment management, or any type of real estate located in the tri-state area. My high school and Baruch are awfully different, aside from both being day schools they differ completely. The diversity that Baruch maintains clearly is a result from the diveristyy located right in NYC. I have met many new people from all over the world, from France all the way to Africa, and it has been a remarkable experience. The way the professors teach the classes are extremely different than the way teachers did in high school because in high school, it was more of spoon-feeding. In college, you are told something once and expected to deliver something spectacular no matter what the circumstances may be. I definitely believe that I have changed during my short time at Baruch College, fortunately for the better. I have improved budgeting money, and developed a study ethic that will help me achieve my goals academically; two critical skills in order to succeed in college. I moved into my apartment a few days ago and by cooking my own dinners, washing my clothes I will develop a sense of autonomy and independence.