Baruch itself definitely lived up to my expectations. I anticipated the large campus, lots of people, diversity, lots of classes and clubs/organizations, more free time and responsibility and the great neighborhood. All of that is exactly what I got. How I responded to everything, however, did not at all live up to my expectations. They told us “manage your time”, “be responsible”, “join clubs and make friends”. All that went out the window for me – fast! Another thing I didn’t expect: it still feels a lot like high school – probably because I still live at home, commuting to and from school and because we’re in a “vertical campus” which is basically a nice way of saying it’s a building. Did anything exceed my expectations? Yes, how much choice I have in terms of the courses I take and clubs/organizations I join. I found ones – more than one club of the same kind actually – that are perfect for me.
I would describe my first semester as bittersweet. It was disappointing but a learning experience. I did a lot wrong, but that means I know what I have to work on. So I would say that’s how I’ve changed: I now have more insight into myself. If I had to do it again, I would be more responsible/grounded and outgoing.
P.S.: Tenure should be abolished!!
