Author Archives: hyeson.kim

I already knew how Baruch Voices was going to be like because of the first one I saw before school started. I think most of the monologues were too depressing. I don’t know how people are able to tell their whole life story, especially depressing ones, to strangers that they’ve never met before. I would not be comfortable at all telling someone something so personal and deep about me if I don’t even know what their name is. Sitting through Baruch Voices was a little too depressing for me. Because we’re in a school environment, I think it would have been better if the monologues presented were more inspiration than depressing. Plus, as Jerry said, I really wanted to hear David’s monologue but I guess I never will.

On Tuesday, 11/22/11, I went to the workshop “Mastering the Job Interview: Basic Interviewing Skills.” It was very informative and helpful. It taught how one should dress to an interview and how to act accordingly. I learned several do’s and dont’s. For example, one shouldn’t talk on the phone during an interview or give lousy answers. One thing that people should do at interviews is maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Another thing is to give a firm handshake instead. I also learned that you should follow up after the interview by sending a thank you letter, usually via email. I also learned that you should never be negative, even when you’re declining a job offer because you may work with that company later in the future. We also discussed many of the basic questions they ask you during an interview and how you should answer them. Overall, this workshop was very organized and really focused on how to speak and act during an interview.

On Tuesday 11/15, I attended my 2nd workshop: Small Talk I: It’s a Big Deal. During this workshop, we talked about how to start a small talk with other people, such as possible employers and other important individuals. The advisor taught us how to start conversations with open ended questions and closed ended questions. I also learned small details that I didn’t notice before such as how body language can greatly make someone else aware of what we’re thinking. For example, if I avoid eye contact and talk unenthusiastically, the other person can get the impression that I am not interested in pursuing a conversation with them. I also learned that showing interest even though I am not necessarily interested in the topic we’re talking about, such as sports, is something that is beneficial. The advisor also taught us some of the media topics that we should take time to learn about because those topics are the ones many potential employers spend time discussing. I thought that I would have to have intellectual conversations with potential employers, but this is not necessarily the case. Most people have more discussions on social topics, rather than topics that are associated with the area of the business itself. Interviews are a major process is getting a job or an internship, so learning how to have small talks with people of all ages and backgrounds is an important skill that we should all take time to learn. Like my advisor repeated many times during the workshop, “small talk is a form of art which one can perfect after a lot of practicing!” After this workshop, I realized the importance of being able to start and maintain small conversations with other people.

First off, I expected the museum to be way closer to Baruch than it actually is. The walk there was not very pleasant for me. The Rubin Museum was a lot smaller than I thought it would be but it was peaceful and relaxing since there weren’t that many people there. Also, the statues were small so it was easy to observe and look at. I learned one thing at the Rubin Museum: the bun on top of a Buddha’s head is not hair.

Okay, I’ve been sitting in front of my laptop for hours now, thinking of what to write but my mind is blank.  I never wrote a monologue before so honestly, I have no idea how to write one. It’s almost four in the morning and I’m starting to not think clearly and my eyes are closing so I’m just going to write whatever comes to mind.

I’m the only person my dad has in his life.  He has no wife, his oldest daughter refuses to speak to him, and he doesn’t have time to keep in touch with his friends because he works 13 hours a day, 7 days a week.  So you could imagine how tough things are for him.  But wait, this monologue is supposed to be about me, not my dad so let’s move on.

My dad affects a lot of the things I do and the way I think.  I should be going to school because I want a better future for myself but really, 99% of the reason why I go to school is because I know that’s what my dad wants.  I grew up constantly hearing him talk about how his only dream is to see me graduate college.  So I know it would break my dad’s heart if I ever dropped out of college.  And now that my sister doesn’t live with us, he puts more pressure on me.

Sometimes, I feel like I can’t make my own decisions and choices.  Sometimes, I feel controlled like I’m caged in with no way out.  So I began to think… What’s the point of living a life that I don’t want to live?  If I keep living my life the way my dad wants me to, how lost am I going to feel once he’s gone?  I’ve heard many people say, “You only have one life to live so live it to the fullest.”  It took me some time to realize that I can’t experience all life has to offer unless I make some changes.  I need to start living life for myself and follow my own dreams and goals.  One thing’s for sure: life can only get better from here.

Hi everyone! I’m Shannel Kim. I’m not much of a shy person. I’m pretty talkative and friendly to people I like but if I don’t like you, then…you’ll definitely know. Hehe… I really love funny people. I think sense of humor is the best trait anyone can have. I love laughing and having a good time. (Which basically means school is not my favorite place….)

My biggest concern for my freshman year at Baruch College would be time management. Not even a month has passed and I’m already behind with my school work. I’m the biggest procrastinator ever. I waste time on the computer and just roam around and by the time I set my mind to doing my homework, it’s time for bed. Another concern I have is meeting new people, but at the same time keeping in touch with my old friends. I like meeting new people because it’s great to know many different types of people but it’s hard to get close to someone without growing apart from someone else. My third concern would be actually liking Baruch College. I can’t decide if I like the school yet since it’s only been a few weeks but so far, it’s not that bad. The classes and (some) professors are great but commuting to school is such a pain in the butt. I knew I should have gotten a dorm…stupid me.

My experience at Baruch College will definitely be a lot different from my experience at my high school. For one, sitting through classes that are over an hour long is something that I’m not used to. I thought sitting in class for 40 minutes was bad enough. Also, college is going to be a lot harder since I have more responsibilities as a college student. Unlike high school where teachers and counselors held my hand throughout my four years there, there’s no one but myself in college to motivate me and remind me of what I have to do.

I was never much of a “city-person,” but after my first year at Baruch, I think I’ll know my way around the city a lot better. I think being in college will help me to better realize that the future is closer than it seems. Overall, graduating college is a must. I know it’s going to be hard but I know it’s going to open many doors for me along the road. Okay, time to sleep…finally!