Lee Eliyahu
Fro11dma
Mr. Hansley/ Lily Tam
10/24/11
Monologue
Making the choice to attend Baruch College has ultimately changed my life for the better. Originally from Great Neck, I never acknowledged the fact that I’ve been living in a bubble. Every day, I used to see the same people, hang out at the same places and do the same few things. I grew tired of it and never thought I’d find a way to get out of this daily routine. And once I began to attend Baruch, my eyes had opened. Although I primarily commuted to the school, I began experiencing a life outside my bubble. As i underwent a 40 minute train ride followed by a walk to Baruch from Penn Station every morning, I saw tons of new faces. Hundreds of individuals who were all in a rush to get to some place; Just like i was. I was alone and on my own. This is what I had to do during the week as I went to Baruch and as I returned home. By the time I got home from school, I was wiped of all my energy. Already onto my first stage of sleep the second I laid down on my bed. I hadn’t even got the chance to hang out my friends in the neighborhood because I was so worried about fulfilling my never-ending school work. I then realized that I couldn’t proceed with this commute because I wasn’t able to receive enough time to study for exams and complete assigned homework. I knew I had to end this conflict.
After weeks of continuing this process to and from school, I became jealous of the students that dorm or live in an apartment in New York City that makes their travel to the college a simple task. They don’t have to wake up two and a half hours before their first class and return home an hour and a half after their last. I thought fast and began looking for an apartment to stay. Soon enough, I managed to find a good deal and subsequently moved in to a place of my own in a matter of three weeks. Just as i knew it, I became a New Yorker; Expressing my individuality to the greatest extent. And just on twenty ninth street, Baruch was just four blocks away.
As I transitioned into my new lifestyle, I realized that I’ve been more productive socially and academically. Since I am such a short distance away from Baruch College, my hours to spend at the school are ridiculously flexible. Now I’m able to reach the school at any time, have a place to go to during my club hour break and am in no rush to head back to Great Neck after my last class.
I love the new life I’ve made for myself after deciding to pursue my education at Baruch College. Living in the big apple or the city that never sleeps is the greatest experience that I could ask for. Although I didn’t go far away for college like some students, I remain close to home while living an independent life.