I am Yarden Benzaken.

I am 18 years old and was raised in a Jewish family. Just like every other 18 year old trying to figure themselves out, I am as well. Though there are some things about myself that I do in fact know.I know I am confident in myself and the day to day decisions that I make . I am friendly and caring towards others. I always put my friends and family before me because I feel they are most important in my life, and will always be there for me. In addition I am a motivated, hard worker who does not give up. I always keep trying until my goal is achieved. Growing up, I had everything handed to me and everything always worked to my benefit, even in school. Now starting a new chapter in my life, college, it is so different. Right now I am living on my own, without my parents, so everything has changed.

I have concerns regarding my freshman year at Baruch College. One being not having anyone pushing me to stay on top of my school work like I had in high school. Another concern of mine is keeping up with all my classes and not missing more then that is permitted. Lastly, I am concerned about managing my time wisely and fitting all the important things that need to be done in my schedule. I do not want to leave everything for the last minute, rather I would like to have everything done on time.

Studying at Bruch College is much much different from studying at HAFTR HS. HAFTR is a modern orthodox private school only attended by Jewish people. There is double ciriculum which means we are studying both secular and religous (Judaic) studies. Where as, in Baruch we are studying only secular subjects with a much lighter schedule.

Just like it would change anyone, my first year at college will definetly change me. I know I will experience events that will stay with me forever. I look forward to change and meeting new people.