Since the beginning of the semester I’ve attended all the enrichment workshops and my favorite by far was the Baruch Voices performances. The sincerity of the monologues was really touching and I kind of regret the fact that I didn’t put so much emotion into mine. I liked that we finally got a break from strictly educational things and finally got a chance to see our school mates as kids who go through the same issues that I do as new college students, children, siblings, etc. Some of the monologues were a little shocking like the one about the girl who cut herself. I was surprised that people were willing to put things that were so personal in a show for everyone to hear, but I suppose expressing your feelings like that could help with any emotional distress. There were also really funny stories like the one about how in love this guy was with this thing he was describing that ended up being bacon. This workshop will stick with me through my college life because it reassured me that I’m not in this alone. Every worry or issue I’ve experienced or will experience is the same worry or issue that several other people are going through too. I’m glad we were forced to go to this, it was interesting and made me feel a little more comfortable in college.

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The past few months at Baruch have really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I was never looking forward to starting another four years of school, but i figured I had no choice so i might as well make the best of it. My short time here has made me realize that there are so many things that i don’t know. Taking the required classes has introduced me to fields that I would’ve never considered interesting at all. English lit for example has become my favorite class even though Math has had my heart since elementary school. I also realized that I don’t want to pursue a career in actuarial science or accounting anymore. College has forced me to explore other fields even though I was set on a career in math and business. Unfortunately I think that I will have to transfer schools in order to explore my options even further, but i haven’t really had time to grow attached to this school anyway. In addition to this, I’ve noticed that I’m not a kid anymore. I mean I’m still young, but the decisions I make now are going to affect me for the rest of my life. It’s a scary fact since I still have a child’s mentality. I still like Spongebob and I still hate school but I’m not really allowed to be as carefree as I used to be anymore. Now is when I’m supposed to plan for my future! I cant believe life is happening so quickly. But anyway, school these last months wasn’t as bad as I thought.

FOOD. Why can something that is taken for granted bring me such joy? Food can be the determining factor in whether i have a good day or a bad day. Whether I’m happy or sad. Grumpy or extremely happy. I eat until I get that sickening, “I’ll pop if I stuff one more piece of food in my mouth” feeling. Maybe the fact that my dad used to be a chef made me feel this way or the fact that all of my grandparents used to always make sure we had a good meal on Sundays..well whatever it is I just know I get chills when I eat something good. I love bacon, turkey, turkey bacon, chicken, ham, pizza, baked ziti, collared greens, potato salad, pancakes, plantains, bagels, sausage, spaghetti, garlic bread, steak, macaroni and cheese, and any form of potatoes. When I say any kind I mean any kind… baked, mashed, boiled, wedged, fried, crinkle cut, roasted, or grilled. Add a little bit or seasoning and ketchup and I’ll be the happiest girl you’ve ever met. Does candy count as a food? Or desserts? I love those too. I feel like I’m leaving some things out. But the sad thing is that being in college and being on a scholarship budget has stripped me of the ability to even afford half of these things. On a regular day, I’ll wake up late of course, run out of the house and buy a bagel with cream cheese, eat dollar pizza for lunch and a sandwich for dinner. I definitely eat well on my days off, though. It’s good that my metabolism hasn’t slowed down yet because I’m sure I would gain about 50 pounds easy..did I mention you would never catch me exercising. I love food but there are some that I hate like fried chicken, watermelon, eggs, mushrooms, anything with barbecue sauce, any type of animal intestine, or anything that smells funny. the weird thing is I have no idea how to cook which probably would be a useful skill for someone like me. Maybe I’ll learn soon or I’ll find someone that can…i would marry them just for that. That wouldn’t be shallow, just smart.

1. Murder she wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers
2. Your song – Elton John
3. Ordinary People – John Legend
4. Soundtrack to my life – Kid Cudi
5. That thing – Lauryn Hill
6. Whatever Happens – Michael Jackson
7. Lost One – Jay Z
8. Paris, Tokyo – Lupe Fiasco
9. Lights Please – J.Cole
10. Try Again – Aaliyah

I chose to do the playlist because artists have a certain way of putting common feelings and attitudes in to words that are sometimes difficult to find. The songs i selected each represent things i feel strongly about and different facets of my personality and beliefs. The first song i selected was “Murder she wrote” by Chaka Demus & Pliers. The obvious reason I chose this was because of my Jamaican heritage and this songs popularity in my country, but in addition to that this song conveys the fact that a person can come off a certain way and in fact have a personality that in no way reflects those looks. For example, in my case, I may come across as an unapproachable person because of my facial expressions and perceived attitude, but I am in fact very friendly just not very outgoing. The next song is one of my favorite songs of all time, “Your Song”. Most people today are self-centered and don’t take the time out to appreciate the beautiful people and things around them everyday. This song by Elton John helps me to realize the beauty that things posses..especially music itself. “Ordinary people” by John Legend is a song that should remind everyone that though it is good to have ambitions, we are all human and will make mistakes. That fact shouldnt bring us down, but help us to set reasonable goals and reach them. “Soundtrack to my life” by Kid Cudi is something i can relate to because of all the struggles he was going through that no one knew about, including his family. Though he was a child, he was battling the overwhelming emotions that accompany broken homes and a lack of emotional support. Another song that i find represents something important is “That thing” by Lauryn Hill. Many youths today ruin their lives inn the pursuit of the temporary hapiness they can get from sex. I’ve seen kids have to grow up too fast because of this and I’m grateful that my mother instilled certain values in me early. Michael Jackson is probably the greatest musician of all times and this song is extremely beautiful. It talks about always having that one person who is there to support you no matter what the situation or dilemma. It reminds me of the love and support my mother has given me and how she assured me no matter what she’ll always be my best friend and have my best interests at heart. The next song on my playlist is “Lost One” by Jay-Z it brings the thought of my grandmother tp mind. I lost her way too early and the pain and sense of loss Jay Z radiates in the song is what i felt when it happened and whenever i think about it. The bright side is that the pain that I’ve experienced helps me grow as a person and learn to cope with daily obstacles. “Paris, Tokyo” is a song that I feel promotes a spirit of hope and versatility which in effect will bring happiness..something I strive to have even when it is easier to be sad. “Lights Please” by J. Cole reflects the awareness I have for the troubles being ignored in today’s society. Despite these things, people are always more concerned with what they can do now to have fun and not how to improve their living by improving their environment and even those who are are side tracked by those who are apathetic. The final song on my playlist is “Try Again” by Aaliyah. I chose this song for obvious reasons. It helps me to remember that not everything in life will come naturally or easily but it doesnt ever hurt to try again. Music has a way of capturing the essential things in life and putting them to a catchy beat so that some may miss the importance of what is being said..hopefully this gave a little glimpse of what these songs actually stand for.