FRO12 LC15

Until right now, I’ve lived my entire life in a bubble. You see, from the moment I was born I was a member of what’s known as the Syrian Community. The Syrian Community is a large community of Jews of Middle-Eastern descent who currently live in Brooklyn, NY. Though it contains thousands of people, the community is very tightly knitted and it seems as if everyone knows every other member of the community.

I grew up the oldest in a family of six children. As the oldest, I always had the responsibility of being a good role model for my siblings and I’ve always tried my best to do so.

Growing up in “the community” as we call it, I was never exposed to the real world. I was always in the same school with the same people. I lived my entire life with the same culture and same traditions.  I always had the same group of friends.

It wasn’t until I decided to go to Baruch that I realized everything was about to change. I realized a lot of my friends would be going to college out of town and I wouldn’t see them anymore. And it wasn’t until I decided to get an apartment in the city that I realized I wouldn’t be home everyday with my family.

Needless to say, the past two months have been a culture shock to me in a way. The Baruch experience is extremely different than that of high school and it’s definitely not an easy adjustment. I’m hanging out with different people, eating different foods, and doing different things.

My hobbies, however, are the only things that haven’t changed. There’s still nothing I enjoy more than listening to alternative rock and watching football on Sundays. I’m a die-hard Giants fan and needless to say, I’m enjoying these good times for my team. When it comes to music, I’ve enjoyed having the time to listen to my IPod in between classes.

Coming to Baruch has been a huge change for me and one that I’ve embraced and am enjoying so far. I’m looking forward to making many new friends, doing well in school, and enjoying everything that comes with the entire Baruch experience.