The Baruch Enrichment
So called “The Baruch Enrichment” because I got enriched not only by the enrichment workshop, but from Baruch College as a whole.
My first semester at Baruch is so far a great experience. In the beginning of the semester, I remember feeling awkward for not knowing anyone. After a few weeks, I got to get along with more and more people. I like that people in college are more mature than people in high school, at least my high school. I was overwhelmed by a friend’s kindness once: he was so patient and explicit when tutoring me. When I was in high school, I used to not like helping people, but after getting help from that friend, I started changing my mind about this. I felt that altruistic personalities are really well-liked and respected. This ties to my reflection about the enrichment workshop, where Steven(the guy being interviewed) talked about caring others without asking for anything in return. I feel that most of my classmates are willing to sacrifice personal time to help each other, which influenced me greatly. I used to hate having study groups and didn’t like to help others that much because I feel like it’s a waste of time; but now I feel that helping others makes me feel happy as well. I actually liked the New York Cares project, although I had to wake up at 5 that day and stood in the cold for about 2 hours, it felt great to volunteer and help others.
First semester at Baruch not only changed my view towards classmates, but also my attitude towards education. Perhaps because of the environment at Baruch, the more mature people, and more interesting classes, I feel that I like to read more now than ever. Before college, I hated reading, especially books; now I actually found many of assigned readings interesting and would spend time in coffee shops, school library, train, or at home reading without getting distracted. I don’t see reading as a task anymore, but something to enjoy. That’s why I put a picture of tea and a book: it’s relaxing and enjoyable. I also found many homework assignments interesting to do and spend time doing them. I am not a nerd though. At the same time I learned to socialize better since I’m dealing with more mature people. Talking to mature peers is something I love to do because I learn a lot from these conversations.
Overall, first semester at Baruch was like an enrichment workshop its own. No one is really pushing me to do anything, but it is this freedom that allows me to manage my time more efficiently, spend more time to analyze course materials and their life applications, and discover/develop new interests. I enjoy going to school, for education and for more life experiences.
