FRO13 LC10

My group chose the mayoral election as our topic. We picked this topic because at the time, it was very widely covered by the media. New York, being a largely democratic state, was sure to elect a Democratic mayor for New York City, and Bill DeBlasio held a significant amount of percentage points over Joe Lhota for most, if not all of the campaigning season. DeBlasio just represented more of what New Yorkers care about, like social issues. It got to the point where Joe Lhota had to slightly detach himself from the Republican party because of their conservative views. He knew New Yorkers don’t respond well to conservatism, so at debates, he continuously had to explain how he obviously didn’t agree with all of the Republican party’s choices. My group was more toward’s most of New York in that we definitely wanted DeBlasio to be the next mayor of New York City. As college students, we tend to be more democratic and liberal, so we care about the social issues that DeBlasio thought were important.

I thought this meme (http://iamnevertheone.tumblr.com/post/54035333864) pretty accurately describes my experience as a freshman at Baruch. In high school, we’re so sheltered, and we weren’t as exposed to the outside world as much as we should have been. As much as they tell you throughout high school that they’re preparing you for the ‘real world,’ it’s never the same, and there’s always that level of shock when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone into a new environment. For me, it was a huge shock. The people are so much more different than my hometown, where it was small and everyone knew everyone else. Here, you can’t really expect to see the same people all the time. The work load was also a huge shock for me. Coming out of high school when I was a senior and did absolutely nothing all year really relaxed me, and when I came to Baruch, I realized that attitude wouldn’t fly here. I actually had to do my homework, and study really hard, and still get only average grades. If I did that in high school, I’d be at the top of my class. It’s a whole other ballgame in college.

I found the enrichment workshop to be very informative. Not only was the speaker very engaging and informative, but he also represented someone I hope to be in the near future. I want to have the public speaking skills that he has-the ability to hold an audience with humor, charm, and assertiveness. He did it well without being too over the top and it’s something that I really admire in a person as well as something I’d like to see in myself one day. Also, the students that spoke to us were very useful. I know now that it’s a good idea to get not only one, but a few clubs and activities to join so that I can not only use them for experience and resume building, but also so I can take advantage of the leadership positions that they offer. The workshop really taught me how truly important taking charge and getting a leadership position is. Even though high school gave me many of those opportunities, I know that it’s important to get one now, because when jobs and internships are hiring, one of the main things they look for are leadership positions.

This is how I felt every morning before class, however my first semester wasn’t so bad. The classes were good and for the most part I did well, I learned that it is a struggle keeping up with all the assignments. I think this GIF accurately represents me because I have a childlike mentality about finishing college and classes obviously reluctant in doing so but nonetheless the hand of “a bright future” grabs me by the head and forces me to attend everyday. I really felt independent these past few months, in High School it was different I always had some group of friends to do everything with, but at Baruch you get to be your own person. It has been a little difficult adjusting to everything and actually taking the train to school (I really am not a morning person) but I can’t say it has been a bad time. I really love all the resources and the opportunities available at Baruch. My first semester has helped me mature, I acknowledge that I need to get my act to be a little bit more studious and dedicated which I am confident I can do now that I have settled in. I remember thinking how weird it felt going to a school that didn’t feel like home, because for me my high school did, but while I am still in an awkward place at Baruch I can say that I can envision many happy times here, and many successes ahead. I’m glad I chose Baruch and I look forward to making it my home, that is if I can get out of mine in time in the mornings.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/e00d857262a1b1c4fb4cbd3079b61935/tumblr_mwudqj9omG1qg39ewo1_500.gif

The workshop that our LC attended was helpful. It gave me a new understanding on how to navigate my time at Baruch. The panel as well as the orientation leaders were are very motivating and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones. It also showed me the importance of teamwork and what can be accomplished through good leadership. This has showed me that in order to create a name for myself I need to join a club or activity and be a team player and eventually a leader. Clubs and interacting with my fellow bearcats can further enrich my experience here at Baruch. The workshop also taught me the importance of perseverance and commitment. It is necessary to have these skills especially in the job market that my generation faces today. With attributes such as perseverance I’ll be able to weather the bad storms, and  flourish in clear skies. Commitment and dedication also lead to results which I am looking forward to accomplishing. Finally the workshop taught me that College is what you make it. It is ultimately up to  me to lead my life. The life I have at Baruch will be solely based on my own actions. I am responsible for managing my time with all the various classes, clubs, and other activities that I entertain in my Baruch career. The workshop was both inspiring and informative and I look forward to using these lessons and applying them to my own life.

Maahi Chowdhury

Unfortunately, I had an interview for T.E.A.M. Baruch at the same time as the workshop so I was only able to see about half of the workshop. The part that I was there for, however, definitely made me want to get more involved in the school itself. There are so many ways to get involved and there is truly something for everyone. As a freshman, I did not want to get involved in clubs right away because I felt that I would be too overwhelmed with adjusting to the city and college in general. Now, however, I would like to get involved in multiple clubs next semester. Especially the clubs that help with getting internships. This enrichment workshop definitely inspired me to get more involved and to want to do more at the school.

My first semester here at Baruch, went better than I had anticipated. Although the classes were fairly simple, I was not used to the amount of work and amount of time that I had to spend studying. College is extremely different from high school and there are many cons but I would say there are more pros. I personally feel that I stressed myself out too much over everything and if I hadn’t stressed out so much, than maybe I would have done slightly better. I was fortunate enough to have great professors though that were very understanding. There isnt much that I would change about my first semster here at Baruch.

From my first semester overview, I was able to experience college life at Baruch. I found it to be very positive that I could experience my classes in a learning community. The block scheduling with the same classes with the same people really brought the class together as a family. Baruch College is very small which brought to my disappointment when I first arrived, but I have slowly began to accustom to its riches. The vertical campus is fairly large, but the one block of the whole school my disappointment. Yet, Baruch was still very enjoyable. I enjoyed certain classes with exception to a few classes. For example, I enjoyed math and communications. The class that I would definitely question is my English class. I understand college professors have their own individual grading systems, yet I have failed throughout this semester to comply and comprehend my English professors learning system. Despite my unpleased time in English this semester, it taught me to cope and deal with other classes as it this similar scenario could happen to me again in my later years. Overall, I find Baruch to be a good school for college from my first semester.

Will Ng

The New York Cares community service was an interest to me. I wasn’t too much of a fan of it, but I didn’t dislike it. My work consisted of helping children by tutoring them in schoolwork. I was expecting to tutor elementary school kids in literature and math, but on the day of my community service, the children did not have school. Instead, I was told to just play with the children in board games and engage in normal conversation. It became a fun enjoying activity. The only downside was the location, which was way uptown. Nonetheless, I didn’t dislike this or did I enjoy it.

Will Ng

I cant come to believe that the first semester is already nearly over. It is true that college time flies by quick! I personally love Baruch, over the past couple months I have gotten used to adjusting to the college life. The vertical campus is impressive to say the least, the building itself is enormous! As for the classes, I have mixed feelings. I feel like overall I have learned a lot from my course this semester and being in a learning community has definitely brought along its benefits. I became extremely close to numerous individuals in my learning community and it will be upsetting next semester to not have everyone in the same classes anymore. All my professors this semester were good, I honestly don’t have anything to complain about, except for one issue: the grading in English.(this is what my media picture is regarding I believe the grading process in the English course is extremely unprofessional and only based on the professors own opinion. For example, you can write a well developed and well- thought out essay for the class and still get a low grade just due to the fact the professor does not like that method of writing. To be honest, this is bullshit. In the professional field, I can guaranteed that the different types of writing styles is not important, as long as you write a well developed essay without grammar errors and you get the point across. I personally believe the grading policy for English is worthless and needs to be changed to a strict rubric rather than mere opinion from a professor. Anyways, that is the only issue from my first semester. I will continue to be a bearcat at Baruch and I have no desire to transfer. I really had enjoyed my time at baruch!

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