The enrichment workshop on leadership was essentially what I expected it to be about—how to be a leader! I can’t say it was the most original, or fun experience, but it was very practical.

The students and those involved stressed the idea of getting involved in extracurricular activities, even if you are a freshman! This resonated with me, because I always have terrible luck when it comes to joining things.  I feel as though I always jump on the bandwagon too late, so I’m hoping I’ll have better luck next semester when it comes to joining clubs.  It was nice hearing from a panel a real group of students instead of a person talking about them.  I feel as though the message comes across clearer and more sincere when the people involved are the ones sharing their experiences.

I believe that a leader is not born, but instead rises to the occasion when the situation calls for him or her.  Everyone has a special set of talents that, when used, are great at helping people accomplish things.  To me, that is who a leader is—someone who uses their skillset to help a larger number of people.  I believe that we’ve all been leaders at one point or another, and we’ve all let someone lead us, too.  Neither of things is bad, as a leader can accomplish nothing without his or her “followers.”  I hope that I will become a leader during my stay here at Baruch, and help to make a positive impact.

A lot of people have told me what to expect going into college, and most of them had different opinions.  Someone told me that attending a CUNY was pretty much the same as high school; someone else told me that college is completely different from any other experience public school could prep me for. When it comes down to it, none of these expressions can accurately describe my time here at Baruch so far—not that they’re incorrect for some people, but they’re just not right for me.

I was actually quite surprised by my classes here at Baruch.  At my old high school, English was always a very challenging class, so I expected college-level English to be impossible.  I found that instead that ENG 2150 is one of my favorite classes, and it often features class discussions that I enjoyed thoroughly at my time at Brooklyn Tech.

One of the more obvious differences, though, comes at the simplest level—the difference in subject matter in classes.  As a first semester freshman I wasn’t allowed to pick my classes, so they were pretty varied, including a lot of subjects I had never taken before: law, sociology, and communications.  I’m very partial to sociology, and find my law and communications classes to be extremely interesting as well!

And then, of course, there’s Freshman Seminar, the whole reason I’m writing this blog! To be honest, I initially wasn’t exactly thrilled with taking a no credit class that is required to graduate, but as the weeks passed I’ve warmed up to this class.  It’s been very helpful when it comes to learning about the small things every freshman should know (registration information,) and it’s great having a meeting with your advisor every week! It’s also really cool having a (super cool B) !)peer mentor who is able to give helpful advice from the point of view of a student. A lot of the time those who give guidance can come off as fake, but I never got that vibe from FRO. (:

All in all, college isn’t what I expected it to be, but it’s also not what I didn’t expect it to be…if that makes any sense at all.  I don’t even think I can summarize my emotions with one word or sentiment, but I suppose this gif of Nicki Minaj will suffice.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Hey guys! The following is a list of songs that I love, in no particular order. Hope you guys will listen to them too-I’m sure you’ll enjoy. 🙂

1. God Given Name – by Solange  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcD2TXoNaDQ

I love this song because she really establishes her individuality as an artist, and not just Beyonce’s little sister.  I think she represents most people in this way-the longing to be identified as oneself, and no one else.

2.   Carnival Town – Norah Jones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd1gjZYuyRI

This song is so mellow, which I consider myself to be most of the time.  It doesn’t really have a lot of lyrics, but I think they carry a lot of meaning-the short things ARE worth analyzing! 🙂

3.  Half Time – Amy Winehouse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js4rLLglxyE

I love Amy! Haha. This song reminds us it’s okay to relax for a little bit, which is something I need to be reminded of at times. 😛

4.  Aruarian Dance – Nujabes  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUwRGPxCG_Y

No lyrics-just sheer awesome.  Similar to the past two songs, it’s really relaxing, so sometimes I’ll listen to it on loop if I’m doing homework or other assignments.

5.  No Surprises – Radiohead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5CVsCnxyXg

There’s a lot of interpretations to this song, but I see it as telling us to go after things that we love-not to do things just because we have to.  Sometimes we need to pause and ask-am I happy doing this?

6.  All I Want is Everything – JoJo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onck2m4_SQo

Am I the only one mad that she hasn’t dropped an album in seven years?!  In any case, this song from her mixtape represents the passion and drive that I think everyone should have.

7.  Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera (Michael Crawford singing) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-GXo10hfKI

I love musicals, and Phantom of the Opera was the last one that I saw.  This song is so beautiful – it reminds us that physical appearances aren’t the only thing that warrant beauty, a concept I really agree with.

8.    Embola a Bola (Caterete) – Djavan  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QDx2mRD-xc

Again, another mellow song. 😛 Though I don’t speak it, I think Portuguese is a lovely language. When I translated the lyrics, I interpreted them as not letting life pass you by, and the importance of paying attention to the small details in life.

9.  Flaws and All – Beyonce http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK9Iio7WgaI

I really love Beyonce’s voice on this track! Also I think it’s importance for us to love ourselves with all of our imperfections.

10.  We’ve Got a Good Thing Going – Michael Jackson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tU12bFzk8g

Honestly, I just love this song and its Motown vibe-and who doesn’t love little MJ? 🙂

Hope you guys enjoyed this playlist! 😀