Monthly Archives: September 2014

Poppin’ Playlist

Screenshot 2014-09-21 at 6.28.22 PM

Playlist Link

 

I was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. I have a mixed cultural background; my father is a Cuban immigrant, and my mother is Sicilian, her side of the family passed through Ellis Island after WWII. Because of my parents I was exposed to both languages and cultures my whole life. But since the mutual language between them is English I never learned Spanish or Italian fluently. My Spanish is very basic, and my Italian minimal. I took French through middle school and high school and did a lot of self study, and now I am pretty semi-fluent in French. I also know a conversational amount of Korean due to my job.

In high school I had an internship in an art gallery in Chelsea, and through that I forged a relationship with writing. I began writing listings and press releases, my boss encouraged me to do it more and more often. Then when I began working at an artist residency program that is oriented towards Korean and Japanese artists, most are in the program on visas. Part of my job was to assist them with their English writing.

What truly interests me, or what I am truly passionate about is the arts. I have always loved museums and art. My goal in life is to have a job or career where I can be involved with art, like the saying “if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” So that is why I am studying at Baruch towards a major in arts administration. In the future I would love to work in a museum or an auction house, or own a gallery.

The playlist I put together to represent me to the class reflects just a portion of the music I listen to. It is comprised of musicians that are very much performance artists, their music expresses their uniqueness and distinct alternative perspective. The first song is Azealia Banks’ new single, I chose it because I think she is an amazing lyricist, and is a young entrepreneur who manages her own music career, she is also a Harlem native. The second song is by Mykki Blanco and Princess Nokia, both of whom are NYC natives. Mykki Blanco is an avant guarde queer artist, and Princess Nokia (aka Wavy Spice) who like Azealia Banks is an young independent artist who advocates female empowerment. The third track is by Zebra Katz, who has a very art school vibe, and his music videos include many artistic people from NYC. Track four is FKA Twigs, I chose her music because it has a really fresh sound, and her lyrics are deceptively deep. Track five is by Le1f, an openly gay artist that is a native New Yorker, I really like his style and his educated lyricism. Track six is the Los Angeles based artist Dumbfounded (aka Parker), I like the fun and comic vibe to his songs. Track seven is the club classic Alors On Danse by Stromae, it think it is great because the songs is a great to dance to but the lyrics are very depressing. Track eight is by Brooke Candy, a queer artist who utilizes a lot of visual performance, and is very involved in fashion. Track nine is by my favorite band Salem, the now defunct band is comprised of a trio who live a very alternative lifestyle in the Midwest of America. I love their music so much, and they have influenced my style a lot since high school. And the last track is buy the most well known person on my playlist, M.I.A., who is an amazing political activist who I admire.

My video – Hugh Nguyen

I usually make a piece of art whenever I realize something about my life, and this video was one of them. Although I mostly do photography.  I film this video a few months ago, when I saw a little girl lost her balloon; the scene made me think of the desperate feeling I have when I’m in that situation. This made me think of how we always try to have the most beautiful things yet so fragile, so easy to be misplace. So I filmed a video about a young couple, which represent love, something that is so fragile yet so beautiful that most of us crave on. This video shows a part of who I am, a deep thinker, a kinda introvert person, and maybe something else after you watch the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSHDE_idSc4&list=UUCV_-WnD4NPjaxOQSw27-gw

Josh’s Playlist

Josh’s Playlist

Hi, my name is Xue Zhou Chen. Through out my life I had many nicknames. I was Joey in middle school, Ciel in high school, Jo at one moment and now Josh. To say that I don’t know who I am, it is rather who I choose to be. I guess I am all of them, but I can’t be at the same time. To tell you who am I is a challenge, because I have a hard time defining myself. Maybe my playlist would give you an idea.

First of all, here is some basic information. I was born in China, and I am the only child of my little family. Four years ago, I came to the U.S. I graduated from Fort Hamilton High School, and I am very happy to be in Baruch. I love music, art, fashion, film, technology, food, philosophy and pop culture. At first I was going to create a playlist with all songs from Lady Gaga, because I am a mega fan. However, that would be too easy. So I have created something more diverse. hopefully it will tell you something interesting about me.

First song of the list is “Flawless” by Beyoncé. I would love to believe that I am a confident person. To take pride in one’s life is the most attractive thing. Queen B taught me to find that beautiful and unique thing within.

Second song of the list is “Stache” by Zedd. Zedd is one of my favorite DJ. This song is pure fun, it has the endless potential in the beats. That is how I think of myself sometimes. I love to have fun, just simply jamming to the music and forget about everything. Because life is too short, you have to enjoy every moment possible.

The third song is “Hall of Fame” by The Script. This song represent the part of me that is obsessed with fame. The things people give up for it and the true meaning of it fascinates me. For me, fame is the desire. Many of us need that desire to survive, and I am one of them.

The next song is “Break Free” by Zedd Feature Ariana Grande. Many of my friends said that I am the most free person they have met. I guess it is important for me to speak my mind and do what I want. I always honor freedom, and I am most creative when I am free.

And the next song is by David Guetta feature Sia, a very interesting singer. It’s call “Titanium”. I am a tough person, I don’t easier get defeated. When ever I hit a bottom, I can always climb back on top. To have a thick skin, protect yourself with a strong heart is what I live by.

“Money on My Mind” is by one of my favorite singer, Sam Smith. The song is just as brilliant as he is. Money changes a lot of people. I hate the fact it happens. I will choose love over money, always.

The next song is “Try” by Pink. Nothing is easy in life, you have to keep trying and fighting for the things that you want.

On that note, we move on to “I Was Here” by Beyoncé again. She is such an inspiration. I try to everyday spread as much love and kindness as I can. To help more people and to share what I have with the world is important. I also want to “leave my mark” on earth.

The second last song is “Hair” by Lady Gaga. Finally! If you haven’t notice, I love my hair. And more importantly, I love myself. I make the choice for my hair as same as for my life. I define my beauty for me. And I will fight to always have the chance to do so.

Last but not least, well probably my favorite song of this playlist, “Applause” by Lady Gaga. I am a very artistic person, dramatic rather. I think of life as a stage. Everyday, you have a spotlight shine on you, and it is your job to do your very best to earn your “applause”.

I hope I have done enough for your applause. I can’t wait to begin this jouney with all of you.

 

My playlist

 

My name is Tomer, I moved to New-York from Israel a month ago. Since I moved here, I had to get use to many new things in my life including, but not limited to, the culture, the language and the obvious fact that all of my family and good friends back home. However, this situation brings an opportunity to make some new friends; as an international student, even a regular conversation becomes very interesting for me because everything is new.

The songs I chose represent a strong connection between people. Naturally, as freshmen we have only started the school, thus most of us do not really know each other. I found it complicated to know who I am to my classmates. Nonetheless I believe that the students who have already spoke with me know that I’m a very friendly and respectful guy (or lacked of self-awareness?)

“A good friend and a glass of wine
Someone to say it’s gonna be alright
A good friend and a glass of wine
A little pick me up to get me through the night”

(Leann Rimes – Good Friend And A Glass Of Wine)

Each one of us got a different mind on a particular person, we don’t think in the same way. As a result, each one of the songs I chose talks about other kind of friendship. Some of them are stronger than the others. However, there is one common factor to all of these song, and it is the mutual aid.

I’m really looking forward to know my classmates deeper, or at least some of them, and to listen to each one of their special stories about themselves.

Playlist

 

This is Me

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”  -George R.R. Martin

I am Lesego Pearl Nkosi and I have come to love myself fiercely. I grew up in Pretoria South Africa in a two-parent household and 7 siblings. I am the youngest of eight so when I grew up I always friends. We are a close-knit family and one of the things that connect us through good times or bad times, is music. From gospel music to soul music, we shared many memories. I love music so I thought it would the perfect introduction for me to my classmates.

My musical playlist has different genres and those are to represent the many characteristics that I possess and am bringing to the table.  The first selection, “Andinanto”, is a South African song that is sung both in English and Zulu. It talks about not having much but what God has given you. I love this song because I only bring what I am and have to my classmates. “Brand New Me” by Alicia Keys is my second song because I have an opportunity to start over with my classmates. For instance, for the fist time in my life people know me by Lesego (my first name) rather Pearl. I’m a brand new kind of me and I love me fiercely. It took me to accept my name because I believed that it made other people uncomfortable but it makes me unique. I will not bring judgment because I believe the lyrics in “Eyes of the Heart”. It’s important that we care for each other. “Step In the Name of Love” tell us to always be with and for one another. At least, that’s the vibe I have been receiving since I have been here at Baruch. I hope to bring peace as well to my classmates. Although there will be disagreements because that’s what happens when all kinds of people are represented but I hope that we always find peace. “Sentimental” by Kenny G represents the kind of peace I bring.

Honestly, there are many songs that could represent what I am to my classmates but these are important to me. I am a firm believe in being a change agent and I hope that my classmates are too. I hope to work with them to do more than just enough for other people. I hope we volunteer, work, or just lend hands somewhere even if takes away our resting time. “Man in the Mirrors” is a perfect selection to explain how I’ve changed and the person I’ve become. We can even start by advocating for one another. Just because this is my belief doesn’t mean that it has been an easy ride. But I appreciate the lessons that I’ve learned along the way. I always remember to have a good day because everyday should count. “Good Life” by One Republic represents my characteristics of taking and enjoying moments as they happen. It takes time to get to this level of understanding but it helps with each new day. Loving yourself plays a huge part in this process. “Greatest Love of All” represents the love I have for myself that I won’t and can’t let anyone take away from me. When you love yourself, I believe, it’s easy for you to do for other people. I learned this through my volunteer work as a Girl Scout. All the community and service projects will surely be a reflection of who I am. “I Was Here” by Beyoncé represents the small amount of work I have done and still have to do. I hope that my classmates will join me on this journey of making the world a better place. This is important to me because you stop caring about the little things that used to bother you. You find beauty in everyone and everything. Nobody is perfect but when you love yourself, you are perfect in your eyes. “Flawless” represents the eyes in which I now see myself through. It is said that you teach people how to treat you so I want to be treated with respect.

 

All our stories are different and there is so much to learn and know about all of us but welcome to my world.

Fro Image Slide Show – Ahyoung Cho

FRO Blog Post – Ahyoung Cho

The first picture of my slide show is a picture of Seoul, South Korea where I come from. Seoul is also the capital city of South Korea. Second picture of the slide show is from my senior trip to Bermuda Island on a cruise ship. This was absolutely my favorite memory of high school. I love going on a travel so much. One of my dream is to visit at least one country from each continents. So far I have only been to countries in Asia and North America. Also, one of my favorite hobby is watching movies. I love all genres of film but my favorite genre would be romance. I love painting my nails and also doing nail arts. I change my nail color once every week. The fifth picture is from my Junior Prom which was another favorite memory from my high school. Cannot forget all the fun we had that night with my friends. I love doing make-ups and also watching make-up tutorials on YouTube. I also love going out for shopping with my friends. Sadly, I have tendency to shop things that I do not really need. The final picture is a picture of cream puffs that I have baked before. I love baking so much.

Welcome Everyone!!!

Hi all,

My name is Cristina Rosario and I will be your Freshman Seminar Peer Mentor. I would like to WELCOME all of you to what’s officially the beginning of the Fall 2014 Semester. I will work with all of you to help you have a very smooth transition to the Baruch environment and the college life in general. I hope all of you have a wonderful and exciting 1st semester at Baruch.

Best,

Cristina Rosario