This semester has been a great one. It opened my eyes to so many new and different things. Ever since the first day when I decided to go to a meeting for the yearbook, I’ve decided to have the mindset of involving myself as much as possible to the school. I attended so many school events, I was given a seat in the Undergraduate Student Government, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship club welcomed me with open arms and I was even casted into the school play (even though I had to drop out midway through it). Involving myself in the school and what it has to offer has been quite the experience, and I don’t regret any of it.

On the other hand, there’s all of my academic classes. That, on the other hand, has been quite the roller coaster. I’ve been blessed to make some great friends through my block, but we’ve also been cursed with some of the professors we’ve been assigned. One of them just does not seem to get the memo that he’s probably one of the worst professors in all of the CUNY colleges. But, regardless, I’m excited for what’s to come and what’s in store for me in all future semesters. Here’s for better professors. Here’s for better grades. Here’s for making a difference. Baruch, I’m ready!

I have no clue what the meaning of life is. No one ever taught me, though I’m pretty sure that’s because they have no idea either. So I decided to take some time out and make a meaning for my own life. After what seemed like years, I think I finally got it. I want to leave something behind in this world once I pass. No, I don’t mean leaving behind my initials carved on a tree or a piece of gum stuck underneath my third grade desk. I want to leave behind an idea that changes the way everyone thinks about life, or some brand new, wacky object that people would still use a thousand years from now. Perhaps maybe even a book that wins a ton of awards and gets adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. I want my great-great-great grandchildren to be excited about having an ancestor like me rather than look at my name and ask “Who is that?” Amid my constant drought of thoughts, I came across a quote by the great Banksy: “…they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.” With all these thoughts of passing something down, of leaving behind an idea, of having my ancestors still look up to me – I guess all I really want is for my second death to not come right after my first.

Playlist

Hey guys, what’s up? My name is Josue Mendez and I’m extremely excited to spend the rest of this semester with you guys and at Baruch. So far, Baruch has really treated me well and I’m glad to have gone here. A quick bit of background info, I was born and raised in New York City. I’m a huge movie and basketball fan, and music is a big part of my life. I don’t know where I’d be about my music. I’m a big fan of hip hop though I love any kind of music as long as it sounds great. So let’s start talking about the playlist I’ve been together. Putting together ten songs that explains who I am and what I believe in was pretty difficult, but after some time I think I finally found the perfect playlist.

To start off, I’ve been called a great storyteller by all my friends. I’ve turned small, stupid stories into long, lengthy tales with full descriptions and whatnot. That’s why I decided to include songs by Notorious BIG and Kendrick Lamar, who are both considered to be masterful storytellers and I look up to them for inspiration. Biggie’s song is actually called “Sky’s the Limit” and I’m a big supporter of that quote; I feel if you truly want something and dream day and night about it, then there’s nothing in the way that can stop you. I’ve been living by that quote as of late and I really won’t let anyone stop me in my pursuit (“La La La”).

I was raised as a Christian and it has really influenced my life greatly, especially in my teenage years (which is why I added a song by Lecrae). High school was pretty rough for me, especially when I was an lower classmen as it took some getting used to being a Christian in a predominantly non-Christian school. Now, while I wouldn’t say I’m as religious as I once was, the principles I grew up with still have a lasting impact on my life.

Just some other small facts about myself: I love sweaters (“Sweater Weather”). While I love the summer more than any other season, I also love wearing sweaters and I can never wait till the fall comes just for that one reason alone. I seriously consider New York City the best city in the world and I wouldn’t replace it with any other (“New York Times”). Also, I tend to daydream a lot and wonder about situations that could possibly never happen, or create stories that I could one day translate into a feature film in case I ever become a movie director (“I Wonder”).

Anyways, that’s a little about me and how the playlist I created relates to my life. I can’t wait to spend the rest of the semester with all of you!