Author: j.berman

For my third and final post, I will be talking about my experiences at the Hillel Start-Up Fair that I went to last week. I was very excited for this fair because I wish one day to start a company and to be an entrepreneur so I couldn’t wait to talk to CEOs and try to consume as much advice and information as I could possibly digest. The event began with a panel of 6 respective CEO’s answering questions that the moderator had asked them. They talked about their most significant failures and how when looking back what they may have done differently. They articulated on what they thought we the students should be focusing and studying on if we wanted to be successful entrepreneurs. One of the CEOs said something that really resonated with me and which will undoubtedly follow me throughout my professional life. He said that in life people could follow professions that they don’t necessarily enjoy doing, but do them anyway because they would have the highest percent chance to make the most money and to become “successful.” He continued by saying that when he is much older like in his 80’s and looking back on his life, he doesn’t want to look back and see that he was unhappily doing something that he loathed to do just because it may have made him very wealthy or “successful’. He finished by saying that 100 out of 100 times he would rather look back on his life and be happy that he took the risk on something that he loved to do even if he hadn’t had reached his goals or even had failed. After hearing that, I totally agreed. When I look back on my life when I’m older, I’m not going to care about the money and materialistic things, I’m going to want to look back and know that I did something that I loved to do even if I didn’t make as much money or failed. This message is especially important in this field: Startups. When upwards of 80% of startups fail, I know I must go into this field knowing these percentages and realize the likely results, however, I know what’s important to me is doing something that I love to do and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I learned a lot at the Sacc. They taught me a lot of math. I had a math test on pre algebra (I’m in math 2003) and when I was going over the review sheet I noticed I did not know how to do some of the problems. I tried going over problems with using notes, however, I still didn’t understand and was not able to complete the questions. But they are very knowledgeable and help me step by step how to do each problem. It is a warm environment. There are two aspects that make it enjoyable. First, the teachers give off a nice and pleasurable vibe where they stress focus, but do not impose pressure. Second, I felt that the environment was very conducive to learning because everyone there is focused and not distracted. For example, the first time I went to the Sacc, I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what it was. I had a lot of nervous excitement; instead of having to pay for a tutor I can have my peers teach me in Baruch. The person who taught me Math in the Sacc is a sophomore who is great at math. He understood the information and knew exactly how to go about doing the problem. The Sacc is a great idea and I’m very fortunate that Baruch provides this service. I will continue to use and implement the Sacc into my schedule. Many of my friends have also gone to the Sacc and have had the same rave reviews as I have. They also underscore the fact that the people who teach are very knowledgeable and actually care about the students, and don’t just do it for the money. I will be going to the Sacc tomorrow and I can’t wait for them to help me understand the problems I have.

I have a great time at the Hillel and I learn a lot as well. I learned about the great amount of events that they host, such as the Brownstone Shabbaton and Kickin’ it with Karen. They always have something going on there. Whenever I walk in, they are all very nice and welcoming and always ask me if I have any questions. I also went to one of their events on thursday, when they partnered up with First to Lex, which had a vice president from Goldman Sachs speak about his experiences. He explained that he also went to Baruch and that Baruch very much helped him get the job. He also explained that preparation and hard work are among the most important things that once can do on a regular basis. He talked about how he came from Ukraine and that he was always good with numbers and had a passion for markets. After senior year, he was looking for jobs and saw that Goldman Sachs was having interviews for a internship job. He said he prepared for hundreds of hours and was prepared for any questions that may ask. He said the interview went well and he ended up getting the internship. After a few months on the job, they offered him a full time job. Another event that I really enjoyed going to was an event to learn about Russian Jews. It was really interesting to see the differences in both dialect and custom. I met a lot of new people and I look forward to hanging out with in the future. The sushi that they served did not make things any worse as well. Throughout the day, I often stop by the Hillel and see what’s going on there. I am never disappointed in what I experience.  Either people are just chilling, or there are activities, or both, I always feel at home. Located on the 3rd floor right next to the game room, I enjoy switching off. Playing some ping pong, and then chilling in the Hillel. I have many friends who are older and went to Baruch for college and always told me about the Hillel. So I was excited to check it for myself when I finally came to Baruch. The energy that the Hillel creates is great. Everyone is welcome. Race, religion or any other difference do not matter. Hillel also provides many options in terms of learning. Whatever one wishes to learn, he or she will always be able to find someone at the Hillel who will be more than happy to sit down and learn that chosen subject. They also provide many varieties of foods. For example, as I stated earlier, there was sushi. And at the First to Lex event, they served shawarma and falafel. And hey regularly serve pizza. Overall, I have very much so enjoyed my experiences at the Hillel, whether it’s the people there, the things I learn there, or the food I eat there, I can always count on having a great time whenever I am there.