Monthly Archives: February 2013

I have been here for almost 4 years. Meanwhile, I became a Baruch’s student for exactly one month which means I have reached my college dream, because I had no chance to attend a college in China. However, college courses are very challenging and different as my high school. As shown in the photos, the professor usually keeps talking and talking, there is a series of note we need to write down and organize by ourselves. In addition, there are bunch of readings and writing assignments that we need to finish in each week. The most anguished thing, I had experienced in, is waiting for a train. There is always a problem causes the train to delay and we need to wait for a train about half hour sometimes. In those photos, you can see many people are waiting for the train. On other hand, the lucky thing is that I have a lovely baby although he took over the most time of me. As a result, I have an extremely busy month as shown in my calendar. In the meantime, I really appreciated about my mother’s sacrifice which helps me to look after my baby when I was going to school.  By the way, 10 February is Chinese New Year. I celebrated with my family, and we had a wonderful dinner together. For the New Year, I hope everyone to be healthy and happy.

I am someone who does not open up very quickly in a new environment. I am quiet most of the time and I am not being anti social.

However when I get really comfortable with someone, I am the opposite of people’s first impression. My friends have repeatedly told me that they did not expect another side of me.

My ethnicity is Nepalese. Nepal is home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. To me, Nepal’s scenery is absolutely beautiful. I always enjoyed looking at the hills and Himalayan mountains even though I was miles away from the true beauty.

I was born and raised in Singapore. Besides food and friends, I miss the weather there. Singapore only has one season and it is summer.
I believe music is an international language. I am a fan of a Korean group, Big bang. Although I do not fully understand what they are saying. I still love their music. I feel it is the same as any type of music but only sung in a different language. I appreciate musicians, performers and producers.

I like photography. Even though I do not intend to pursue in the field, I enjoy taking landscapes.

I am definitely not a gamer. But I enjoy playing first person shooter games because it is a great stress reliever. These days, I do not play it often though.

One of the outdoor activities I love doing is canoeing. Even though it gives a terrible muscle ache after paddling, I love the feeling when I’m at sea or river.

So I guess that’s about it.

http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Me/83581008

These songs don’t generally define me too well, since I listen to (or I like to think I listen to) a wide variety of music. What I have here are just a few tracks I have jammed to recently, but for the most part they either describe who i am now or a side of me that I might let out eventually.

Careless Whisper – George Michael : This has been my jam since the beginning of time. There’s a certain part of me that likes grooving to slow music, and if I was ever to start acting all smooth and suave, this would be my anthem.

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor : This is a powerful song. I am powerful. Nuff said.

Shadows – Lindsey Stirling : Right now, I’m at a point in my life where I am content with simply drifting along life and taking things the way they come (I phrased that pretty un-elegantly but w/e). The title of this song kinda says it all, and the actual music does well to portray it.

Bizarre Love Triangle – New Order : This song makes me happy. Idk. If I were an artist I would make music like this.

Maniac – Michael Sembello : Oh. This one doesn’t really define me. I guess it’s a good party song but I really like relaxing to it.

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen : This is just as powerful a song as I Will Survive. Some might even call it strong. I am powerful. Some might even call me strong(loljk -_-). But yeah.

Many Men – 50 Cent : I grew up somewhat close to the south Bronx. This is the thug in me. Naw not really, but this song is bad@$$ anyway, and I would like to be that bad@$$ someday.

Fresh Vegetable – Tony Rebel : I’m Guyanese so I grew up with the Caribbean vibes. I f***s with the dancehall side of reggae as well but I like the slower songs too.

Self Control – Laura Branigan : Sometimes I feel really cool and way more important than I am for no reason. I feel empowered when I listen to this. The lyrics are great too.

Propane Nightmares – Pendulum : I can’t relate at all to what this song is saying, but it has a nice sound for jogging.

So yeah. That’s me in a playlist. Kinda. Meh.

Hi everyone,

My name is Sam Sadr Azodi. I am 18 years old. I am from Tehran, the capital of Iran. There are few things that I would like you to know about me:

First of all, I love my parents more than any other thing in the world. I do whatever it takes t make them happy. They are the best support for me. Moving to the United States for Iranian people is really hard, not only because it’s really hard to get green card or visa, but also because the currency we have is so cheap compared to U.S Dollar, so it’s really expensive to live in such country, specially in Manhattan, but my parents have accepted it and tried to make a life for me here. I really appreciate the chance they have given me.

Second of all, I am a person of math, which means I like math more than any other subject I have studied in my life. I like it because it’s certain; there is no hesitation in it when you want to solve a problem by a formula.

Third of all,I am very happy and proud about being in Baruch. Getting accepted into Baruch was a dream-come- true for me. I promised myself and my family to use this chance in the best way possible.

Fourth of all, you might want to know what my favorite sport is; I love swimming. I used to be a good swimmer back in my country, but since I couldn’t find a clean swimming pool in New York, I stopped swimming for two years and lost my strength. Now that I am in Baruch, I usually swim two-three times a week.

The other thing that you might want to know about me is that I love technology. In Iran smart phones and tablets are useless although many people have, because there is a really poor internet access, so people can not use technology in order to add to their knowledge and improve everyday. In contrast to Iran, in the United States life would be hard without these devices and most people are attached to those devices. Technology is intended to make people’s lives easier and that’s why I like it. And as you might predict, my favorite company is Apple.

When I was in Iran, I had many friends, but moving to New York made me alone. The first few months I was always at home studying for the different tests I had to take, so it felt really bad that other than my parents I had no one to communicate with. It was really a hard time. Therefore, one of my priorities is to make a lot of friends here, especially now that I am in college.

The characteristics I mentioned above are the very basic characteristics that a person could have. I am sure that by communicating to each other, we can know much more about each other, and make the bond between us much stronger.

These are all the things that my friends once described me as. Some told me that I seemed shy at first, which is probably true. I usually do not start a conversation with anyone and keep to myself. But what my friends also told me is that once you start to know me, I can get really crazy. This is why I put the picture of a girl in the pink scarf: She looked pretty crazy, but was also posing in the way I would love to pose in! Some of my friends told me that they thought I was a freak when it comes to studying, which actually is not true. I would, without hesitation, choose my friends over studying, especially the close ones. Now when I become really close to my friends, I can also act a little childish, just like the man in the box. My friends also tell me that I am pretty funny- I can “change their mood in less than a minute.” I really like this about myself though, because I like to put a smile on faces of the people I care about the most. And if anyone tries to erase that smile, I can become very scary, like the little girl holding her fist. My friends always tell me that I am the best person to go to when they need someone’s advice. I will always be there to hold their hands and help them get across any problem they have. And my friends always say that when they think of me, they think of a person who will prove to be a best friend.

http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Sheyenne+s+Music+Mix/83561227

Since I received my first iPod at 10 years old, music has played a huge role in my life. I like all styles and varieties. That’s what makes my playlist so special; it is very versatile. There’s something on it that every one can enjoy. Each song I included is special to me, and I generally listen to often.

The first song I put in my playlist was “Hustlin” by Rick Ross. This song expresses my drive to succeed at any means necessary. Although Rick Ross’ song focuses on him making money, I hustle both in school and at work. I strive to make good money and good grades. I will do anything I need to get ahead and achieve my goals.

The second song I put in my playlist was “M.I.A” by Omarion and Wale. This song expresses the feelings I have towards boys in my life. They can either be there or not because I always have options, and I don’t care to get emotionally involved with them. However, like Omarion expressed, there is that one boy that I am not with but still have feelings for. I often find myself drinking, not heavily, but casually to “numb up”. I am not an alcoholic or anything close but it does ease the mind sometimes and let me think “fuck him, I don’t care” like Omarion sings. Wale’s verse expresses why I find it so hard to be emotionally attached to people who are insignificant, except that one.

The third song I included in my playlist was “Pour it Up” by Rihanna because it talks about two things I love: money and patron. She expresses the party life, which I can relate to. This song always helps remind me to have fun and reminds me of all the good times I’ve had. When I feel pessimistic, I always listen to this song. It reminds me of how life good is.

The fourth song I included in my playlist was “We Are Young” by FUN because just like “Pour it Up”, it emphasizes that life should be fun. I am young and although minor things seem like major things, they really aren’t. It helps remind me that I have a lot more life to live.

The fifth song I put in my playlist was “Bad” by Wale. This song holds a special place in my heart because I feel like it really describes my recent actions and current mindset. Since I became romantically involved with one person, I have never had feelings for any one else since. I will talk to guys, go out with them, enjoy their company and then when things get deep, I bail. It’s almost like I’m too hurt to evoke any emotion. But then again, pain is an emotion too. Boys are becoming scared to talk to me because while they have their intentions, I also have mine: “Kiss but don’t love, listen but don’t believe, and leave before I am left.” I can’t dedicate all my time and energy in to one person and I can not be faithful just like the girl Wale discusses in his song. I even used a quote from this song as my Instagram bio: “Heard you winter time cold, shawty fall through.”

“Strawberry Fields” by the Beatles is the sixth song I included in my playlist. For no specific reason at all, I love this song. The calm melody, the sweet playful lyrics, and the idea of strawberry fields makes this song a great listen for me.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day is the next song on my playlist. It reminds me that although I have friends and family, I am alone. At any given point I can lose people or they can walk out of my life so I should never be too dependent on them. I also love this song because I think it emphasizes how expectations of people lead to being disappointed. I have always felt like the less you expect, the more you receive and the less you are disappointed. This song is a good reminder of that ideology.

The eighth song on my playlist is “Pumped up Kicks” by Foster the People. I love this song for the same reason I love “Strawberry Fields”; it puts me at ease. The lyrics don’t speak to me, I am not a fan of Foster the People, but I love how calm and chill this song leaves me feeling. It has a great voice and the singer has a nice smooth voice.

The ninth song on my playlist is “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. This song reminds me that my destiny lies in my hands and I should live my life the way I want to, not the way other people want me to. Even though I am young and my elders are older, wiser, and more aware of the world, sometimes I don’t need to take their advice. Experience is the best teacher and I would hate to feel like I haven’t lived my life because I was listening to everybody else. Like the song states, I won’t live forever so I at least want to make the best of it while I’m here and do it my way. “Live, laugh, love” is my motto for living and this song emphasizes this quote.

The final song on my playlist is “Started from the Bottom” by Drake. I included this song because it reminds me that although I am not where I want to be in life, I have to start from somewhere and work my way up the totem pole. All my friends (“my team”) are just as hard-working, smart, driven, and ambitious as I am. So although we’re starting from the bottom, if we keep doing what we’re doing right now, we will eventually be where we need to be in life. If one makes it, we all make it. “No new niggas, nigga we don’t feel that” just as Drake said. In other words, I’m riding with the ones who were riding with me. I’ll keep the company I know; I’m not interested in finding a new circle. We’ll make each other better together.

My name is Jake Freijo. I am an identical twin. If I sent my twin in place of me to this class you wouldn’t know the difference. I was born in New York and have lived here all my life. I come from an interesting background. My father is an immigrant from Spain and my mother is a lifelong resident of the state of New York. I have family in California, Arizona, the Carolinas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Spain. This sure makes for one hell of a diverse family reunion.

I get the best of both worlds by going to school in the city and living in the countryside. Everyday I get to compare the immense differences between both worlds. It is as if I am living two entirely different lives. I have my friends and family back in Warwick and my friends down here. The two groups know an entirely different person. This is not out of choice, but the result of how a different environment has drawn out different parts of me that my previous environment hadn’t done.

Getting to Baruch could be a whole book in itself if I decided to write it all down. I am focusing on an MBA in finance and currently becoming certified as a real estate agent through a different school.

I grew up with my father owning a popular restaurant in my home town. Most of my free time was spent there. I was involved in nearly every process of the business from a very young age. I attribute these experiences as the foundation for my sociability and people skills.

Ironically, I try to keep to myself a lot of the time. A lot of people mistake my silence for arrogance but that changes when you get to know me and I start talking. My personality is sort of a niche thing. If I’m not triggered to be talkative and personable, I won’t open my mouth.

Photography is a small hobby of mine. I first started 2 years ago because we would always go on vacation and no one would ever bring a camera. Photos are fascinating to me because I can relive the moment and the significance of the image I took. When you see one of my photos understand that it is one of probably 75 nearly identical shots. I am obsessive about each and every photo. If you were to ask me about the photos that people say are my best I would immediately tell you what is wrong with it. There are maybe one or two that I can assure myself are perfect. I believe I apply the same mentality to a lot of other things in my life. No matter what I do I have this intense feeling that it is never enough or it is flawed.

In a little over a month I can already see a lot of opportunity ahead of me. I feel a lot more accepted in my current atmosphere than I have in a while. I hope to make the most out of my time here and make some lasting friends.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/playlist/FRESHMAN+SEMINAR/83543155

I don’t think these songs define who I am, but I just like them and they sometimes have memories attached to them.

Oblivion- Grimes

I think Grimes is an anime princess and can do no wrong. I like this song cause I got assaulted on the street this summer, and its crazy the same thing happened to her. Song really resonated with me cause for a while I was scared to walk outside at night alone.

Miami 2 Ibiza- Swedish House Mafia

Reminds me of my summer vacation, had such a good time and met people who got me into dance/house music. Also I get excited because I cant wait to go to EDC with my girls this year.

Pop That- French Montana

Remind me of every party I went to , and it makes me think of the fun times with my friends, just twerking and being ratchet.

You Know You Like It- AlunaGeorge

I love how they mix 90′s r&b and electronic. Dope song and I love the message, just being yourself and being different.

In the Sun- Curren$y

Reminds me of the summer and I was always home alone during the day. And just relaxed  and ate ice cream, smoke out my window, and this song was always on repeat.

Come as You Are- Nirvana

I actually have been trying to learn how to play this song. Love the instrumental, love the message of the song. Kurt Cobain is like 90′s grunge king, love him.

Luxury-Azealia Banks

My friend hates Azealia Banks so I would always sing/rap this song to her, but this song is great it is one of my favorites.

Turn and Wine-Vybz Kartel

Every time I hear this song I just remember all the parties we went to, labor day, and just Caribbean food.

Summertime Sadness- Lana del Rey

This song is just haunting and so glamorous. I love Lana del Rey and this song really evokes how it feels to let go of someone.

Big Poppa- B.I.G.

This song just reminds me of a the last party me and my friends went to before I left during the summer. It was a lot of drama and a mess, but i still kinda miss everyone. Plus this song is the best, you can  just vibe out.

PLAYLIST:              http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Playlist/83538027 (NOTE: If nothing comes up, copying and pasting should do the trick instead of clicking on the link.)

1. You Only Live Once–The Strokes

2. Let It Be–Across the Universe Soundtrack

3. Keep Breathing–Ingrid Michaelson

4. Under the Weather–KT Tunstall

5. Lovely–Sara Haze

6. Somewhere In My Memory–Home Alone Soundtrack

7. Talk Shows On Mute–Incubus

8. Baby I’m A Fool–Melody Gardot

9. Details in the Fabric–Jason Mraz

10. Science and Faith–The Script

I suppose some of these songs have overlapping themes: learning how to accept differences, how to cope with problems, loving oneself and others, faith, and the tendency to mask one’s self.

“You Only Live Once” talks about how there are certain people who “think they’re always right”, “quiet and uptight”, and “seem so very nice…[but] inside might feel sad and wrong”. Such attitudes are the reason why people fight over differing beliefs.  I confess that depending on the situation, I have displayed each and every one of these described qualities but as much as possible, I try to be tolerant and respect other views.

“Let It Be” repeatedly chants, “There will be an answer, let it be,” in its chorus almost as if it is simultaneously chanting “Que sera sera.” The latter, along with “Details In the Fabric,” which reminds me to “calm down” and take “deep breaths” instead of “running around and pulling on [my] threads and breaking [myself] up,” and “Keep Breathing,” echo the words of my mother about facing problems with determination and optimism.

“Under the Weather” reminds me that I am never alone in my sadness. But in  this particular song,the singer talks about not feeling left out whenever she is melancholy because like her, everybody else also feels despair to some extent. And I suppose I understand how she feels because nobody likes feeling like they’re the only miserable person in the world. Personally, this song helps me become more considerate towards others because you never know what someone is going through beyond the surface.

“Somewhere In My Memory,” on a lighter note, is included in this list simply because of my love for Christmas and the Home Alone.

“Talk Shows On Mute” focuses on how people try to build a facade of perfection for public appearance when “[they] are so much more endearing” by just being themselves. Succumbing to my humanity, I ,too, am guilty of this offense. This is a trait that I find difficult to change because I always try to strive for perfection in everything I do–and it gets exhausting.  Which brings me to “Lovely.” We’ve all heard it before: “Love yourself”, “Accept your flaws”, etc. However, it’s much easier said than done. Ultimately, I do try to live up to these cliches and accept that whatever I am should be “enough for me.”     

“Baby I’m A Fool” is included because at the end of the day I am like every other love crazed college student. Nowadays, old fashioned romancing is considered out of date, but I long for the likes of Mr. Darcy (which is really self-punishment because almost every man out there is a disappointment compared to him).

“Faith and Science” talks about how there are certain things that cannot be explained via logic/reasoning. This ties to my Christian faith.   

As a freshman I have a lot of the same classes with the same people but I am glad we had to do the first blog because it allowed me to learn much more about them.  For example Katheryn seems so shy and quiet but as I looked at the pictures she posted I can tell there is so much more about her. She wore make up and a few pictures…I never imagined her to be the type to wear make up. I don’t know why. All the pictures were very nice.  Shaloma always seemed to be the type to have a tight knit family. As I read her first blog I was shocked and able to relate the rough times she had with her mother in the past. My mother and I bumped heads often, our relationship is still a working progress.  I wasn’t so shocked at Kierra’s music choices because I talk to her often and had an idea of the kind of music she enjoys.  Music is very important in my life. It is a creative way of self expression.  A lot of my classmates included photos of loved ones. I did not do this. I do not have such a strong bond as my classmates seem to have with their family. My friends have became my family pictures but their pictures would not upload. I enjoyed all of the music choices and photos. I loved that I have had the chance to get to know my classmates on a deeper level.