From kindergarten through eighth grade I attended Magen David Yeshivah. In eighth grade, when it came time to apply to a high school I applied to both Magen David and Flatbush Yeshivah. I wanted to go to Magen David, while my mom wanted me to go to Flatbush. She said Flatbush was a better education and would make me a more well rounded person. I didn’t want to leave Magen David, all my friends where there and it would just be easier. Unfortunately for me I ended up in Flatbush.
In Flatbush I was forced to go out of my comfort zone and meet many new people. I decided to join clubs and commissions and get involved in my local community. I became president of my local synagogue and commish of big clubs in my school. These experiences have shaped who I am and made me the well rounded person I am now.
In my senior year I was offered to be head advisor of the freshman seminar. I had to both organize and plan their entire seminar. I had to make sure it was both meaningful and spiritual. Along with the planning I had to make a keynote speech. This speech made me dive into myself and learn about who I am and share it with everyone. I learnt that I am capable of anything I put my heart to and like the person I am now.
I took these values with me into Baruch College.
In Baruch I plan on gaining a lot of knowledge and helping me gain knowledge that will enable me to work better. I am confident Baruch can give me this knowledge in the business field and I will succeed in all I do.
I am a little anxious for what awaits me, and all the work I will have but I believe I will succeed in all I do, and I know it will be a great four years.
I hope you will continue to participate in leadership activities at Baruch as you did at Flatbush, Joseph. As you have probably already realized, there is quite a bit of opportunities for involvement at Baruch.
And being anxious is quite normal. Let’s talk soon about how you’re adjusting….
I’m glad you had the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone at Flatbush, Joseph! I’m sure Baruch will provide several more of such opportunities for you. You might want to explore Hillel, which is a student organization at Baruch. I can tell you a little more about it during our one-on-one meeting.