Baruch Beginnings
On Tuesday, August 27th, Baruch College Freshman were invited to a special all day event accurately dubbed ‘Baruch Beginnings’. It would be set to kick off the beginning of the rest of our lives here at Baruch. It was, effectively, a warm handshake extended by Baruch—welcoming us as new members of the student body.
The day started off at Convocation, in which all freshman were personally welcomed by Baruch President, Mitchel Wallerstein, and other esteemed members of Baruch’s staff. The President went on to officially induct us into the community, an action which proved very genial in nature and started the day off on a positive note. We were also presented with a keynote address by Karen Walker Thomas, the author of the novel The Age of Miracles. It was also here that we learned of Baruch’s new sustainability project, made possible by efficiencies in science, allowing us to conserve.
Following that, we were divided and lead to experience our first taste of Freshman Seminar. During that time, we got to become more familiar with those in our blocks—the people we would see the most during our first semester. It was then that many formed friendships, perhaps ones that they will maintain throughout the course of their journey at Baruch.
Afterward, we began the Scavenger Hunt. We had to answer riddles, the answer to which were various sites throughout the campus. It was largely a tour around the school with a bit of a twist, through which we were introduced to various key areas throughout the building. It was an interesting way to know what our environment had to offer to us. The new building, something that would have been impossible if not for technology and science, proved to meet the needs of many students.
When that concluded, we were all gathered into the gym for a surprise. This was in the form of a hypnotist who performed a show using members of the audience. They were made effectively hypnotized to perform amusing actions, which incited much laughter and amazement from the audience.
Once the show came to a close, we made our way to the Plaza for the Block Party. At which we were treated to lots of food, a DJ, a rock climbing wall, a DDR station, and more—various pieces of technology that were able to increase the level of enjoyment students were able to experience. It was a largely enjoyable time in which we were able to have fun and grow closer to our newfound friends. Various clubs at Baruch were also present, inviting a fun and welcoming attitude towards us. We got to taste how welcoming the community at Baruch could be, as well as finding clubs we were interested in and already thinking about the niche we would fulfill at school.
Overall it was a memorable experience, and one which was greatly essential to how we would begin our experience at Baruch.