I cannot believe how fast time has flown since last fall when I attended a Baruch Honors Program information session. I did not know then that Baruch would ultimately become my first college choice, but I remember still feeling excited about what the program had to offer. My attention was particularly drawn to the aspects of the balanced college experience put forth by the honors program: academic excellence, research and creative inquiry, international experience, cultural exploration, and leadership and service. I believe that my role as a Baruch Scholar is to actively seek new opportunity and hence new experience in these areas in order to chart my own path. I must ask myself with an open mind, “What can I make of the resources available to me?” In fulfilling my role I shall strive to uphold my values of integrity and reward through hard work. Equally important, however, is to also find appreciation and meaning in what I set out to do.

When I think of my passions, community service quickly comes to mind. Throughout high school, volunteer work was never merely a graduation requirement with a minimum number of required hours, but also- and much more important- a duty and means to grow for me. Over time, volunteering both helped me to grow individually and allowed me to realize one of the roles I want to have as a person for years to come: serving the community. For me, this does not mean giving back out of mere requirement but instead giving back out of willingness, understanding, and appreciation.