Wing Tung Liu

Upon researching for the Community Service Project, I started with Baruch Library database. I did not know how much I could find on the library database until the librarian introduced it in one of the Freshman Seminar sessions. I found the information very helpful and I have been using it for other classes since. For the project, I did not know where to start at first but the search engine allowed me to narrow down my choices. Eventually I realized that I would like to do something with children. Although we picked an organization that some members were more familiar with, I was able to identify my stand because of the resources in the library.

I have also utilized the writing center through e-tutoring. I sent them my drafts through e-mail and they have been great helpers. I was able to fix the grammatical errors, which actually brought my grades up. I also joined a club called Chinese Christian Fellowship. CCF allows me to learn more about the school. They always answer my questions regarding the school, especially things that I wouldn’t have known like the copy machines in the library. CCF is not only my network outside of my LC, it is also the bridge between the larger school community and me. CCF emphasizes on reaching out to other people who have needs. This is becoming my motto for helping the society.  Besides the organization that I will be helping in Spring (Adelphi Academy), I am also interested in an organization called Samaritan’s Purse. It is a Christian relief organization. One of their services has been “Operation Christmas Child,” where they ask people to donate shoeboxes full with presents for the children in third world country.  They also give physical aids to countries that suffer from war, diseases, and other disasters. I have learned to recognize more of others’ needs than my own because I know I was given a lot already.

The resources in Baruch College allow me to excel, so much more than I could in high school. I have been doing better since discovering supporting centers like writing center. I am sure I can discover more in this college as I proceed to my second semester. I also understand more about the responsbility as a student through this Community Service Project. Our group is going to help lower grades students and prospective college students. We hope we can guide these students to take on the path to become future leaders and give back to the community.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/9XoFZHzvEoQ" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

This is “Deep into the Night” by Hiromi Uehara (keyboardist). Hiromi Uehara is a rising star in Jazz and is getting recognitions from famous Jazz pianists such as Chick Corea and Oscar Peterson.

Almost everyone around me does not listen to Jazz. It is often hard to discuss pieces like this when no one around me appreciates them. (When I show people around me Uehara’s songs, their reactions are mostly “It just sounds like a bunch of noise to me. I don’t seem to hear a melody.” I find that very depressing) Therefore the only way to express my love for this piece is to post it up here, where maybe someone will be able to understand it.

The only people who agree with me are those on Youtube leaving comments. One person said this piece was “intensely relaxing,” which I found very true. This is probably one of my favorite songs from Uehara for its structure of freedom. Music, in general, is structured. No matter how one wish to improvise, there is still a tempo, a key, or even a chord. Yet one can develop freely around these things and create something extraordinary, as in the case of “Deep into the Night.”

Whoever that is reading this, please enjoy!