Make college memorable

It should be of no surprise to anyone that going to a commuter school can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting involved in campus life and extracurricular activities.

Fortunately however, Baruch has been a growing institution where there are hundreds of opportunities for freshman and transfer students to get involved.

As a transfer student from NYU, I worried that coming to Baruch would substantially decrease my chances and opportunities at having a “real college experience.” That is, one that will enable me to broaden my horizons as a student and help me break the threshold of my anti-social comfort zone. However I soon realized I was mistaken.

When I came to Baruch I realized that the countless number of opportunities available here exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t fathom how it was possible for me to get more involved in such a smaller school than my former and I realized the sense of community is more compelling here than it was at NYU. I found my niche and fit in rather quickly.

I urge all of you to take advantage of all that Baruch has to offer. Start by going to the club fair at the beginning of the year.

There you can find so many different types of clubs and organizations, at least one of them will definitely spark your interest.

There are also several opportunities to join different fraternities, sororities, cultural clubs, peer leader clubs, religious associations and many specific interest-based clubs.

Although the vast quantum of clubs may lead to some anxiety when it comes to picking one that best suits each person’s interests, the reward of finding a new niche at school is worth the initial pressure.

Also, it is important to pay attention to all of people on the second floor passing out fliers during club hours. Though I have been guilty of just walking by them or politely rejecting their handouts, I recently realized that there was probably a missed opportunity to attend an event where I could have gained something substantial.

There’s more to Baruch than meets the eye. Explore your horizons and do not be afraid to speak to advisors, professors, club leaders and even members of different organizations. They are always willing to lend a helping hand whenever they can.

Though there are new sofas and couches in our school lounges and they are very comfortable, try not to spend all of your time there on your own.

Be social. Outside of the 25th Street entrance to the Newman Vertical Campus, there are hundreds of students who leisurely spend their time outside and are willing to chitchat with whomever is around them.

If you get yourself out there, you will find what you are looking for. I personally never thought I would be spending all of my extra time sitting in the newspaper office, The Ticker, writing, editing, reporting and discovering my new passion for journalism. You never know what you can find until you try.  

Get out there and make the most you can out of your time here at Baruch. If college is a once in a lifetime experience, why not make the best out of it? Have fun, laugh, smile and above all, enjoy.