Write your mini autobiography introducing yourself to your classmates.
Skip the details about your school and college career (courses, major, employment goals.)
Focus rather on your "intellectual" history: the books, films, hobbies and creative activities that helped you grow.
Avoid mentioning the "most important people" in your life. Keep the focus on yourself and your personal, individual, unique path, the choices you made that took you where you are.
(This may take more than the traditional 3 minutes of standard platitudes and list of achievements. Actually, failures or dead-ends are more interesting than success stories.)
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Here is the very first comment by a student last semester: it set the tone for the entire class.
"Hello, my name is ________________. Most of my life has revolved around cancer. Although I am not a cancer “survivor” I have survived cancer. A couple of days after my sixth birthday my younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia. My life changed. At a very young age I had to learn to take care of myself. To escape the lonely feelings I started writing in a journal. Writing made me feel at peace. Music and dancing also lifted me. Performing during my recitals, parades and charity events was thrilling and liberating. As I was starting to feel in control of my life, here comes cancer again. This time attacking my mother and my aunt, which were diagnosed with breast cancer. Immediately, I had to learn how to manage my feelings of anger. As a freshman in high school, I decided to join the cheer team. Performing to express my anger worked. I moved up fast and became varsity captain. As Captain of the cheerleading team I was accountable not only for myself but also for my teammates. I improved my skills on how to be a leader, and take responsibility for my actions and words. Throughout my stages of development, I was unconsciously characterizing and identifying myself. In Piaget’s stages of cognitive development theory, children experience sensorimotor. That is when they are experiencing the world through senses and actions. That is who I was; I first observed and then determined to face my fears. I never said, “I can not do it,” I just did it even if it was a challenge I did not stop until I succeeded. Cancer was one of the many situations that helped me grow into the person I am today. Ironically someone approached me at my job a few days ago, and said “ I see the care you have for people in your eyes, not many have that.”
Hello, my name is Emilio Pagoaga. This is my second time this course because I failed it the first time, exactly one year ago. Back then was my first semester in Brooklyn College; I took 5 classes and I just pass one. I failed 4 classes due to my lack of interest in the class. I felt the worst student ever and the only thing that I could think of was "why?". My entire family was mad at me and disappointed. For a moment I thought I was not going to continue studying and I was prepared to go back home, but that never happen. I spoke with my parents and they where willing to give me a second chance. I had to prove them that I was able to get the work done and be a better student. I took a summer course and put all my effort into it so that way I could regain my parents trust and show them I can become a better student. As each semester goes by, I have a new chance to do the best I can and not wait until the last minute to talk to the professors and beg them for one more chance, which was what I did in the past semesters. I am here to learn about new subjects and have a diverse knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting. l'm glad your parents didn't give up on you but l think it's more important that you didn't give up on yourself. That's important to remember. Having faith in yourself and your ability to succeed is what is going to get you where you want in life, as well as knowing your limitations. For what it's worth, l believe you can pass this class, dude.
DeleteHi my name is Tiani Mejia and this is my sixth semester but my first at Brooklyn College. I'm really good with children and the arts. I'm into anything that's art whether it's performing, dancing, painting, writing. Basically everything and anything EXCEPT singing. That I'll pass on. I like to be and think positive because well if you think about it why would you be sad and down. Yes things happen but not everything is as bad as it seems. My dad always told me "never see those who have more but those who have less." I'm visually impaired but you would of never thought I was if you saw me. People think that someone disabled is someone who's crippled or looks different, and that's the mentally or ignorance that people have. I don't really tell anyone that I'm visually impaired because when i do or tell them I can't see, they do this really annoying and ignorant thing where they put up two fingers and say how many fingers am I holding. I've seen and know people who give up if something goes wrong or unexpected, but things don't always go the way their planned and I think that's the beauty of it because we have to think of alternatives and ways to get not over but around the obstacle. There's always a way and when there's a will there's a way .
ReplyDeleteHaving a disability of any kind does not making more or less of a person. All humans have a disability or a "weak spot" that makes us have our own identity because we are not perfect, which in case we were, we would a be a boring and same human race. I completely agree with you that we always have to think positive and always look at the "bright side" of things. Sometimes we may not understand why things happen, but moving along will help us understand better the mistakes or decisions that we make. Developing other skills, like dancing and performing will overshadow your disability and will make people fall for the real you and not your disability.
DeleteHello, my name is Sabrina Quinci. I have been in college since 2012 and I am just becoming a junior. I guess I just never felt it was wise to rush through it or overly challenge myself with a full load of classes and a bunch of extracurricular activities. To tell the truth, I was always like this from elementary through high school. Doodling my own stories in my books and reading my own novels and finding my own hobbies were always far more important to me than a teacher's organized and usually rather general lesson plan. I like to learn, it's just hard to keep me interested. Although, Brooklyn College has somewhat aided in my lack of focus because I've found a direction for my life and a goal for my career. Yet, I always struggle with fitting in with anyone else that is on that same path. By nature, I'm pretty introverted but I come from an extremely extraverted family. The type of family where everyone screams over each other for dominance over the dinner table conversation. So over the years, I've learned to pretend and act as if I am apart of that but the truth is I find it absolutely exhausting. But I realize that doing things you don't want to, working hard, and focusing, is the recipe for success. Before I started college, I was in a really dark and unsure place - I was surrounded by party culture and general irresponsibility. My journey through college and everything I've experienced from it - like directing my first film, working with actors in theatre, drafting business plans, and so many other things I wouldn't have experienced were it not for caring professors - truly has been a growing experience for my soul and character. I am 22 years old, turning 23, not exactly old but at that age where I need to take a step closer to where I want to want to be. Of course I always worry that I won't ever get there, but that won't stop me from trying and working through my own anxieties, insecurities, and failures. At the end I realize that everyone struggles with their own shortcomings, it just matters how much you want to succeed and triumph over your own flaws.
ReplyDeleteWe all have worries about how or when we're going to meet our goals, but at the end of the day it's not about when you get there but rather how you got there. Like you, I don't take much interest in a lesson plan of a teacher and would just doodle in my book, but I learned that what they say and teach are important depending on how you use that information.
DeleteHi, my name is Hannabelle Mendez and I am 20 years old. I was born in Washington Heights, but I grew up in Brooklyn. I considered myself the perfect child while growing up. I was a model, participated in state pageants, and was in honors classes my whole life. When it came to deciding where I went to high school, I was lost. I didn't want to go to my zoned high school, however my mother secretly put it as my first choice on the high school application. During my high school years, I didn't choose the right people to associate myself with. I wasn't a bad kid; I didn't do drugs or anything of that nature. Besides, I even stayed in honors classes. However, I lost myself as a person and didn't show my friends at the time the person I truly knew. Even after enrolling in college, it took me a long time to figure out who I was and grow into the person I am today. I've worked on balancing my life better. My family, boyfriend, and friends have shown me that they are a huge part of my happiness. I love spending time with them whether it is going out to eat (which is my favorite hobby) or staying in and talking about whatever comes to our minds. I learned a lot about myself through the impulse choices I made and matured from them. I don't regret anything in life because it has made me grow into the person I love today.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this because growing up, many of my childhood friends aren't doing very well now. While I decided to stick to school, many of them decided to party, smoke, etc. I feel like the fact that people close to us haven't quite been great influences, were much stronger!
DeleteHello, my name is Britany Mozingo, but the majority of people outside of my immediate family call me Moz. This started when I was sixteen and met my soon to be best friend, who upon meeting me told be that I did not “act like a Britany”. I’m still not entirely sure what that means, but I had always hated the name any way so when a chain of nicknames that ended with ‘Moz’, I readily adopted the name. I was born and raised in the south and moved to Brooklyn during my second year in college. I moved to New York without seeing my new school or where I was going to live and I knew all of zero people.
ReplyDeleteTheatre seemed like the obvious choice when deciding on a major after I had spent four years working in one as a teenager, but I realized a year into it that I had already burned myself out on it. Movies had always interested me, but there were few places to learn about them aside from actually watching them, which I started doing – a lot. Filmmaking was something new and technical, but at the same time it possessed the quality that had first attracted me to theatre. It was storytelling – my favorite thing – but it was special in that it was a combination of formats. Music, writing, acting, lighting, etc. They were all distinct ways to tell stories, but at the same time could be brought together to tell even bigger stories. I am very interested in learning more about italian influences in cinema and literature.
I identify with your statements about filmmaking. My earliest memories are of me writing short stories in a notebook. I've been so incredibly passionate about writing for as long as I can remember. Curiously though, I never wanted to be an author. I just wanted to write. About 2 years ago, I met a friend who was really involved in filmmaking. I showed him my work and he pressured me to get involved with film. I totally took that leap. It's the perfect medium for me to really tell my stories. I've always loved movies and visuals and it was kind of like this missing piece that I had somehow overlooked. Film can be so many things. For you it's theatre, for me it's writing. Good luck with your endeavors and hopefully we can work on something together!
DeleteHello. My name is Matthew Mattia. I am a transfer student from Dutchess Community College, which is in my hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York. I've never been much of a good student. Throughout middle school and high school, I was overmedicated (80mg of Vyvanse a day) and that on top of a general lack of interest led to a very poor performance in my studies.I came from a formerly wealthy family (lost most of our money during the economic crash of 08) and attended private school most of my life. After barely getting by in high school, I went to community college and felt very disappointed in myself since most of my classmates went on to very prestigious universities. After deciding to stop my medication, and learning to cultivate a work ethic during my time at community college, I have found a very deep interest in film and photography. Film has become a very big passion for me and I plan on pursuing it to the best of my ability along with my studies this semester.
ReplyDeleteDespite such poor performances in school, I've always loved learning skills and exploring new places. As much as I regret the economic crash taking our money, this opened up new doors for me. It gave me a sort of "freedom" from a very sheltered lifestyle. I got into urban exploration by tagging along with some local graffiti artists, which led to my interest in photography. I became very occupied with exploring every nook and cranny of my hometown. I'm very convinced that if it weren't for my financial situation declining, I wouldn't be the same person I am today. My interest in photography and exploration led to my discovery of film as both a hobby and a career choice. I am looking forward to my time here in the city and to my time within this course.
Some of our most challenging and unfortunate predicaments shape us to be stronger and more capable people. Experience and wisdoms go hand in hand.
DeleteHi, my name is Elizabet Borodin, but no one I know personally calls me Elizabet. My mother thought this would be a strong professional name, but specifically left out the "h" at the end because, according to her, "Beth" would be a terrible nickname. The short version for my full name in Russian is Liza. That's what I have been called all my life. For my English speaking friends, the name is adjusted "Lisa" for easier pronunciation.
ReplyDeleteSo this is my name, and a small part of my story. Because like my name which could be one, or the other, or another, I can too. I as a person can be one way or another. I have different views and often mixed opinions because I see multiple perspectives and can place myself in other people's shoes. It took me two years to settle on a major leading to a career in Healthcare because empathy is a major trait of mine. I am still forming myself like many people my age, and beyond. I am curious about cultures and people and can immerse myself in different practices, beliefs, ways of thinking, and most importantly, food. I am fortunate to have seen Parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. I hope to see the whole world and have it influence me. Taking this class will probably fuel those interests more than I had originally thought prior to our first meeting. Looking forward to learning as much as I can and enjoying it.
This posting stuck out to me because I have a interesting too. I felt like everywhere I went people remembered me because no one else has my name. My father talked about the importance of standing out and being. Now, it is all I want to be; one of a kind. Like you said many young people are trying to find their way and identity. This is a pivotal time for young people especially in college to define who they are. Thanks for sharing a deep topic.
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ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Kerby Pierre I'm a junior at Brooklyn College. I consider being in any higher education after high school to be one of the greatest accomplishments a person can have. It shows how hungry and passionate you can be about your life. I'm extremely proud to think that I will be one of the first people in my family to have a bachelors degree. This has been a goal of mine for a long time and to be living it out now is incredible for me.
ReplyDeleteI hit a road block when I attended acting school in Manhattan and the tuition became too expensive. I had no other choice but to leave.This crushed me. I took a semester off. I felt like I could not go anywhere if not to my premier school to get the education I wanted. This changed the way I saw myself. I could either be quitter from college like 90% of my high school friends or I could get up and work for something just as amazing and more attainable. In the beginning I only wanted to transfer to Brooklyn College for a year and then transfer again. After being here for the year and seeing how much I grew and flourished from all these experiences I stayed and so happy to be almost done with my dream. I am confident that I will continue and work harder to go to graduate school.
This is interesting to me, because i can relate to what you wrote in your comment. I am also the first in my family to actually work towards getting a bahcelor degree. My dad finsihed high school, but
Deletemy mom didnt. so i have to work hard, and get my degree, because all the pressure is on me. I was suppose to go to Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA . I got accepted, but i was one
point away from getting a scholarship, and it was really expensive so my dad forbid me from taking out a 40,000 loan. So i had to take a semester off, because that was the only school i applied to. So my plan is to attend Brooklyn College for a year, get my gpa up and transfer to the school in Atlanta. But then again i might just stay depending on how i endup liking this school. But i am happy to find someone i can relate to in a way.
Hello, my name is Isatu Barrie. I was born in Sierra Leone, Africa. I was raised there, and also here in America. I moved here when i was 12. It was really hard for me when i started school here. It was hard to make friends,and for people to accept me. I was treated like i was different, or that i was an outcast. I had an accent at that time, so i was bullied because of it. But, that is what made me a more stronger person. To strive, and achieve everything that i want to. When i got into college, my first major was Nursing. I did it because of my dad. I Knew that would make him very happy, but i wasn't happy! I did Nursing for a year, and a half, then i said to myself "i have to do what makes me happy". So i switched my major to Marketing. so far, i love marketing, and i am happy! My dad was really disappointed! but he had no choice, but to respect my decisions. I love to read romance novels, ( Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorite), and to watch action movies. I love the movie Troy! I read the Kite Runner, and it is one of my favorite books. I love to workout, it is one of my favorite things to do when i am free. I'm a very determine, and motivational person. i motivate myself to do, and achieve everything that i want. I'm really interested in learning about other Cultures, and Countries. I want to travel the World. I am looking forward, in learning unique things from this class, that i wouldn't learn in any other class.
ReplyDeleteThe part about bullying making you stronger really struck a chord with me. I was also picked on when I was younger (for very different reasons however) and I also believe that it made me stronger as a person. Its great that you were able to overcome the struggles that come with moving to a new country. I really admire the courage it takes to face that every day. Being determined and motivated will get you very far in this country. I wish you the best of luck in the future!
DeleteHello everyone, my name is Alexa Moreno. I'm a Macaulay Honors College sophomore, a program which has provided with me a lot of great opportunities. Although we were told to refrain from acknowledging our "school and career path" Macaulay is an integral part of my life and helps me feel accomplished and motivates me to continue as a student which is my main occupation. Aside from my life at Brooklyn College, I am incredibly interested in Women and Gender Studies and the situation of women all over the world. A daughter of Latin American immigrants, I grew up very unconventionally. I have traveled extensively over the years and find the interactions between cultures and third world feminisms fascinating. Traditionally in South America, daughters are meant to be dutiful and obedient but I do not fit that mold. I am very independent, rebellious almost and do not look for existential approval from my parents. The college experience for me is a chance to expand my mind and learn about the things that interest me. I have never felt pressure from my parents to be a "certain" person and I think that has allowed me to develop my own interests. I appreciate modern art, specifically the Surrealism movement. My tastes in music varies from flamenco to old school hip hop. People often tell me I'm very serious, but I take my work as a student seriously and hope this class will further expand my understanding on Italian film and literature. This particular subject interests me greatly because I studied Italian for six years and was heavily influenced by my teacher Mr. Rutigliano. Always proud of his Bari roots, Tigs, a term of endearment given by his students, taught us as much as he could about Italian culture and language. He succeeded in eradicating stereotypes and was a generous, welcoming man who has shaped my view on many subjects.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your post was when you talked about how you are independent and almost rebellious. I can relate to this because my parents can be very strict, and I find myself to be very independent and wanting to do things on my own, whether they like it or not. College has also given me a chance to branch out and learn things that I particularly find interest in, more than just the forced curriculum like in my high school.
DeleteMy name is Dante C. Rei. I am a third year psychology student here at Brooklyn College. That doesn't matter here really though. I'm supposed to talk about all the books I read and how I've grown smarter because of it. The truth is I was never an avid reader. I didn't have an unending hunger to read the next book. Even during grade school I was required to read at least 5 books a year. To my child mind that was a lot and I didn't want to bother with that. One of the few series of books I enjoyed during that time was Animorphs. With close to 50 books in the series it more than took up my 5 books a year requirement. I was and still am a good student, I guess my capacity for reading the same textbooks over and over again wore out over time.
ReplyDeleteThen during high school I started performing on stage at my community theater. This gave me access to a different type of book, namely a script.
Performing on a stage gave me a whole different aspect of myself to work on. I went on rehearsing for different shows and months turned into years, eventually I got it through my head that these are real people we are supposed to be portraying, these aren't just characters with a few songs to sing. They have their own feelings and reactions and issues they need to work on. This allowed me to develop an extreme sense of empathy and self awareness I wouldn't have otherwise been able to develop.
Reading and memorizing scripts especially to a crowd tends to require a little more thinking power. Nothing is spelled out save for the lines and the area around. The feelings, intentions, and reactions of everyone is left solely up to the person on stage. It helps me look past what a person is just saying to me and let's me know what they really mean or even possibly what they're hiding.
As far as an obstacle I'm still going through that every time I step on stage. When I get rejected from auditions I have to learn why, sometimes I was too nervous, other times Its not what the director thinks is right for the show, but mostly what happens is I didn't look too deeply into the character and script and analyze him completely. This skill ends up carrying over into real life and is one of the main reasons I'm on the mental health counseling track.
I can relate to your background in the arts. I grew up performing in musicals and plays all my life and I enjoy it so much. To stand up and showcase yourself in front of a lot of people takes a lot of courage and fearlessness. But of course, in the end it is truly rewarding. I've always participated in plays because it was an extra-curricular activity in school, however a part of me always wanted to take it beyond that. My fear of getting rejected from auditions or not making it big has always stopped me from doing what I love. Good luck to you, and maybe we'll see you on the big stage some day.
DeleteOne of the things that struck me the most about your post is how performing and developing characters helped you become more empathetic and self aware. I started working at a theatre when I was a teenager and my experience was similar in that it was one of the first times I truly learned to look outside myself and empathize with other people. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I had never started to work in the arts. There is little doubt in my mind that I would be a completely different person, both in my career path and how I view other people and the rest of the world.
DeleteHello everyone, my name is Danielle Punzina and I am a junior here at Brooklyn College. Just like one of my classmates said above, I know we are supposed to (or are suggested to) make reference to specific books we take interest in, but I am not much of a reader as well. My main focus for the past 8 years has been running and competing. I started in my freshman year in high school as a sprinter, and the occasional cross country runner, but now my focus is longer distances mainly Half Marathons. I say it every single day, how running has made me the person I am today. It's always kept me on a good path, it's taught me patience, and helped me meet so many amazing people who have helped me grow as a person. About two years ago, I even began running with a Nike training group, and they have given me so many opportunities as a runner to progress and to really break myself out of my comfort zone. I was never really a shy person, but I was always stuck inside that comfort zone and did not really want to try anything new. But running has helped me come out of that shell and really explore so many different opportunities and really learn who I am as a person.
ReplyDeleteAn obstacle I face as a runner is at the beginning of every race. Each race is different, just like every class we take is different, and just like every person in the world is different. You never know what to expect when lining up at that Starting Line. All you see is whats a few feet in front of you, and the rest will come as you progress throughout. You have to take every thing step by step, and if you get caught up in whats around you, you may lose sight of what you're truly aiming for at the end of the day.
Sports do teach you lessons in life and I agree with everything Danielle said, especially with the difficulty starting because I'm a slow starter too, takes a while to warm up and actually get into your groove. It's hard staying on that one track with so many distractions around you but if it was so easy then everybody would be able to do it. I could say I get distracted from reading even though I've always wanted to become a studious reader too, yet I'd end up falling asleep every few pages, probably because of the lack of interest.
DeleteHello, everyone my name is Mukumaoy Olimjonova, but my friends and family members call me by my nick name Nicky. I am from Uzbekistan. One thing that makes me proud is that I speak five languages. I speak well in four languages but when it comes to English I have an accent. I am transfer student from Kingsborough Community College . This is my first semester at Brooklyn College. My major is Early Childhood studies. I believe in success through hard work. I enjoy working with children. My decision of wanting to become a teacher did not happen overnight, but throughout my life. I took my grand mother’ s path to become an educator. I like to play tennis, swim and read autobiographies. I like to read autobiographies, because I read the true stories of people who faced the challenges throughout their lives and became stronger person.
ReplyDeleteThroughout our lives all of us face challenges that make us stronger person today. One of the biggest obstacle that I have faced was the lost of my grand mother. It was my first year at college which happened two years ago. My parents rushed back to my country. Me and my siblings were left alone for the first time in our life. Since I was responsible and independent kid they trusted me and left me on charge. I proved my parent that I can be trusted and relied if anything. This event in my life have changed me to become adult.
Hello guys,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mohamed. I've grown up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn which had a huge Italian population, meaning I have a lot of Italian friends in case I need help in this class. Telling you guys about the books I've read should be pretty easy considering the only books I've ever read without being forced to do so was the Harry Potter series. I have no regrets about this however because I believe the number of books someone reads has nothing to do with how intellectual that person is as an individual. I grew up playing sports, and that has taught me a lot and really helped me mature. I really do enjoy helping others and volunteer a lot to help those in the community. Being exposed to those that might have it worse-off then me has really caused me to change my outlook on life and understand that nothing is really granted. It made me realize that I should be thankful for the most little things I have because what may seem like something so little to me, might actually mean so much to someone else. My optimistic outlook has definitely got me to see the best in every situation, and hardly get upset. When I am however upset, I find that going to the gym or playing sports easily relieves my stress.
I agree with you on the amount of books that someone reads doesn't mean a thing. Someone could still lack common sense and have read all the books in the world.
DeleteGood afternoon,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Vincent Woo, born and bread in New York, mainly in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I've lived here all my life so I know each block like the back of my hand. Growing up I didn't know who to follow, what to do, what to believe in; only thing I could copy would be from my parents and all they did was work. I didn't choose to be Buddhist but just something you're born into I guess. I grew up a chubby kid, someone who played games all day, cause that's all my parents did for me, they didn't want me to go to the streets and come home late. But hiding your kid from the world only makes them more eager and less knowledgeable to jump into the world. I started to take up handball, something a New Yorker would understand; would spend day and night at a park playing for myself and just to show others I guess. Joined the highschool handball team and made a few memories that I'll remember forever, but it got boring and the friends I transitioned into were into basketball, a totally different world. Started out like garbage but it took time to develop skills and friends along the way. The journey teaches you more then you're destination and that's what I look forward to more than just acquiring what I desire. But both sports have taught me different things as handball is a more single person sport where as basketball is a team sport. Handball taught me to be mentally strong and to only depend on myself, where basketball is more team oriented and can easily show the weakest link. Sports also show a person's character as they are put into the spotlight whether it be when they lose or win, depending on how they react and handle the situation shows me if I can affiliate with them or not.
I strongly agree with the fact that if parents choose to over protect their children, those children will seek to bust out the soft confinement being a "cage" in a sense. It's the self fulfilling prophecy really. I chose to reply to this introduction not only to advocate for children or parents but I liked what Vincent mentioned, sport being the highlight in his early years. I too see sports as a growing state because it teaches you a lot about people and most importantly it teaches you about yourself and I believe that learning who you are and developing into a humane being is quite vital. When I was on a basketball team in High school I learned that being different is okay and is actually quite interesting.
DeleteHello class,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Iryna Tsvik and I am a Ukrainian girl living in Brooklyn, NY. I came to America about 13 years ago when I was 10 years old and I must say that life was difficult especially because life in Ukraine was good to me; many friends, family, and school was easy. But coming to America I quickly realized that things will be different. From a big room and a private home in Ukraine I came to a tiny apartment located in the basement of another house. The American Dream was becoming just a mirage filled with wishful thinking. I've never even seen cockroaches before and now they were occupying my entire small kitchen. I came to America with my mom and my sister and thank God for my sister who knew a little bit of English and could help me out with homework I couldn't even read. Life became very difficult, we all of a sudden became poor from being rich in Ukraine, and no one liked me which was difficult to grasp because I was always popular amongst my classmates, mainly because we stuck around from first grade, but here in America I was an alien. This experience taught me endurance because I was able to not only proceed with my academics but excel and even became an AP English student in high school. I see learning as a growing stem rather than something I just "have to do". In America I learned many things and far most important one is to never give up because life takes sacrifice to bloom.
Hey I am Brandon Wagner. I am the captain of the men's cross country team here at Brooklyn College. 2 years ago I never saw myself running as a sport or competitively at all. But, I felt trapped. I was going to school, I was working so many hours, and I was studying late at nights and I found myself just wanting more out of life. I wanted to enjoy college and not just pass through college. So I took a leap of faith and decided to step out of that trap and experience more and actually enjoy my years here at Brooklyn College. That leap of faith has led me to return the next year as the captain of the men's cross country team here at Brooklyn College. And, has landed me a seat in the student-athlete Advisory Committee 2 times in a row. I have been able to experience A side of me I never knew before, the side of me that's a leader.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I enjoy traveling and I enjoy the great outdoors. I feel as if it adds character to my life and adds so much value. I get to travel for work or leisure or both.
I am currently reading, "What To Say When You Talk To Yourself" by Shad Helmstetter. The last book I read was called, "Dreams" by Dutch Sheets. These books have completely change the way I think. I feel as if I was a young kid finally maturing. My perspectives has completely been enhanced because of these books.
Dear Brandon,
DeleteI myself felt like I was in the same position about feeling trapped with school. I haven't join any club or team but just decided to think more positively as well as talked to a few people about how I felt. So I now look at things differently but that's great to hear. I also thought about reading again because I have a long commute from home to school so I'll possibly check those books out!
-Nikita F.
I definitely recommend these books. They're inspiring and helped me change my negative programming and subconscious and unconscious limiting beliefs and thoughts. I can definitely share this books with you if you're open to reading them.
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ReplyDeleteHi my name is Christina Best I am a senior at Brooklyn College. I played basketball throughout my whole school career until I transferred BMCC to Brooklyn College. Basketball has always motivated me to pass my class because you need a certain GPA to play. Ever since I started Brooklyn College I had no motivation or felt like I belonged any where. I wanted to play for the team but I have to work in order to pay tuition. Now I feel like I am struggling to pass my classes because I feel like I have no purpose other than my career. I know school is important but having a place/club to belong to makes school a little bit more exciting. So now I'm stuck trying get through school because I know it just something I have to do.
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Nikita Fagoo. I'm a junior and also a transfer student from City Tech. My major is health science and I'd like to eventually be a nutritionist. The explanation for that is I come from a family with a lot of health issues of which I strongly believe could have been avoided as well as treated by eating habits. I myself used to be on the bigger side growing up but I managed to change that (by eating better and enrolled in dancing for one year)
Last semester was by far my worst semester, which is why I feel more motivated this semester. I feel motivated in all aspects because when i look back at who I was a few months ago, I realize I don't want to be that same person. I used to complain a lot as well as procrastinate every and any little thing. I feel a bit ashamed that I did slack off because I normally don't, it was out of character for myself especially when I only have one year left to receive my degree.
Outside of school I work part time but it feels as if it's full time considering I go in 5 days a week. I don't necessarily have any hobbies. I don't really have a lot of free time as I'm sure you can tell. When I do have time to myself I'm either catching up on school work or sleeping!
I've been told by multiple people that I am shy and I can agree with that. So I apologize if my introduction was not anticipated but thank you all for reading!
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DeleteI don't know why my re-post isn't here, I'm still getting used to this. But I'll try to recap.
DeleteI'm excited to see that you are a Health and Nutrition Science major as well. Only difference is that I'm a Senior, graduating this semester. Congrats on all your achievements in your personal life and your improved diet. You may not have a hobby in the sense that u do it regularly, because you're busy but I know you there's definitely something out there that you enjoy doing despite how often you get the chance. Let me ask you this, if you had a ll the free time in the world and the money to do whatever, what would it be?
Hello,
ReplyDeletel'm Justin Linville. l am a student at Brooklyn College and l am from San Antonio, Texas. l typically introduce myself as "from Texas" but l did grow up in a military family. Before Texas, we lived in South Dakota, South Carolina, and lceland. The fact that, during my childhood, l never felt married to a specific city or state is what really made the decision to go to Brooklyn College pretty easy. l could go to school in New York City at a school with a very good TVRA program and not be drowned in student loan debt. That's incredible because l have goals of working in television and comedy and New York City is overflowing with opportunities in the field.
When l was young, l loved how universal laughing was. How finding a way to make someone laugh was an easy way to connect. l wasn't a social butterfly when l was young and l had to learn a lot of social cues that a lot of people naturally understand. So, it wasn't always easy for me to connect to people. But, the way that l could connect with people was through making them laugh. The neurons in my brain are linked in a way that causes me to find connections that a lot of people think are funny and that was my "in" when trying to connect and relate to people. l'd like to find a way to bring that to the world in a major way.
Hello everyone, my name is Selena Colon. Although it was said to "skip the details about our major employment etc.", I'm going to slightly incorporate that into my introduction anyway because these choices have helped shape me. I'm currently a senior at Brooklyn College, but before I attended BC I was a student at Kingsborough Community College. Brooklyn College was my first choice applying from high school, but I did not get accepted. I attended Kingsborough to help me as a stepping stone to where I wanted to be. At first I was highly disappointed in this, and now when people ask me, going to Kingsborough for two years was the best thing that ever happened to me. Here I finally focused solely on my academics, as well as extracurricular activities that molded me into the person I am today. I enrolled in honors level courses and took part of the Model United Nations club, even though political science was of no interest to me. Not only did these experiences help mold me, but they gave me insight on where I wanted to be. Model United Nations was a program including students from all over the world where we would imitate the United Nations using real world problems as if we were delegates in the real United Nations. I met college students with the same goals as me, trying to find their place in the world and building their leadership skills through debates. Other than MUN, I've taken courses relating to children whether it's education or psychology and I found the right field for me. All of my experiences led me to where I am now, working in a classroom full time with second graders. So as I work in finishing my degree, I am extremely close to my dream job and taking this course is part what I need to do in order to achieve it. Reflecting on my experiences as a college student for almost four years, I realize that I have grown so much from not even knowing what my role is in the world to realizing I am a leader and will be helping educate the children of our future.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone/ my name is Edwin Mendoza I am a transfer student from bmcc. I am a film production major. I want to say that I am very proud of being here at Brooklyn college. for I worked extremely hard to be here. At first my major was paramedic and for a really long time I thought that doing that was the path for me. the reason for that was my parents because they would always tell me "Edwin get a real job, a good paying job." and so I came up with paramedic . But until deep into it(major) where I accomplished 34 credits I realized that I didn't want to do that anymore and so it took me a while to realize it but I found what I truly have a passion for. which is film making I enjoy the whole process that goes into a film. it took me a while to discover what I wanted but ever since I did, I've worked to get to where I am today. and I thank that whole experience because it made me much more hungry to accomplish my dreams.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Dennis Alexander and I am a bmcc transfer student studying accounting
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