Nothing to be intimidated about. You should always try to write to clarify your own thoughts, not to please your imaginary audience, be it a professor or your classmates.
What has contributed to your maturity, your growth as a person, and opened up a sudden, unexpected perspective? It could be a single book or it could be a passion for reading; same for music; or for practicing a sport; or for a hobby that you brought you to a higher level of understanding.
You don't need to be complicated to be deep, nor do you need big words to express high concepts.
Take a few minutes to think, develop an argument, then start writing.
And, at the end, review for errors and edit for clarity.
Oh, one more thing: BE BRIEF.
Click "Comment" below and start clicking away.
My name is Will Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I am a 3rd generation Italian-American. I am an only child, so my immediate family is small and close-knit, but my extended family is rather large and spread throughout NYC and Long Island. My godfather currently lives in Rome, but he was born and raised in Brooklyn, too. Clearly, I come from a long line of New Yorkers. When I was 15, I went to Tennessee with Habitat for Humanity. While building a house for a family in need was a fulfilling experience, it was there that I realized how great NY really is.
ReplyDeleteIn my spare time, ever since I was a kid, I enjoy watching TV and movies. I consider myself somewhat of a television and film aficionado. One of my favorite movies (although I didn’t fully appreciate it until I traveled to TN) is My Cousin Vinny (1992). I enjoy watching media pertaining to Italian-Americans, like Fatso (1980) or Everybody Loves Raymond, etc. Contrary to the stereotype that all men hate the opera, I enjoy seeing operatic performances at the Met. I have been to see 7 operas in my lifetime, and I have seen my favorite opera, Don Giovanni, multiple times. I have also seen a performance of La Divina Commedia at La Scala in Milano. I love all things Italian/Italian-American, especially the food!
You restore my faith in the young generations. The fact that there is someone your age who loves opera lirica is thrilling. Don Giovanni, eh? Interesting. Is it the music or the dark theme? I am a total Verdi fan. I would say my favorite is Rigoletto but not the Las Vegas Rat Pack version just produced by the Met.
DeleteIt's the music and Leporello. He's such a great character. My favorite part of the opera is his Catalog Aria. I put Ferruccio Furlanetto's performance of that aria on my iPod. But the music in general is great from that opera. I hear it all the time now in various TV shows, movies, etc. Don Giovanni's Champagne Aria was in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercial a few months back.
DeleteI haven't seen much Verdi. Although, the first opera I ever saw was Verdi's Stiffelio with Placido Domingo conducting. That was great - it's definitely an underrated opera.
Will, I am amazed at how passionate you are about Opera. Was it a discovery through a college course, or have you been regularly attending Operas for some time now? I was exposed to the Opera through the Macaulay Seminar "Arts in New York City." I enjoyed it, however I don't have any plans to return yet. With your expansive knowledge, are there any shows you would suggest in particular?
DeleteThe walls of my living room are lined, floor to ceiling, with bookshelves that hold all of my dad's books. But his books aren't the kind you would find on the shelves of your local library or even a Barnes and Noble. His are leather-bound and gold-leaf texts from the Western canon, and they are beauties. I knew - even before I had learned how to read, and long before I realized how important those books were - that I wanted to read them, to devour their words and take in all the wisdom I imagined them to hold.
ReplyDeleteSince then, I've built my own collection. Most of the time I add books at a much faster rate than I can actually read them. In the past year, I was given forty-six books from Macaulay's Hertog program, a series of literature and political philosophy courses based on major texts from the Western canon. My favorites among them have been Plato's Republic and Symposium, Dante's Inferno, and Huxley's Brave New World. The program has radically changed the way I analyze the world and read such important works of literature.
When I started college, I struggled with extreme episodes of depression and anxiety. It was something I kept to myself for a long time. After I started treatment and began working on my own recovery, I realized how important it was for me to break my own silence. I started the Brooklyn College chapter of To Write Love on Her Arms to do just that. TWLOHA is a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide, and their UChapters program is designed to help college students embody that mission on their college campus. TWLOHA has helped me share my story and help others find hope in the fact that their stories aren't over yet.
I can definitely relate to your story Jenna. I too started college a tad bit depressed as well because I found the shift from high school to college to be quite overwhelming. I admire your courage to start TWLOHA, as a way of coping with your depression and seeking out others who may need support as well. So many times we join college and we're told to just join a club to help us with the transition. However, starting a club is not something that is often enforced and the fact that you took on that approach instead of the usual is inspiring.
DeleteI have had several defining experiences in my recent adult life. As a senior in high school, I discovered a tumor in my neck. For several weeks my family and I were distraught with the possibilities: cancer, lymphoma, inevitably death. It was a very scary time, where I was forced to face many questions that I had about life in general. Luckily, to the surprise of my doctor, the tumor was not cancerous. Throughout this struggle I learned to conquer my deepest fears, and to truly enjoy life to its fullest. Especially, I learned to stop taking the little things for granted and to cherish every moment.
ReplyDeleteThe transition into college was also an interesting moment. Coming from a High School that lacked an invasive study of the arts, I was amazed to start reading such interesting material, viewing amazing works of art at the Met, as well as seeing various musical performances such as the Opera, Don Giovanni. The class that truly left a mark on me was my English 2 class, which focused mainly on poetry. I was never fond of poetry, and developing a sense of familiarity and understanding of it has really broadened my mind about writing. I learned that any writing, just like poetry, is not only about what you are writing, but how you write it. Poetry is all about the little details, which contain vast amounts of meaning, much like the little things that give life its meaning.
So, two for two. Two opera fans and two Don Giovanni lovers. What is going on with you young people? Worthy of investigation.
DeleteI have yet to see Don Giovanni but some of my favorites are La traviata, La bohème and Madama Butterfly.
DeleteThe transformation from childhood into adulthood responsibility that I experienced was neither simple nor flawless. In my junior year of High School, I was faced with the tragedy of having my father take his own life. As a result of my father's actions, my mother, sister, and I were left to manage a slew of responsibilities and I was forced to take the helm of assisting my family rather than acting as the passive child I once was.
ReplyDeleteThis event molded me into the person I am today through affecting my interests, actions, philosophies, and how I live. I decided that I want to be a mental health clinician (social worker or psychologist) to help those that are truly in need and are underrepresented in society (like my father was with his mental health conditions). I believe that I can definitely make a difference to those who have never had a safety net or support group even though they probably need them the most. Furthermore, I cherish each day and I try not to get worried over stressors and events in my life. For example, as a child, public speaking, tests, exams, quizzes, and social interactions would induce traits of illness, worry and stress. After my father's death, these events no longer have an negative effect on my psyche. If I perform badly, I tell myself to step it up next time and to move on with my life. I am motivated to experience, understand, and enjoy the world around me while giving back to the community through assisting others and having a positive impact in society.
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ReplyDeleteHer big brown eyes were staring at me; or maybe they were staring at nothing at all. Eyes that had no recollection of who I was gazed at me, as my grandmother took her last breath before finally succumbing to the horrible disease known as cancer. I was 12.
As cliché as it may sound, it was this catastrophic event that led me to develop a passion for reading. I found comfort and solace in one book series to be exact, and that is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. It may seem weird to think that Harry Potter can contribute to one’s maturity or change their life, but in almost every way possible it did for me. Being so distraught over the loss of someone close to me made me not want to live my own life, as morbid as it may sound. Hence, I found comfort in immersing myself in the life of someone else.
Now at the age of 20, Harry Potter still remains my favorite series. However, when I need comfort, I no longer just turn to Harry Potter, but to fiction in general. Paul Theroux once said, “Fiction gives us a second chance that life denies us,” and I truly believe he was right. Fiction has the power to take you to this amazing place that allows you to become someone else, even if it is just for a short period of time. For me, Harry’s struggles became my struggles, his tears my tears, and his friends my friends. When I was finally able to close the book, and look up from the pages, that my nose had spent so much time buried in, I realized that Harry and all other characters from fiction novels are not much different than ourselves. We all struggle, deal with conflict, disappointments, heartbreak, and all the other obstacles that life throws our way. However, if a fictitious wizard like Harry can get through these pits of life, then most certainly, so can I.
Hi Alethia,
DeleteYour post hit home for me. I also enjoy escapism through fiction, which is why I'm a writer & filmmaker. In coping with frustrations, loss, and existential crises, I have found much solace and comfort in creating alter-realities through my work.
Carrie
My life has been a series of developing moments. Moments that without the experience, I would be nothing compared to who i am today, and very possibly in a much worse mental state than most people.
ReplyDeleteThe moment that one would consider the embarkation on my journey of a different life than I ever thought I would live, would be the moment i walked away from my mother at the age of 15. From that moment on, regardless of all the people in my life who loved me, cared for me, and helped me out, I never had my mommy to look out for me. Many and most people would not really attribute the proper significance to growing up in a healthy two parent home, but I quickly learned that being separated from the person whom you were attached to biologically and is supposed to nurture you, put me into a different stat of being then those around me. I quickly became resentful of having a toxic parent whom I could no longer have a relationship with, and angry at the world for all the troubles I now had, as a child of 15 faced with taking care of himself.
Thankfully, after many years, a lot of help, and a lot of life lessons, I now am in a better place, able to leave my anger and confusion about the past to a different time and focus on my future. The most important thought that kept me going, was that I now had an opportunity to constantly grow and ensure that i would never become the toxic person my mother was, and that eventually one day i would be able to fix all that went wrong in my life by raising a family devoid of all the abnormal pain i went through as a child. If i was put in this situation it must have been for a damn good reason!
David, I can really relate to your post and I completely understand how the loss and detachment from someone important to you can also make you develop as an individual. When faced with a situation where someone we love is harming us as individuals we initially become blind to their negative impact on our minds and bodies. As we grow older and we understand more, we quickly learn that sometimes the right or most beneficial choice is also the hardest. Life isn't always fair, but we're guaranteed to learn a lesson from every experience, good or bad.
DeleteThank you for sharing this and I'm so proud of how you handled things. Seeking help isn't always easy, but surely beneficial. Good luck with your endeavors and hope you one day have the perfect family you dream of. Love can be a great thing, but can be painful too. Surround yourself with positive people only. Life is too short!
DeleteWhen I was 11 I got my first video camera. I immediately started making short movies with my friends, under the name Soda Party Productions. The main inspiration for our movies came from the films & soda we loved: The Matrix, Mountain Dew, Men In Black, Dr. Pepper, Jackie Chan movies, Coca Cola, & MTV’s Jackass. Every film we made was better than the last and after every film we completed we’d become overwhelmed with pride & gratification from creating something ourselves, that could make us laugh so hard we would forget the pain from our cavities.
ReplyDeleteBack then, we would make films because we were bored on Saturday afternoon: the films were spontaneous and detached, our subjects were whatever we felt that day and there was no structure, no one person stuck in the role of “Boom Op”. Unfortunately the past 3 years of working my way through film school and working on film shoots has taught me that the professionals don’t have the same workflow as the fast-and-loose guerilla style of Soda Party Productions. My immaturity allowed me to believe that making films would be just as fun as watching them, but film has put the production process in a much more rigorous light. And it makes sense – you can’t screw around with $300 million dollars. I’ve worked as an extra on studio films, and I’ve seen the cold infrastructure: extras are treated like cattle by angry PA’s, bitter about their low wages.
Although this method is much different than what I am used to, I am learning a lot about efficiency: to make a good film it takes organization and attention to detail. And I also want the people working on my films to be excited about the end result; I think that is in the best interest of making something good. I want to adapt my style to something in between no rules at all and structure that turns filmmaking into an apathetic assembly line of scenes.
Ben, I like your post because I can relate. When I was a kid, my father would show me episodes from the 1950s Adventures of Superman TV series, and when I was about 9 or 10, he showed me Chris Reeve's Superman: The Movie (1978) for the first time. He would also show me classic films that most people my age have never even heard of. It was this that got me interested in film studies. Just as I will always take that with me, I assume you will always remember those early indie shoots with your friends. I wish you good luck, and I hope that one day I'll be watching a TV show or studying a movie and at the end I find out that it was produced by Soda Party Productions.
DeleteMy father is a physician. My grandfather was a physician. My great-grandfather … a tradition that can be traced for generations on the paternal side of my family. Naturally, as my father’s only child there was no negotiation as to what career I would choose. When I turned 10, my great-aunt Maude addressed my birthday card “To the next Dr. Conway” and when I studied biology in 7th grade, my grandfather insisted on attending PTA to obtain a detailed review of my performance in class. Nothing mattered aside from my future profession.
ReplyDeleteAs a teenager, I had interests of a different kind. My world revolved around soccer. I was a superb striker. Nobody I knew was as skilled as I was on the ball. At least no girl I knew. And as a devout fan of the sport all I wanted to do was to watch games and play the sport. Deep down I knew that there was no way that I could continue playing or watching religiously if I was going to slave away for years studying medicine. Sure, I was a strait A student. I would never let soccer get in the way of my studies but I resented the pressure and the lack of choice. While all my friends would change their minds like the wind, I was tormented by the knowledge that no matter what I said I was going to be, there was no way I was wiggling my way out of it.
After a year of pre-med, I decided that it was either now or never. What started off as an innocent summer vacation turned into over 4 years abroad. While oversees I was able to fulfill my wish of playing soccer until I was forced to retire from a severe knee injury. In the end, the emotional rehabilitation process of “Now what do I do?” would have been a lot harder had I never had to “mentally deal” with my parents. Luckily, they never said “Where is the Leora Conway M.D. we dreamt of?” yet for years I braced myself for the reality that this question would arise. Once it dawned on me that the only person I needed to answer to was myself, the blow of losing the career that I had yearned for was much less devastating. This is what gave me strength to move back to the United States and continue my undergraduate at an age where most of my friends had already completed their Master’s or PhD.
My name is Melissa Khan, i currently reside in Brooklyn but grew up in a Guyana. As a child i often imagine my adult life being married and a housewife, with limitations...Losing who i will want to be. Being the only girl while growing up in a world of men around me also reinforced this thought of what i can expect for the future. Coming to the U.S. has been an absolutely eye opening experience, with endless learning opportunities, places be and people to meet, I am not only am doing what i want but building on a more promising and fulfilling future.
ReplyDeleteLike most people, i want to see the world! My year plan will allow me earn a 4yr degree, move on to graduate school and take me to countries in South America and Europe, Italy is one of these destination. So far i have only made to a few countries in the Caribbean. Strangely, i have barely been out of NY but that will change this summer. I love the idea of exploring different environments and being introduce to people of different cultures and traditions. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge on some of that through this class.
Good luck with all of your dreams. America is a dreamland. New York is the city where dreams come true. Make it happen and don't look back. You only live once. Don't ever limit yourself. I wish you the best, Melissa! And I also love cultures - I am studying French, Italian, and soon-to-be studying German at Brooklyn College.
DeleteI came to New York for the first time at age 9 and didn't speak a word of English. I was placed in an advanced class in 5th grade because I scored high on an admittance test, however for my English class I had to leave the classroom to meet with an ESL tutor for an 1:1 session. I vaguely remember being embarrassed about this but I can't quite remember if it was due to other kids making fun of me. I don't remember any of my classmates or whether I made any friends that year. I was too busy trying to figure out all the madness going on around me. It was a very challenging. Everything was so different from what I was used, the language, the exit signs, the jail-like buildings and no "recreo". Recreo means recess and it was a daily recreational time where students get 30 minutes to do whatever in the world we pleased in the school's outdoor playground/yard.
ReplyDeleteAfter that year I want back "home" and permanently moved back to New York 2 years later. It's amazing how much you absorb as a kid because when I returned back to New York I managed to get by much easier with the little English I still remembered. I was placed in an advanced class again but this time with no private tutor. I still think about how much that ESL class has helped me and what an incredible teacher Mrs. Rodriguez was. To this day many people of different backgrounds tell me that I speak well and that I have a no accent. From the experience of moving to a new country I learned not to be afraid of new experiences, to be open minded, to be accepting of others and most importantly that what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. The more bullies I encountered the stronger I felt about who I was, I was building character. I also learn that I can learn anything I put my mind to and I developed an interest for languages that I have not pursued.
My early years were marked by lack of stability and balance, I moved a lot and only live with one parent at time-- which made me feel like I was always missing something. I found myself following that pattern as an adult when I realized I attended 4 different colleges before getting my undergrad (this is my last class by the way) and have moved 5 times in the past 10 years. Looking back I realize that I was searching for a purpose and meaning for my life.
My religious choices have had an impact in the decisions I've made in my life. I was brought up Catholic and Sunday church was a must while living with my mom until age 12. I stopped all religious activity from age 13-23 other than the occasional selfish prayer when I needed something. My father and aunts whom I was living with believe in God but did not congregate or follow religious activities. During this time in my life I felt the biggest disconnect and was somewhat lost, hence all the moves and change of schools. From 23-27 I explored spiritually (which was sparked from a long term relationship that ended), I was intrigued/open to Philosophy/atheism after taking intro to Philosophy at Brooklyn college where I challenged my own ideas and for a moment doubted God and finally meditation/yoga which gave me bliss but I still missing something. I now realize that something was God. I remember praying for him to reveal himself to me because I was lacking faith and he did in ways I cannot explain here. I was baptized in a non-denominational Christian church about 3 years ago and my life is finally falling into place. Being connected to God has been the most fulfilling thing that has happened to me and it is still transforming me into the person I meant to be.
My name is Anna Chakryan. I finnaly was able to find the blog and as I see most of the people already posted something. I read most of them. People have very interesting and descriptive responses. Honestly, since highschool I wasnt too good with words, but I am awesome in math.
ReplyDeleteOriginally, I am from Russia. My parents are Armenian. I came to this county when I was 20 years old for summer break and I liked it so much that I stayed. I was a spoiled child and my mom used to say that I wont be able to survive there, because I have to work and pay for rent, and manyany other things. But I loved the challenges. I found a job, made friends and learnt to apprietiate little things.
I cant say that I love to read. I read only if I was told that the book is very good and worth reading. Movies is my weakness, but the ones that are based on true stories. Recenty I found a new passion which is Latin dances.
When I was in high school I converted into islam. What made me do it? Probably in that age you dont realize, but you get influence by the society you live in and of course your friends. I used to take it very seriously till I was 23. I guess things change and I changed.
This is my last semester in Brooklyn college and I will graduate with BMF degree. I am also planning to get my master's in Finance. I took a long time for me to figure out that I want to do in my life.
My name is Adam and I was born in Brooklyn, NYC. I have some family in NJ and staten island and the rest back in Poland which I haven't visited since I was a child and barely remember anything plus I hear it has changed alot since. This summer, I'm supposed to graduate and plan on taking a trip to Europe so maybe I'll finally be able to visit. When I went into college, I had no idea what major to get into. Then I remembered that even as a child, I was always recording and intrigued by it. Since changing my major to video production and working on projects in the field, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I love the field and I love NYC.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I noticed I go through phases of transformation every couple years with new interests/passions and thoughts. The newest one is interest in the medical field, which I think was brought on when I went through some health problems myself, which doesn't replace my other interest in video production but adds to it. I definitely want to be involved in this in the future. I welcome these new interests as they come along and now I just have to figure out how to incorporate them into my life without leaving the other behind.
A book by Carolyn Myss (Anatomy of the Spirit) changed my life profoundly and unexpectedly for the better. I accidently stumbled upon this book a few years ago, and it took me on spiritual quest of self realization. I won't get too personal about my journey, but I will speak about the the part of my the book that stirred the deepest emotion for me. Carolyn Myss speaks in depth about the body's energy (not the physical energy you expend after a long job, but the energy of your core, I'd like to say your soul) and the impact of depleting that energy and how it could manifest itself physically (illness), psychologically, and emotionally. Anyway, in the end, this book changed my perspective of life, love and family, it also taught me a new appreciation for myself, and gave a deeper sense of spiritual growth and maturity.
ReplyDeleteIn August of 2008 I moved to Paris for a year, through a CUNY study abroad program, and that experience greatly contributed to my maturity and personal growth.
ReplyDeleteMy goal that year was to improve my French, which at the time had only been two semesters worth of the language. I immersed myself in the culture that first semester and before I knew it, after a few months of intensive grammar courses and conversation with French locals, my linguistic competency had completely evolved, so that I was speaking with ease wherever I went. I even got a compliment from a French waiter at a nice restaurant, who told me that I spoke well; I'll never forget that moment.
Because I had accomplished what I set out to do that year, I felt more independence and confidence than I had ever known.
That's so cool! I've wanted to do a study abroad program, but the plans have always fallen through for one reason or another. I'm doing my French 3 class now, and its extremely difficult for me to keep practicing and to improve. I don't know anyone outside the class to speak with regularly and so I struggle to pick up the nuances of the language.
DeleteThanks, Jenna!
DeleteI know what you mean. My French is getting rusty due to not having anyone to speak with regularly. You should definitely find a way to study in Paris because you'll find that what you learn in class is very formal, and that Parisians-like us- when speaking colloquially, change the language a bit.
When the summer session is over and I have more free time, I'd be glad to share my tips with you. :)
Carrie
I am a native of the West Indies and became a U.S. citizen at age 11. I am currently studying Business Management and Finance at Brooklyn College and work full time at the Accounting department here at Brooklyn College as well. For as long as I could remember, my parents have stressed the importance of gaining an education. I remember complaining to my mom that I was bored and her reply would always be “go read a book”. I always thought that college would be like a scene out of movie; sororities and fraternities, socializing with friends and pulling all-nighters. I did not realize how much hard work, dedication and how little fun went into earning a degree. Working full-time and earning a college degree leaves little leisure time but, I enjoy watching Games of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, listening to music, baking and reading murder-mysteries. After completing my degree I have hopes of taking culinary classes.
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I would handle all negative situations with intense aggression. If I felt threatened in any way, physically or mentally, I would resolve the problem with my fists. After years and years of this behavior I realized that the aggression was taking a toll on my health. It made me exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. At that time, I made a choice to grow up and handle my issues with my words. That contributed to my maturity and my growth as a person. I use that method in my life still today. For example, I found myself in a situation where I felt very much disrespected in a class by a Professor. Instead of handing me a post-it pad, in which he wanted the students to write down their answers to his questions, he throw it at me. Not once but twice. My first instinct was to get up and put my fist through his face, but because of how much I have grown as a person I did not let my aggression dictate my actions. I just smiled and did nothing. Handling the situation the way I did left me growing even more and left the Professor as the same bitter and self-indulgent person he was when I first walked in to the class.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone hears the term car enthusiast, they generally do not think of a blonde, blue-eyed young woman. However, such is the case with me – future automotive journalist and reporter. These petite hands of mine are learning the ropes of car customization so I can one day fully modify my own car. Those are the same hands I use to study journalism by day and rev her engine on the streets by night.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to become a journalist ever since I was a little girl. I used to watched Walters’ shows (20:20) and would parade around in the fifth grade telling people: “I am going to be the next Barbara Walters, just cuter and younger.” People would smile in awe at the fact that such a little girl was trying to fill some big girl shoes.
My background is Ukrainian Jewish, but I have a passion for other cultures. Languages are a hobby of mine. I studied Spanish throughout high school. I am currently taking Italian and French at Brooklyn College. I believe that learning foreign languages will give me an edge in the field of journalism. I have just signed up to study German in the fall and I cannot wait! I really like German cars and believe that learning this language will help in my career path.
I have a lot of interests and passions like writing and cultures, but nothing compares to my deep drive for cars. The moment I behind her the steering wheel, I knew I was meant for the car scene. The engines roaring, motors flaring, and the wind in my hair made me feel more than alive.
I am currently interning for a popular automotive magazine called RIDES in New York City, which I have always wanted. RIDES, in fact, was the first car magazine I ever held in my hands. After I graduate, I hope to continue to be working at an automotive magazine as well as seize any other opportunities that will come my way. All I can do now is keep the fire and passion I have for cars burning in my heart, and the ideas I have running through these fingertips of mine.