WEEK 1: Introductions

[Mateo Duque]

This is the thread where you will write your introductory paragraphs. I wrote mine. Yours does not need to be so long. Just tell us something about yourself that you didn't mention in class.

Mateo Duque

I was born in Colombia, South America, but I moved to the US when I was four years old--that I told you in class. What I didn’t tell you was that as a result of moving from one country to another as a child, I sometimes I feel split between two worlds. When my family came to the US my father knew basically no English. My mother, on the other hand, had grown up speaking English at a young age and so she was able to teach me. However, it was still hard for us because my father still had to take care of my mother, my younger sister, and I. We lived in Knoxville, TN. He studied English at night until he could pass the TOEFL so he could start a degree in civil engineering. Meanwhile, he worked at Burger King during the day. We lived in student housing and it was hard because we didn’t have many luxuries. We would try to get by on basics, coupons, hand-me-downs, and charity. Now, I’m making this time in my life sound pretty bad, and I can imagine that it was really stressful for my mom and my dad: my mom trying to raise two kids with little money and having left behind many of her friends and family; my dad working long, difficult hours also leaving behind his 12 brother and sisters(!) and his many friends in Colombia. However, I remember it slightly differently, I really enjoyed those times. We didn’t have a lot, but we would often go to parks and hike in the woods. I didn’t have a lot of toys but that forced me to make my own and to be creative. Without that time, I don’t think I would be the person I am today. I learned my work ethic from my dad. I think back on those times because I’m getting closer to the age when my father had me as a baby.

[Carmen Wang]

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was our first class, and I got to know many classmates from different ages and walks of life, which influences our beliefs and goals in life. However, we have one thing in common, and that is to do our best in this class and to cultivate a mind to learning greater things about this world, following the guidance of our Professor. I hope everyone will persevere, and not give up no matter how difficult times can be, whether it be your family or personal problems. I know I can mess up sometimes and is not perfect in being the best student, but I will try my best. And Professor Duque seems to be very helpful and open, so I am thankful. I was a little bit anxious and also fearful of the expectations I need to do for this class, but afterwards in light of good hope and the willingness to work hard for God, I am able. Again, I mentioned I was Christian, and my belief in God helps me in life, so it is why I believe and why it is so important to me. It makes up practically everything I do and value in life. This Philosophy class will be a challenge for me, but all is well. :)

[rican230]

Erick Nieves

The one thing that I did not mention in class is that I have a six year old son.  Since his birth, I find my attitude towards the responsibilities of life altered dramatically.  one thing that changed for me was my health.  I did not care about what and how I eat.  My attitude towards my health lead me to diabetes. My son help me realized that I needed to change because he needs a father in his life and relies on me to nurture and raise him.  Now I am proud to say that I am healthier.  My diabetes is controlled with medication and a balanced diet.

My son made me a better person and helped me mature in life.  He is the reason as to why I am continuing my education and see life in a different way.

[tresjoli17]

My name is Krista Mitchell. I'm originally from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. I'm a senior that transferred a few semesters ago from BMCC. Business Finance major. My special talent mentioned in class was singing and learning new languages. Something about myself that I did not mention in class would be that I hope to start my own business someday, preferably something in the way of a salon. Its another one of my special interests. I like everything in the beauty industry and it's my creative outlet. I chose business finance as my major because I believe I need to know the ins and outs of business administration, marketing and finance in order to have the most successful foundation.

[sharifa.wickham]

My name is Sharifa Wickham and there are a few things I did not mention in class. I am a Secondary Education English major, with a minor in Developmental Psychology. I hope to teach high school, preferably grades 10-12. I'm also into the counseling aspect, and might consider becoming a guidance counselor. My entire family is Trinidadian, so I am more influenced through their culture. I recently came back from Trinidad, and I am trying to become a teacher there, once I am finish with my degree. I am a Pisces (I am a bit obsessed with signs) so I can come off a bit standoffish; but usually, when people get to know me, they become my friend for the long haul : ) Even though I am 25, I was married for over 3 years. Being married helped me learn a lot about myself, and also motivated me to come back to school and take my education more serious.

[odinredd]

HELLo everyone. My name is Odin Redd. I am a lot more excited about this class then I was my last philosophy class. I was in the Air Force for a little and now I am pursuing my dream of making martial art movies! I love eating. My favorite weight loss program is going number 2 and I love to laugh. I like video games and reading as well as most. I also like Bob's Burgers. I relate a lot with Linda I think. She is wacky!

[gulyabigela]

Hello everyone! My name is Gulnaz, but I prefer name Gulya. My passion is psychology, I like to understand the motives of behavior of people around me. My dream is becoming a clinical psychologist, ideally with my own small private practice. As I mentioned in class, I also work, but I did not specify that I work at nighttime, as a bartender in the karaoke lounge. So, I have this crazy lifestyle, which requires me not to sleep very often and still be in a good mood, singing with everybody, making drinks and having fun. Overall, I like it, but I understand that I have to move on from this job and find something closer to psychology field, especially because I will graduate soon.
I wish everyone good luck in this class, I guess it will be interesting, but a challenge at the same time.

[Givan]

During my brief introduction in class there were a number of things about myself that I failed to mention; well one in particular.  I was hesitant because I didn’t want to be judged or be misconstrued, furthermore offending my peers. I’m a very deep thinker; as a result I have all sorts of conflicting thoughts. Most times I find myself questioning “is there really a GOD” and the entire concept of religion. Please don’t get me wrong I was raised in a predominantly Christian household. However at this present moment there are so many things God and religion has failed to  answer; so that’s why I find myself wondering is there really a God. I decided to share this because I believe this is the most appropriate forum to discuss these issues. We do have to respect each other views and prospective on issues. With that being said one would think I’m an Atheist, but I’m nowhere near this. Although I’m skeptical about whether or not there really is a God I still pray and live my life like there’s one. Due to the sole fact that I am petrified of dying and consequently discovering there really is a God. I recently stumbled upon a quote which stated “I rather not live like there isn’t a GOD than die finding out there really is.”  I have given this quote a great deal of thought and have been living my life through this quote ever since.  I really hope this class can help me come to a conclusion and have a better understanding about God, religion and the controversy surrounding it. 

[trinimjs]

Hello Every,

On January 29^th 2013 I began my quest to my Bachelor Degree. I am a transfer student from LaGuardia Community College, and my name is Marissa Mortley-Espinoza. Now let me clear up

how I came by the last name Espinoza which every- one always ask. My father-in-Law, now decease, was a Venezuelan, so we get the peace of curiosity out of the way. I migrated to the USA twenty years ago, because I wanted to live with my father who resided in the US after leaving Trinidad himself seeking a better life for his children.  I am the first of seven.

My mother past away at age twenty-seven I was three years at the time. Then my Grand-Mother and my Grand-Father raised me until my grand-mother pass twelve years later. I took it hard; after which I lived in nine homes before I reach age eighteen. Living without a mother is not easy. At age nineteen I had my own apartment and a full time job as a Travel Agent for five years. Life was not a bed of roses. When I got to New York finally being with my father he told me to go back to school it is the only way you will get a good job in New York, so I took his advice and her I am today.  The former Prime Minster of Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Eric Williams said “Your future is in your school bag” and I never forgot it, so I am her to perusing my future.

And this is what I neglect to say on my first day of class.  

[linda.chen1945]

Linda Chen

Other than majoring in psychology and physics, and being a native of Trinidad and Tobago, I did not mention that I love trying new food. Every where I go I am constantly trying new dishes. For instance, I've had South African braai which is barbeque (rabbit, lamb, chicken), I've had peking duck, which is a Hong Kong roasted soy sauce duck cuisine, and I've had fattoush which is mainly a lebanese salad and many more. Not forgeting to mention that I am Indian, so I definately eat a lot of curry and roti. Like Professor Duque, moving to America was tough. Although I spoke english, it was difficult for me to make new friends and I was definately homesick. I had my first cheese burger at the age of 9 and it was delicious. My classmates was amazed at the fact that i've never had a cheesburger, hot dog, or even fries. Since then, they've been introducing me to different types of food whether ethnic or American. I've been trying all soughts of new food from international food festivals at schools, at my church, or just going to different cutural restuarants. I believe that getting to know people and appreciating their culture stems from what they are accustomed with. For me, food is culture and it paves the way for a great friendship.

[lrwilen4]

Hi everyone, Im not sure if have the Google group situation under control yet but lets see if this works. So, something interesting about myself that you guys don't know right? Ok, so I went sky diving. Yep, thats right i jumped out of a plane while it was 10,000 feet in the sky. Nope, it was not a frightening experience  Yes, it was exhilarating and yes i plan on doing it again. The feeling I had when i was falling through the sky is indescribable. What i can say is that while falling through the air I had a unique feeling of absolute freedom. Absolute freedom being that my body was not constrained in any sense, and i was able to move around in the sky, not an ounce of my body was attached to anything solid.   I highly recommend sky diving and i think that everyone should do it at least once in their life time, it is a wonderful experience.

I will also say that there was a sign up at the skydiving facility that said "If at first you don't succeed, then sky diving is not for you".  :)

[nadezhda.yakimchenko]

Hey. I went skydiving to. But I had the opposite experience. I am absolutely terrified of heights, just the act of going down the tall escalator in target gets me a little scared. But like my experience was awesome!! But I was shaking the entire time I was in the plane going up.

[nadezhda.yakimchenko]

Hello my name is Nadya. In class I pretty I mentioned that I love read and also like many of you come from another country. What I did not mention is that there are a lot of times I do crazy impulsive things...usually because my friends egg me on. But in my opinion it's okay because they force me to face my fears in the most funniest of manners. What else you don't know about me is that I LoVE to eat! I love trying all types of food and you would usually be able to tell if I liked by or not by my expressive face. Well anyway I believe that is it. If any questions please ask.

[sanchez5901]

Hello Again My name is Teresa Sanchez,  Born and raised in Brooklyn . Born in East New York and relocated to Bensonhurst  lived there for over 20 years , Now residing in Canarsie. I have a daughter and she will be 16 in May, and in her second year of Highschool. As I stated my Major is in Leadership and Human Resource Management, My Associates degree is in Accounting and I chose to change my Major because I felt that Accounting was not for me and it is not because I didn't like it, I left that door of opportunity open if I choose to go back one day. I felt that I can utilize  and apply my abilities to communicate  to help people. I like meeting and making new friends.  I am Girly girl whom  loves make up and hair style and fashion. I love to read and most recently read an essay from W.E.B Dubois called The black Reconstruction of America. I am currently reading  Nelson Mandela Conversations With Myself. I love Nelson Mandela if I ever had a wish granted to me for any reason it would be to sit down and talk with Nelson Mandela, A true Humanitarian and Political Activist!  This is my third semester here at Brooklyn college and find it to be more mature atmosphere for a change and the people that I have met so far  take their education seriously. I am the type of person who believes in sharing information, Knowledge is power so why hold on to it ! Spread it like butter on toast so everyone can get a taste!!!!

[jpark0107]

Hello, my name is Ji Yeon Park. I was born in South Korea but my family moved to NYC at a young age so my main language would be English, but I do speak Korean fluently as well. One thing that I don't usually tell other people is that I am religious. I am a Christian but I only believe that religion just gives a person certain rules and morals that would make them live a better life, such as no adultery, no stealing, be good to your neighbors, and etc. I would never push my beliefs onto another person and I also always try to think logically at all times. Therefore I am very looking forward to this class and hope I won't have to miss any sessions.

[pclottin]

Hey Everyone, My name is Phil Clottin, I'm the guy who taught himself how to raise his eyebrow. One thing I did not mention in class is that getting my degree is sort of a plan B for me. My main goal at this point in my life is to become a member of the FDNY. Since a young age I've always felt it was a part of me to help people and what better time to help someone than when they're in the middle of a burning building. It's a long process so I thought it would be advantageous for me to earn a degree in another profession that I could help people in, Psychology. Also, civil service jobs are extremely competitive so it is really "up in air" if you get a job or not, so it always good to have another option.
   I'm excited about this semester and to getting you know all of you. I think this class seems interesting and can help us "think outside of the box" and I'm looking forward to the experience. See you all soon. Adios.

-Phil.

[Blanca]

Hi my name is Blanca Flores. I am a transfer student from Kings borough Community College. I  received my associates degree in Childhood Education. I enjoyed student teaching last semester but realized that teaching is not for me which is why I changed my major into speech pathology because I want to help children in a different way and I thought it had more opportunities. I mentioned that I am Mexican-American in class but didn't mention that I am the first college student in my family trying to pursue a degree. I try to set a good example for my 2 younger brothers who will also attend college in the future. I am a very laid back person who will try anything at least once. I am very open-minded but I can come off as a quiet person. I go to church every Sunday and my parents are very religious Catholics who try to make me a believer but I never understood religion till this day. I was intimidated by this class at first but I like that everyone was able to speak and listen as well which made me feel more comfortable. I even showed off my eyebrow talent :)

[Duvall Ledbetter]

 Hi Everyone! My name is Duvall Ledbetter and what I did not mention in class on Tuesday night is that I'm a first generation college student. I'm actually the second person in my family to attend college (my older brother being the first). This is my second semester at Brooklyn college and in college period. The reason why I decided to attend this school is because I'm originally from Queens and there was another world outside the borough. When people ask me where I'm from and I say Queens, they become shock because I commute all the way to Brooklyn. My hobbies are working out, spending time with family and relaxing while thinking. I'm very shy and timid. I wouldn't be able to say all these things in class because of my personality. If you give me the chance to open up, I would come out of my skin. I'm currently majoring in Exercise Science and working on receiving my first personal training certificate before I'm 21. 

[lrwilen4]

hey Duvall, its cool to know that u are majoring in exercise science and that u want to be a personal trainer. i am also a personal trainer, i became certified through a gym and now i am working on another level of certification. i would totally loved to hear how ur enjoying it and which classes ur taking if u want gym referrals or private clients feel free to ask me ask me

[laquintaclark]

Hello everyone,

I go by Quin which is easier to say than my first name. I just moved here from a small town in GA called Smyrna, it's close to Atlanta but cheaper. As I stated I'm originally from Arkansas but has bounced from there to GA to NY. Like most pepole that comes from a small town in the south to the big city it has been an adjustment. I am happy to say that I have survived the concrete jungle for a year!

[iriejam796]

Hi everyone, I'm a transfer student from BMCC continuing my education in Business Management. I have hopes of one day having my own business and moving back to the Caribbean. I am a very positive, dedicated and hard working individual who believes that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. I also believe that as long as you have knowledge you will gain power and with that you will be successful in life. This is something I instill in my kids and to every individual I come in contact with.  On the other hand, I love to travel and experience different places and cultures. 

[Kevin Desplantes]

Hey everyone, my name is Kevin Desplantes. I was born here in Brooklyn, New York. I am a lifeguard at LIU, and during the summer I lifeguard for a private pool 3 blocks away from Brooklyn College. During my free time i like to play volleyball, skateboard, go to the gym, and swim. I am aiming to be a Physical Therapy, and I am still searching for a major here at Brooklyn College that will correspond with Physical Therapy. I am a hard worker but i often get sidetracked. Hopefully, this class will be able to help me stay on track!

[taniki0108]

Hi, my name is Taniki Brooks but almost everyone call me Apple and I'm originally from Jamaica.  I've been living in the United states for five years now continiously, but I've been back and forth for 15 years.  I have three children, two boys and one girl.  I spent a year at Kingsborough and then I left because I had a high risk pregnacy and was hospitalized. I wanted to go back to Kingsborough but I move to East Flatbush and found that Brooklyn College was much closer.  I work full time and just try to manage my time as best as I can, my daughter who is much older than my two sons helps me out a lot, I'm so bless to have her.  I don't like heights and you would have to knock me out to get me on a roller coaster.  I may have a mean look sometimes but I'm a very friendly person.  I look forward to working with everyone and hope we have a wonderful semester.

[vgultyaeva]

Hey everyone.

My name is Veronika and I was born in Uzbekistan. I lived in Georgia, Uzbekistan, Nevada and New York.

I love exploring and learning new things. I mostly live between Nevada and New York so I basically have two different lives.  In Nevada I ride horses, move cows, drive really big trucks, ride dirt bikes, shoot guns and few other things. When I’m in New York I see more people and do more social things like going out to museums, shows, concerts and festivals.

            I’m a Studio Art major but I have studied engineering before however I’m glad that I finally found what I really enjoy doing.

            I pride myself in being open to any challenge and I follow through with everything that I decide to do. That quality is my positive and negative, even broken bones don’t stop me. Hopefully I’m not going to get any new injuries in this class but I’m looking forward to it.

[racquelallwood1987]

Hi! My name is Racquel.  As mentioned in class, I was bron in Kingston, Jamaica.  I came to America approximately 16 years ago and landed in Brooklyn, New York.  I was only eight years old. I felt distanced when trying to adapt to the American children and their culture because my main focus was to go to school and gain an education so that I will get a good job to help my struggling parents.  Currently, I am a supermom of two wonderful children (an eight year old daughter, and a six year old son).  Along with being a parent I am still keeping my promise to my parents by working full-time at a Hotel and part-time at Macy's to help them so they don't have to stuggle.  Along with that I'm still going to school full-time to fill my dream of working in my own business, I'm majoring in Accounting and Business Management and Finance.  People always ask how do you do it? I just simply say I'm determined, well disiplined, and believe that once God is present and you have the support of a family anything is possible!!! 

[tayo.ojudun]

Hello, my name is Tayo ,but it's pronounced Taya. I'm just going to give a simple introduction. I am at the tender age of twenty and currently a junior majoring in speech-language pathology. I have a real interest in sign language and the deaf community altogether. I actually planned on going to a church for the deaf this past weekend. However, my sister told me I couldn't just go and spectate because it wasn't a zoo and that it just wouldn't be right. I may still go some other time, when my signing improves. I'm still a novice at signing, it's quite difficult learning sign language when you have no one to sign with. Since I mentioned a sibling, I should also mention that I am the middle child of five. I thoroughly enjoy being one of seven. There are times when I would just like my own space, but the family dynamic is just too important at this stage in my life and in general, so I stay close. I am also really interested in music. My favorite band at the moment and has been for sometime now is Phoenix. They are from France, but their music is in English. They have an album coming out in April, which I am super excited for! Being that I've been waiting about a year for the album to come out and they have been pushing the release date back since last April, enough about that. The last thing I would mention is that I am Nigerian, my parents were born there. I've been there about three or four times, I was last there in January 2012 and all I can say is that it was a trip I would never forget. 

[arielleraoul]

Hello everyone. I'm not sure if this is the correct way to post things, but we'll see.

Something I didn't share with the class is that,  this is my first time in a classroom in two and a half years. This may not seem like a big deal or a very long time to many people, but it is to me. I was devastated when I was unable to continue my education and I am extremely grateful to be enrolled in college again. I recently found the college essay I wrote in 2008 as an entrance requirement and would like to share some of it with you:
"College is somewhere that I have always planned on going to. I have no intentions on stopping at my Barchelors Degree; I want to go all the way. I want to be a Forensic Psychologist, who has achieved the highest of my abilities and known for great things. I love a challenge and know that this is a hard task to accomplish. Knowing that my knowledge is all I have to call my own makes me want to take it and run with it. So that is what I am going to do once I have gotten the education needed for me to become a successful, prominently remembered young woman. I will absorb all the knowledge I can and try my best to strive for perfection, which makes me certain I will be victorious...It is thought that ones education can be the fuel to their success. Education is the one thing that no individual can be striped of. There is no degree in which ones success extends and there is no limit to the amount of education one can be given." 
I want to encourage you all to keep your dreams alive by believing that no matter how long it takes they will be accomplished. See you all later on today!

[jossianny(jossy)]

Hello, my name is Jossianny Rodriguez  but most people call me Josie because is shorter and easier to pronounce. i am trying to major in Spanish and Art. I believe i have no special powers as i said in class last week. One thing i did not mentioned is that i am a terrible writer. As a kid i did like to write but a couple of personal experiences changed that. One reason why i may be a terrible writer(or just an excuse) is because English is not my first language. All the grammar and punctuation drives me crazy and i wonder how i passed English one and two. Since English is not my first language you may be wondering what is it, and well its Spanish. I know i said before that i am majoring in Spanish but that is just a backup for my art major.In my personal opinion what a better person to teach Spanish than someone who knows it. The thing is i really love to draw but digital art is really in now and i do not like digital art much. Like, i love seeing it but not doing it, since there is a lot of computer work but i guess one day i will have to learn how to do it.

[Joey Wu]

Hello everyone, my name is Joey Wu. I think i am probably the last bunch to post an introductory paragraph because i was confused about the location of google groups. This is actually the 3rd time i am posting stuff (throughout my life), like a blog. I am a shy person and i don't like to express my opinions often but when i do, people find me weird. Right now i am feeling a bit confused on how the posting will go because i feel like i am replying on someone's intro par. I honestly think that this idea of posting, responding to questions, reading other comments, makes me feel reassured to my assigned tasks. What i mean by this is that i can understand better and accept other opinions as i move on to interesting topic questions. One thing that i did not mention in class is that i do things last minute (like right now). I would study for an exam the day before, do projects the day before and so on. Procrastination really hits me hard! But since i got the idea of how posting will be like i don't think this will ever happen again and i am trying to accomplish tasks in an earlier fashion.

[jimborat69]

My name is manuel domingo, I was born in the Philippines and migrated to NYC when I was 14. We are five boys in the family. My eldest brother has four boys and one girl. My second eldest brother two boys and one girl. I am the third one but no kids yet. The younger brother has one girl. The last but not the least brother has not kids.

I came back to school because, I feel that I am in a dead end job. I have been working in the accounting field since I was 16. I was a runner boy until I walk up the ladder and became a senior comptroller. I feel that if I don't have a CPA license and my title as senior comptroller does not make sense. I also feel it will be one of my best self accomplishment in my life.

[staceydavidyants]

Hi everyone, 

My name is Stacey Davidyants and I'm 19 years old. My full name is actually Anastasia, but everyone has been calling Stacey pretty much all of life. I came to the United States when I was 3 years old from Tashkent, Uzbekistan and I still speak fluently in Russian. I can also somewhat read in Russian thanks to my grandma who attempted to teach me when I was younger. I'm currently in my second year at Brooklyn College, taking mostly science classes that I need as prerequisites to get into dental school. I hope to apply and get into dental school in a couple of years. I've previously never taken a philosophy class before but I found the first class to be interesting and hopefully the rest of the classes will go the same way :) 

[olivia.kotz]

Hi everyone,

My name is Olivia and I don’t really know what to say about myself without delving into my life’s story, and I don’t want to do that so instead, I’ll just tell you some boring facts about me: 1, I love dogs. In fact, I love dogs more than people; 2, I love lavender. If something is scented with lavender, I just need to have it. 3, I hate peanut butter. Although I occasionally crave the flavor, I can’t handle the texture. I always feel like I’m suffocating when it’s caught on the roof of my mouth; 4, I don’t know how to have small talk. Besides, I’d much rather have a heart-to-heart conversation with lots of crying and hugging. Gross, right?; 5, Hmm, I feel like this has to be interesting because it’s the last fact but all I want to do is tell you how much I love seltzer. It’s the best. On a more serious note, I’m completely fascinated with the human body, both as a beautiful work of art and as an amazing medical feat so I’m majoring in Art History, but I’m also preparing to be a physical therapist. I'd love to be a surgeon but I have a tremor in my hands... So yea that's me in a nutshell.

[asiyebodur91]

Hi there! My name is Asiye, but you can call me Asi. Firstly, I want to apologize for replying so late. I could not open this "introduction" tab anywhere else but my iPhone. So I have to reply via my iPhone (I know the Professor doesn't like this but I need an exception!) :)

I was born in Turkey (near the Black Sea) on November 20,1991. I came to the USA when I was four. So I speak fluent Turkish and English, a little Spanish and Arabic. My name means rebellious in Turkish, I carry the characteristics to my name as well as my sign, Scorpio. I am stubborn, determined and loyal. I've been working full time and going to school full time since I was fourteen years old. I am a very hard and dedicated worker. I like to finish what I started, not quickly but efficiently and meticulously. I currently work at Mount Sinai hospital in the Department of Plastic Surgery. Now all of you thought of "boobie"jobs and nose jobs, but there is much more to it than that! :D To start off, I work for a plastic surgeon and a wound specialist. I get to see the cool things with the plastic surgeon and the yucky gooey things with the wound specialist. I probably have a lot of interesting, maybe stomach upsetting to some, stories to share. Working at the hospital and with patients gives me a different perspective of the world, a mature mind of state. There is a lot going on with health, but only a few know, or care to know. It's my third year at Mount Sinai and I love it!

So that's why I am here at Brooklyn college, to continue my studies in the medical field. I'm a transfer student. Unfortunately ended being a freshman, no credits got accepted. I'm currently a lower sophomore here. I picked psychology as a major because I thought it would help me deal with patients, or with people in everyday life. I'm currently taking pre-requisites along with psychology classes to apply for a physician assistant program. Once I graduate with my BS in psychology from Brooklyn, I think I'll apply to Weil Cornell Physician Assistant program with masters degree. And my focus would probably be emergency medicine, trauma or plastic surgery (since I'm already familiar with the field).
Hmm.. Anything else? I have three siblings, an older sister and two younger brothers. We all live in one household with my parents. One big happy family! My family is really important for me. I love gatherings, holidays, celebrations and birthdays. Whenever we have a chance we get together with aunts,uncles, cousins, etc,. We go to Turkey for visits whenever we have vacation time. I like escaping to Turkey, particularly to the place where I live. Little farms, alone with the nature and organic food! It's a beautiful place! I would most definitely recommend everyone to visit at least once.
I love seeing new things, going to new places and enjoying new dishes. Basically anything that's going to surprise me!

No political views. I can probably say that I am a conspiracy theorist. I don't believe in the system. I always have questions, or always question things.
I am a very friendly, honest and funny individual. It's hard to get on y bad side. I like to smile often, so I tend to laugh off annoying things. And I have a sarcastic side of me.
I am looking forward to this class, it was the only core that caught my interest. Lets see what happens.....

See you next Thursday!! :)
-Asi

[Duvall Ledbetter]

Hi Irwilen!. I am currently taking a physical education class which consists of learning the basics of health and wellness. I am interested in taking an anatomy class in the future to learn about the human body and its functions. Being healthy is a lifestyle to me. It's not just about staying fit for a couple of weeks. I plan on sticking with this career path beyond my college years. I wonder how it feels to train new clients and train them according to their needs.  

[abenaz13]

Born on Friday, the 13th of November, in the most graceful of cities, came about a little boy by the name of Ibrahim; pronounced in the Arabic language as Ib-ra-heem, yet transliterated in English as Ibrahim, rather than the hebrew variant Abraham(abe-ra-Ham), in order to distinguish between the Arabic and Hebrew pronunciations of the name. Originally from Yafa, Yemen, a nation where the sighting of american drones have become a common occurrence, situated on the brim of the Arabian Gulf, in as southwest as southwestern asia can be. I understand it's supposed to be spelled Ibrahim but I'd much rather have Ibraheem. I've always held the notion that it should have been anglicized "Ibraheem," mainly due in part to my noticing that the majority (mainly all) of english speakers have the inclination to verbalize IBRAHIM as Ib-ra-HIM. the ever resounding HIM. HIM. HIM. HIm. Him. It's the part that rings when first-timers take a stab at pronouncing my name. SOO annoying. the majority should always rule. Our governing authorities make a mockery of that, now, don't they?
 i digress...
 I mean, you really can't blame them, can you? poor people, they try vehemently in pronouncing it the right way, but all simply can't! I have taken notice in english speakers, who also happen to be of arabic descent, that tend to enunciate it accurately, which insinuates the problem lies at the transliteration of the name. i guess i take "pride" in the name because it's all i'll have postmortem(for now). ohhhh, the nuances of transliteration. I blame my sister! Who just so happened to be in HS upon the time of nativity; which then, would mean, she's irreproachable, as innocent as a nun. for, she was "just a child," as some would exclaim. but...merely 2 centuries earlier, she would've been deemed as an old dame to the local lad in search of a spouse. she also wouldn't be admitted into an accredited high school. how times have changed. Her (my sis) alma mater also happens to be Brooklyn College (B.S. chem). and no i'm not blaming my sis because it's the prototypical "muslim" thing to do, as many in this day and age are inevitably socially engineered/programmed to conclude. mother assigned her the task of handling the Birth Certificate and besides...It's the only thing i'll ever have on her; she practically raised me. other than that, she's as close to perfect as perfect can be. she's the epitome of a role model. and i think she's aged quite well, considering she's 36. Another pro is, everyone says she looks like me. or is it the other way around? lol (even though i have never told her "ILY", "you're the best" or anything of that nature; she has an idea, i think, so that's enough :) ). i guess that's the first attribute of worth, you guys will find of me. i sort of suppress my feelings in the presence of others. although, when i am a witness to injustice in the works, i start to burn inside and sometimes i erupt. depending on the situation. i'll tell you this much; i've been burning forever. Whatever it may be that I am susceptible to; it's never something i'd like to make public domain, i guess.  i have yet to figure out why, exactly. but, i think i have an idea. maybe because to my encountering of imprudent personalities in this world. and that's the world we live in, a "me" world. the more you're about "me" the more "successful" you become, or so it seems. It's been 20 years, 17 and counting since memory has served me; I truly don't believe I'll ever be able to get over the indelible orthographic miscue ingrained within the very spelling of my name; thanks sis. i just wish you would've taken an extra sec to think that over. because of you, no stranger that's not an arab or muslim, will ever pronounce my name the way it was intended to be pronounced. as simple as it may seem, i have no clue why it kills me. and i am far from your typical nitpicker.

[m.inam.gul]

Hi everyone

Let me begin by saying how awful i feel for posting so late, this past Thursday was actually my first day in class and i'll admit i was sort of lost. I was actually out of country attending, participating and organizing my brothers wedding! Its a good reason for missing out i think. My name is Mohammad Gul, i was born and raised in Pakistan and moved here to New York six years ago when i was 14. The transition process from a place where i had no internet to living in a place like NYC is so surreal and totally indescribable. But i am enjoying the ride. I am a second year student here at Brooklyn College majoring in Biology and i volunteer at the Brooklyn Hospital part time. Some of the things i like to do in my spare time includes, comic books, skateboarding, t.v shows and cooking(southeast asia food only)

Thank you so much for reading, and i look forward to an awesome semester.     

[kenlyv]

Hi my name is kenly Volot I was born and raise in Brooklyn. I lived with my mother and my two sister in a apartment. We had a very close bond and was really family oriented. As i began growing up I realize it was time for a change. I needed my own space. Although I wanted to move out I couldn't because ,I was not ready to leave my mother. I was not only her last child but her only son.
So I decided to stay with my mother and two sister my last semester of college. While attending school I meant a girl, her name was Cynthia. shes one person that i cant never forget. This is because she was with me through the rough times in my life. I thank god for bringing her into my life. From there on Cynthia and I worked very hard to help each other out to make sure that we both achieve Our goals.
Although This was a big transition in my life. I learned how to take care of myself and realize I change from a young boy a men. In life you may go through obstacles but it determine if you can overcome it, last but not least never give up on your dreams.

[Kevin Duffy]

My name is Kevin Duffy, i was born and raised in staten island and i am 21 years old. Something that i did not mension about myself in the 1st class was that i have played baseball my entire life up until 3 years ago. I was on the CSi baseball team and was cut just before the start of the season. The reason for me being cut was that i was not in shape. So ever since then i have made it my mission to be as physically and mentally fit and strong as humanly possible.

[Mateo Duque]

Class,

Everyone who posted here got full credit.

-Mateo Duque.

[Amanda Murat]

Hi everyone, My name is Amanda Murat , I was born and raised in Brooklyn ,Ny My parents are originally born in Haiti , but migrated to the U,S at a very young age, so I speak Creole fluently.I am currently a bilingual banker, where I enjoy networking with  all kinds of people,while  helping them with their finances. I have always been interested in Banking management ,so these pass 2 years have been a great experience for me. I am here at BC studying Business  Management  and Finance, and hopefully from here I will one day manage my very own successful business,

  I have a 4 year old son who is one of the greatest little boys I know, so most of my time is at the gym  playing basketball one of his favorite sports. Our favorite team in the Nba is the Knicks and we have been to 2 basketball games so  far.I am an adventurous person and consider my self an entrepreneur because of this.I look forward to learning  and working with you all.