Isabel Reyes
2009 Service Fund Participant –City College
A strong campus community is one of the most important factors influencing student success. A fragmented campus will not only make students feel unwelcomed, but it will also affect their overall performance. Studies have shown that students who establish firm relationships with others in their campus community are more successful than isolated students. Students can help other students tackle challenges as they pursue their goals, by providing support and guidance.
In my picture, an isolated student attempts to join a group, but is unable to because the student believes she will be ignored or excluded from the group. The student is at a far distance from the engaged students. Her body language demonstrates her distress and despair because of the way she clenches her hands together on her head, perhaps out of nervousness. It is as if she wants to exclaim to the four corners of the earth, “Hey, I exist!” but something is restraining her from doing so. Is it because she is timid? No, it’s because she is too far away to approach them, just as college students are distanced from valuable resources. The cobblestone wall separates the concrete ground from the lawn, which represents the barrier between student success and failure. The student seemed to capture the attention of a member, but the group member decided to return to her friends, since they remained indifferent. The isolated student is saddened because she feels there’s no hope trying to join groups or fit in. She is unable to see the beautiful, vivid colors of the scene. Instead, she sees dull shades of gray matter, which is why the photograph is in black and white.
The student feels like an outcast. The majority of the college student body feels just the same. The small student groups that do exist on campus do not attempt to invite others to join their group. Incoming students, as well upperclassmen need to be informed of opportunities that exist. Most of the events and opportunities students know about are spread through word of mouth. If a student does not have any peers within the campus, a tremendous opportunity may pass them by. For example, many freshman students, including myself, had a difficult transition into college. I discovered a few programs that were available to support freshmen only as my freshman year was culminating. The first year of college frightens and intimidates many students, not only because of the laborious work, but because of the lack of social interaction and information.
Uniting various campus organizations and clubs isn’t an impossible task. Currently, student groups and organizations function in a fragmented way; only members share access to important information and resources. Since we all want to progress in life, we should help one another achieve goals together. I would like to see the students more unified, working together to find solutions to their problems. City College needs a strong organization that can support students, as well as promote important events and opportunities. Having more diverse members within an organization can allow us to see the perspective of others. This gives us the opportunity to see the struggles students confront and create a plan on how we can eliminate them. My idea involves unifying student groups to form an organization that will unite the student body and promote student success.
About the Artist
I am the first sibling in my family working towards a college education and in the future, graduate school. I enjoy the performing arts, reading the newspaper and helping out those in need. People think I am shy at first, but once they begin to learn more about me, they notice my persistence and outgoing nature. My philosophy is that if you want something, you should fight for it. I am currently attending City College and pursuing a degree in meteorology. You probably haven’t met too many individuals interested in this field, but I can assure you that meteorology applies to many other fields such as energy, transportation and construction.
Attending college has allowed me to experience the joys and hardships one faces in college. During this time, I have learned a lot about myself and my personal strength and ambition. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate in any extracurricular activities during my freshman year due to an ailment, but it will not prevent me from doing so next semester. I want the students of City College to understand the benefits of joining clubs and organizations, within or outside of the campus.
I have been involved with various organizations, such as the NYPD Police Explorers and Make The Road By Walking. When I volunteer, I feel good about myself and feel good about those I have helped. Just seeing them smile gives me a sense of fulfillment. I believe human beings are not meant to suffer or be confined, and I help others because I appreciate what many have done for me. I believe that by helping at least one person, I have changed the way a person sees young adults and society. If people would have the chance to help at least one stranger, neighbor, or friend, the world would be closer to perfection.
