Undergraduate / 'when I found out I was moving to United States' transfer- Common App [2]

Please provide a statement (250 words minimum) that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.

My life changed dramatically when I found out I was moving to United States. Growing up in the mountains of Romania, and I had no idea what to expect. I pictured my whole life in United States through the only lens I had, Hollywood movies. I pictured myself living in a house like Kevin's from Home Alone, going through high school like Brad from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and going to college like James from The Paper Chase. But soon I realized life wasn't always a Hollywood movie. I did not live in a suburban neighborhood like Kevin, I did not go to the picture perfect high school like Brad, and I did not end up in the ideal college like James. As I grew up, I realized it's up to you to decide what you want to do with your life and that you should pursue the ultimate life you want to have.

Having a college in New York City is exactly what some students are looking for. Hearing the hectic sounds of New York every morning and advancing through the crowded 23rd street excites most people. And this is exactly what Baruch College offers: a college in the biggest city in the world with vast amount of opportunities. But I've lived in New York my whole young adult life, and want to experience life outside the Big Apple. My two years at Baruch made me realize that I'm missing a big part of college by commuting to school. Being part of a college that has a diverse community and provides a close bond among its students is important to me. I want to have the opportunity to learn and connect with people from different parts of the country. Only when a person surrounds himself by a multitude of different opinions is he able to develop and establish his own ideals. I also need space for personal growth by living on my own and becoming more independent. Living on your own teaches a variety of things that can't be learned by living at home. It teaches you self motivation, responsibility, and the skills needed to prosper in life. But it's more than just the people I want to surround myself with. I want to be part of an institution that offers an excellent selection of courses in economics that will be able to broaden my understanding of the world. There, I hope to interact with a more renowned faculty that will be able to inspire and educate me to achieve my utmost potential. I'm a person with many interests and being part of a program that has cross border learning in its courses will enhance my ability to become a well-rounded economist.

New York has developed me into a socially conscious person that transcended into my studies of economics. I believe my passion for economics stems from having a unique perspective on the variety of success people have. New York has always been a concentrated city, and it's nearly impossible not to notice homeless people sharing the streets with affluent people. As a result of living in this complex environment, it has grown my thirst of knowledge for economics, and left me with unanswered questions that I yearn to learn about and contribute to the field of economics.

Baruch College has been a good experience giving me the opportunity to reflect upon myself and has helped me acquire long life lessons. Specifically, I've learned that pursuing the picture perfect life is important despite the few bumps in the road that life throws your way.