Year/Major: Junior/Marketing

Fun Fact: I can speed paint a pikachu meme face in under 2 minutes.

As a freshman, I actually didn’t want to join anything. But I bumped into Brian (my Anh) and decided to checkout VSA. The first event that really caught my attention was paint noon. I really like painting and thought this is the right event for me. But I actually didn’t really feel a connection to anyone or the club so I never came back. I also did not end up checking out any other clubs, I wasn’t really interested in being a part of the community at the time. But then, Tam asked me to help out during Paris and I ended up really enjoying everyone’s company and liking VSA. Like many other people, I shadowed the social and fundraising chair and met my line (the best people ever) and eventually became the 2019 - 2020 VPM. I always liked giving back to my community and finding ways to get involved when I was younger and throughout highschool, I just kind of stopped. But VSA rekindled that part of me and made me want to give back to the club that was so instrumental to my freshman year college experience. I knew that there were a lot of people that could benefit from the on-campus community and was missing out on so many great people and memories to be made. I also saw the potential VSA had to become an integral part of helping shape the lives of commuter students. It’s already hard enough to have a social life at a commuter school, and feel a part of the community. And VSA has given me my closest friends and most fond memories, and I knew this club could do the same for many people. And I want to be a part of that journey and help lead a team towards those ideals. I know that my eboard for this next school year is even more determined and driven than anyone I know and I’m more than excited to work with them. I hope that you do decide to check out VSA after hearing our stories! And please feel free to message me if you wanna learn more about VSA!

IG account: @gkney

Year/Major: Junior/Actuarial Sciences

Fun Fact: A group of cats is called a “clowder.” I want a clowder.

I joined VSA because I was looking for something new and something else to do other than stay in the library between classes. My first VSA event was around Valentine's day which was where I met my big, also named David. He picked me up and told me he expected me to come to the club room and to the next couple of events. It was hard to go to the club room, because David admitted it was a bit intimidating to just walk in there without knowing anybody there, but I stepped out of my comfort zone. After all, I did go to clubs to meet new people. It has been a wild ride since and joining E-Board was the next natural step for me. The first person I invited to an event was Winnie. She told me she was going to Baruch and I told her about Baruch VSA and that she should come with her friends to our summer barbeque. Seeing her grow out of her shell and out of her comfort zone and become a leader has really inspired me and has made me happier than words can really describe. The fact that most of our current E-Board are new members that joined last year and then went on to run for E-Board makes me very happy. I want to continue to inspire the next generation of leaders and help them come out of their comfort zone.

IG account: @hungdover

Year/Major: Sophomore/Finance

Fun Fact: I've fractured one arm and dislocated the other oops

Finding out about VSA was an exciting moment for me since I'm half Vietnamese myself. Growing up, I was never quite surrounded by Vietnamese culture often, so in order to reconnect with my roots and smoothly adjust to college life simultaneously, I joined VSA. Unsurprisingly, once I started to get to know VSA's amazing members and its E-Board, I knew that I wanted to do more than just become a normal general member. I wanted to directly get involved with VSA, its works, and everything in between since giving back to my communities was always one of my characteristics growing up. I've always found utter joy in helping others by taking on challenging leadership roles and participating in various extracurriculars. It was not only a great way for me to be able to connect and step outside of my comfort zone, but it also gave me comfort in knowing that I was able to do my part and become an active member in my communities. I hope to make a meaningful impact on the VSA community during my time on E-Board as well as portray VSA in a positive light to the new members who are planning to join VSA in the fall. I'm also incredibly excited to be a part of this year's E-Board, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us! :)

IG account: @its.samanda

Year/Major: Junior/Marketing

Fun Fact: You can bribe me to do anything with good sushi and a can of coca cola

Having a place where you can belong is a rare and special feeling. Although I knew college would be a transitional period in my life, I didn’t have many expectations coming to Baruch. But from my first year of college, VSA has been here for me every step of the way. This club was not only a home away from home, but a place filled with people I could rely on. I never thought that club life at Baruch could be so welcoming until I was introduced to VSA. Commuting to classes every day went from a dull routine to something I could look forward to. From being too scared to step foot into the clubroom alone, I’m proud to have grown enough to become an e-board member. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without VSA encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. As an e-board member, I hope that I can help continue making this club special for new and old members to come. It’s an honor to be able to give back to the community that has made my college experience infinitely more rewarding.

IG account: @itskimberlyho

Year/Major: Sophomore/ Computer Information Systems

Fun Fact: When eating food on a plate, I eat my least liked food first, and save my favorite for last.

Coming into college as a freshman, I never thought VSA would be the club that I would end up in because after all, I’m not Vietnamese. However, I felt an instant connection to the people at VSA. I found myself going to their events week after week, even missing events that I had marked down for other clubs I was interested in checking out, just so I could go to the VSA ones. I feel a great sense of belonging and family in this community and they have made my first year at Baruch memorable. Commuting to school actually became fun for the first time in my life. I ran for e-board because I truly believe in the potential of this club, and the vision of the current executive board. I’m excited to carve my legacy in this organization, and for many more future memories with this club that I call home. I look forward to seeing you guys at our events!

IG account: @zhii_kuang

Year/Major: Sophomore/Finance

Fun Fact: gIRaFfE iS lOvE GiRaFfe iS LiFE

Coming in as a freshman, life was pretty depressing without many friends in a new environment. Eating lunch and walking around with the same few people just wasn’t it. I remember VSA being the most welcoming and uplifting organization during the club fair and I knew I had to check them out. After going to the first few GIMs, I finally had the courage to visit the club room even though I did not really know anyone there. Of course, with the amazing variety of personalities within that small room, I eventually mingled with everyone and found myself enjoying college life more than ever. Not only did I find some of my closest friends at Baruch in VSA, but I also found myself interacting with various types of people. VSA has given me that chance to become a part of something in a commuter school that everyone looks down on in terms of social life, and I wanted to be a part of this organization to give newcomers the same experience, therefore joining E-Board. After being one of the shadows for VP of Marketing, I knew being behind the scenes for every master plan for events was something I wanted to get more involved in and continue doing. Knowing that this year’s E-Board is filled with some of the most amazing people I know, there is definitely no doubt that we will continue VSA’s culture.

IG account: @iitzjess

Year/Major: Sophomore/Operations Management

Fun Fact: My first, middle, and last name all start with T.

I joined VSA in order to learn more about my culture and become a part of a community. The first VSA event I attended was a little intimidating because I didn’t know anyone at Baruch and I didn’t know what to expect. I ended up having a great time and everyone was so welcoming. As I attended more events and became more active, I started to become really passionate about this organization. VSA helped me find my family here at Baruch and I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences they provided me. I decided to run for E-Board because I want to give back to this organization and carry on the legacy and mission of this club. As an E-Board member I want to inspire future members and provide them with the same experiences that I got from VSA.

IG account: @henthaitran

Year/Major: Junior/Statistics & Quantitative Modeling

Fun Fact: I’m lowkey lactose only in the morning and evening.

I was initially drawn to VSA because of how much fun I had getting to know the previous e-board and members. I discovered how great of a place the clubroom was for taking a nap, and I kept coming back to sleep whenever I had spare time. From making occasional yaya runs, talking until dawn, to hosting a final's sleepover, I've made countless memories and am excited to keep that going. At first you don’t really realize how much effort goes into the events whether it be planning, marketing and putting it all together, but every person on e-board has an impact on the future of the club, and seeing how hardworking and creative my previous predecessor, Annie, was, I was inspired to be part of e-board. The only way to predict the future is to create it, so I’m looking forward to peak vsa ✨❗❗

IG account: @jasperwalle

Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing

Fun Fact: I refuse to watch a show unless all the episodes are out..omo omo.

I learned about VSA through David. We used to be coworkers and he told me to check out the club and invited me to their summer BBQ. Going to the summer BBQ was one of the best decisions of my life. Everyone was extremely nice and made me feel really comfortable. That was what made me come back to more events-the people. Attending multiple events that VSA had offered, I have cultivated relationships with people that I can call my family. Commuting became less inconvenient and tiresome knowing that I am basically going to my second home on campus. I decided to run for E-board because I wanted to give back to the club that has been there with me since day 1 while also having the opportunity to provide the same warm-hearted experiences that I had to newer members. As the new Social Chair, I want to make sure that VSA is an all-encompassing club that welcomes everybody and is a place where we can all call home.

IG account: @winn_omo

Year/Major: Sophomore/Public Affairs

Fun Fact: The first concert I ever went to was to see Pitbull (Yes Mr. 🌏)

Coming into Baruch, I knew that I wanted to join VSA. I was so excited that I could get the chance to meet other Viets, since I am Viet myself, who I could relate to and meet other people who just wanted to learn more about my culture. Throughout my freshman year, I really got to see the amazing work that our school VSA does along with the rest of the VSA community. Seeing the platform that it gave Vietnamese-Americans, and for anyone who is passionate about VSA, to grow and build themselves as a leader, I felt really inspired to take on a larger role. And so I’m beyond grateful to have the chance to be an E-board member and to work with this team to expand VSA’s potential and make it a rewarding experience for everyone involved. In the end, I hope that I can make myself, my parents, and my community proud.

IG account: @victoriau_

Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing Management

Fun Fact: My persimmon tree is dying and i don't know how to save it. Can someone help?

I came into Baruch with a few close friends not knowing what clubs to join but knowing that we will join one. I remember during convocation day my friends and I were on our way out of the building when Jeannie intercepted us playing division 1 defense and did not let us through without taking a card and a sticker. Because she did that I checked the club out and had a great time for my first year at Baruch. For most people school is inherently not a fun place. After joining VSA I found myself looking forward to coming to school. With my amazing fellow e-board I hope to keep VSA a friendly and welcoming club that new members can join and have a great time like I did.

IG account: @ip.eriic

Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing Management

Fun Fact: I take like 4 naps a day, and I’m proud of it.

As a freshman, I came into Baruch alone, and I’d spend my free time sleeping in the library. I knew that I wanted to get involved, but I didn’t have an idea of where I should start. I remember stepping into the club fair and that's when Jeannie, our amazing president, slapped a VSA postcard in my face. Bewildered, I decided to check out what the club was all about. Little did I know, VSA gave me a home on campus, people I consider my second family (shoutout cutest line), countless laughs and I can’t wait to make many more lifelong experiences to come.

Now, it’s time for me to carve my legacy into VSA; I’m aiming to utilize my abilities at their best to keep the VSA family strong. I’m really excited to be able to work with such an amazing executive board and I can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store. I want everyone to understand that VSA isn’t just a club. We’re a family.

IG account: @ochauu

Year/Major: Senior/Digital Marketing

Fun Fact: I met Cole and Dylan Sprouse randomly once & asked for a picture and Cole said yes but it had to be quick because they were late to class. Haha!!!

When I transferred here, I knew I wanted to join clubs because I hadn’t made any new college friends despite being in school for two years already. Annie and I ended up having the same class together and expressed the idea of joining a club. We began with different clubs, but one day she told me to join VSA with her. I went to the first GIM, super shy, super awkward. Then I went again. And again. And...again. And I wasn’t involved that much because of work, but then Fall 2019 started and I dedicated more time into going to club events and eventually mustered up some courage to visit the clubroom, where I only knew one or two people. However, everyone immediately greeted me with a warm welcome and I knew that I had made some friends of a lifetime here. I wanted to join eboard the first time I transferred here, but I felt like it wasn't my place to join because I wasn’t as involved. Now that I got to know everyone better, I just thought to myself, “Why not?!” So here I am. Current PR Chair. Proud and excited!

IG account: @ahahandrey

Year/Major: Sophomore/Marketing Management

Fun Fact: I love to cook

To be honest, before I even came to Baruch I already knew I was going to join a club no matter what. It all came down to which club I really wanted to be involved with. So why Baruch VSA? I chose Baruch VSA mainly because they were extremely friendly when they were advertising their club on convocation day. Out of all the clubs I saw that day, they were the most exciting and engaging club. That really left a really good impression for my friends and I. In the end, we picked VSA. Now as to why I stayed with VSA, I can confidently tell you that this club is more than just a club. It feels like a family whether it is during club events, or just hanging out in the club room, or even as simple as texting. As a freshman, my time in VSA has not been long, but it has been a good one.

During the second semester, I was given an opportunity to shadow under VSA’s eboard. I thought of this as a chance to see how it feels like to be on eboard and to see how it compares to a general member. To me, a shadow is like the best of both worlds. You get to see how the eboard functions while also being a general member. As a shadow, I’ve learned a lot about each position I worked under and it has given me a good idea of how those positions work. My favorite would be shadowing social chair because I personally enjoyed brainstorming ideas for events and I also had a lot of fun working with my partner in crime so that was a really great experience for me. Overall, this opportunity to shadow in general has been a great one although it fell short, unfortunately. However, what’s happened has happened so as long as it was a good one, that’s all that matters to me. To wrap this up…. “NORTHEAST CAN’T BE BEAT!” and obviously…. “VSA ALL DAY!”

IG account: @thisisntivan