Hey everyone, my name is Antolin German. I’m originally from the Bronx, but I moved to Port Chester, which is in West Chester County. I’m majoring in Accounting. After college, I plan on being an accountant somewhere; I don’t know exactly where. Although I am majoring in accounting, I don’t know if that’s something I’d want to do for the rest of my life. You’re probably asking yourself then are why you are majoring in this field? I’ve watched my family’s business burn to the ground due to my father’s poor choices with money, and I refuse to do the same with my business. Yes, I do have my own business. I started my clothing line in January 2022. It’s actually one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of. Me accomplishing one of my goals/dreams was a confidence booster. Many people, including my family told me I couldn’t do it, and proving them wrong was what I needed to gain back my confidence.
      I’m also a part-time sales representative for Vector Marketing, and I’ve learned things I never even considered learning about. I learned how to sell much more than cutlery and kitchen items. For example, I learned how to “sell” myself, and this job also helped me develop my soft skills such as presenting and interacting with people. Regardless if I decide to pursue a long-term career at Vector, I know that these skills will come in handy regardless of what I choose to pursue. I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t necessarily bad it’s an essential step to growing not just as a scholar but also as a person. That’s actually why I chose to go to New Paltz. New Paltz has a reasonable diversity rate and people from all different types of backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. This is significant to me because it allows me to interact with people from all different parts of the United States, which can help me understand different parts of the United States and different cultures. I also chose New Paltz because I felt like I belonged when I came for a campus visit. It was a very warm welcome and I fell in love with the campus and the scenery.
     My biggest struggle now in New Paltz is finding a balance between the gym, friends, and school. Back in high school, I had freedom but never to this extent. So it was much easier for me to find a balance because my parents installed in me the concept that school comes first. Although I’m getting my work done, I find myself procrastinating or just leaving everything for the last minute. Which, at the end of the day, stresses me out. So as of right now, I feel like my weakness is time management. Time management used to be one of my strengths so I know once I get used to the college life I’ll have it down pact. At the end of the day, I know my main objective is to have that diploma in my hands in 4 years. This isn’t just for me but for my family as well. They’ve sacrificed everything just so I could get to this point. I’m living the dream they’ve always wanted so in a sense they’re living through me. They’re my inspiration and heart in human form. There’s no room for failure. There’s no other option I have to get my degree, or else everything my parents and I have done would’ve been for nothing.