If your post-grad aspirations include the city of Chicago, think of your time to Columbia as a four year headstart. Sabrina, a sophomore acting major is here to tell us all about it. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. I came to Columbia for a few reasons. I’m vision impaired and missing a part of my brain, so things come a little bit harder to me. Also, traditional learning isn’t my thing. I’ve always learned best through music and performance. At a young age, I knew I wanted to act in ballroom dance competitively. Columbia gives me the ability to do both of these things in a city that I’ve loved since I was very little. When choosing a college, I knew I needed to be in a city because I can’t drive. Chicago gives me the ability to walk everywhere, take Ubers if I need to and have unlimited rides on public transportation, thanks my student U-Pass. This environment has really helped me mature and become more independent. I can get where I need to go without feeling trapped or having to rely on others. I can wake up, get coffee at Starbucks because there’s one on every corner. Go to class, have a quick bite to eat and then I’m at the dance studio by late afternoon. If you’ve ever watched “Dancing with the Stars”, you know that in order to be a great ballroom dancer, you have to be a great actor. At 17 years old I didn’t know if I wanted to be an actor, professional ballroom dancer or both. I still don’t, and that’s okay. Columbia gives me the ability to do both of these things. There are plenty of schools in other big cities, but those schools didn’t allow me the flexibility to pursue all of my passions. My dance studio is minutes away from my apartment, so I can practice and take lessons in between classes, homework, and exploring the city. I’m always discovering something new living in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Everything I need is right outside my door. My classes are next to local shops, office buildings, restaurants, museums, theaters, and concert venues, not to mention Michigan Avenue, Ram Park, Navy Pier, and Water Tower Place. I’m not trapped in a little school bubble. It really feels like I’m stepping out into the real world every time I leave my apartment. Where I grew up, everyone looks like me, but I never felt like I belonged. Columbia has given me the gift of meeting people with similar and different interests. Just walking around the city, aka my campus, not everyone looks like, and I love that. Columbia has made me much more of a well-rounded human being. Even though Columbia doesn’t have a traditional campus. I’m in the real world surrounded by families and working professionals. I know that life after college is going to be that much easier, and Columbia is helping me bridge the gap into adulthood. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to study in Chicago. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for sharing your story with us, Sabrina. I’m a little jealous that you could go to college in such a vibrant city, that was incredible
. With creativity at its heart, Columbia’s programs are also grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. All students complete a rigorous core curriculum, which includes classes in a broad range of subjects, including history, literature, science, writing, and math, along with a few classes unique to Columbia. Here’s sophomore film and television major, Jewel, to share her academic experience.
– Hello, everyone. I grew up in Chicago and I’ve always loved how creative my city is. When I was just nine years old, I found my true calling after participating in a film and journalism program. From there I learned more about photography, videography and even journalism. I then created my own photography and videography company in 2018, becoming an entrepreneur at 16 years old. With all my prior film knowledge, I knew I needed to get to evolve in my career during a college, and Columbia College Chicago is the place to be. Although I’m a film and television major with the minor photography, I love that Columbia offers a liberal arts experience. I’m learning how to form a short film properly while also getting perspective on Chicago’s Latinx culture. In my first semester I learned about the years of philosophy study in asynchronous class, meaning that I was able to take the coursework on my own time. Having coursework classes within my schedule educates me far beyond my major while also teaching me business etiquette and industry skills. In my first year I also use our library’s database for research purposes, but also dug up some more information about philosophy just out of my own curiosity. I even use some professors office hours to better myself and my work. Not only is Columbia a 30 minute drive from home, build learning from faculty, connect with students from all over the world and being able to evolve my career for the next three years are some things I love about Columbia. Also love that within some of my classes, I’m able to use hands-on equipment while also working alongside professionals who are active in their industries. FYI, I maintain straight A’s my entire first year and ended with a 4.0 GPA. Even while maintaining straight A’s, I stay super involved in the campus community. I’ll be one of this year’s orientation leaders, the Vice President of a new group called Soul Sisters and I’ll probably squeeze some more activities into my schedule too. Going to Columbia is unlike any other school. Here you’re able to engage with the world around you while also gaining knowledge in whatever industry that you choose, which for me is film and television. Even pursuing my minor, I’m able to connect with other creatives while also enhancing our photography skills. Everyone at Columbia is able to grow so much within just one semester, and here you’re able to make friends while doing it. So far my college education has been way more than learning techniques for a job. I developed lifelong skills, such as adequately communicating, staying engaged with my work, completing tasks on time, and knowing how to edit what I make, operate cameras and capture great pictures. Columbia is a significant investment, but it’s one of that my parents and I will treasure forever. That’s it for me. Tell us what’s next, Alex.
– Thanks Jewel. It’s inspiring to see a student like you who’s taking full advantage of everything Columbia has. Thank you for showcasing the depth of Columbia’s academic experience, that was excellent
2021, ASL English Interpretation graduate, Kirsten, is here to tell you firsthand how essential it is to connect with your faculty.
I especially miss the ASL Center, a place where ASL students can go practice their signing and hangout. Faculty members come to and hang out with us so we can build those relationships outside of the classroom. Angie Malcomson and Diana Gorman are two professors that made a huge impact on my life. I don’t know if I would have graduated without them. Diana was my linguistics professor. I’m deaf and hard of hearing, and it was in her classes that I first experimented with hearing aids, and I also had my very first interpreters. She made me feel comfortable and accepted the entire time. With Diana I learned the love of the language. Angie was my interpreting professor. Her classes made me fall in love with interpreting all over again. She always worked hard with us to make sure that we could turn things in if we weren’t doing super well. I will always appreciate her flexibility during the pandemic and putting an emphasis on making sure that we were taking care of ourselves. Angie, also helped me learn how to advocate for myself and made sure I understood that I deserved access to education just like everybody else. She is the person that saved me when I needed one last credit to graduate. Immediately, she said that she would do an independent study with me and it ended up being one of the best experiences that I’ve had. Aggie always pushes me just enough to be the absolute best that I could be. The amount of care that Columbia faculty members put into their students continues to blow me away. In the ASL Department, our professors work hard to find deaf events in the community that we can go to, so we can network. We also get mentors in our practicum one class, so we can get industry experience and meet professional interpreters. Our professors work hard to make sure that we are as prepared as possible.
Kirsten, thank you so much for showing us the power of relationship building with your faculty. It’s obvious Columbia’s professors are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and experience with their students. Thanks again.
Everyone learns differently. That’s why from your first day on campus, there’s a team of academic advisors, tutors, career advisors, and counselors available to ensure your academic and personal experience at Columbia stays positive. Junior creative writing major, Daniel is gonna tell us about how working with Columbia support offices has set him up for success.
– Hi everyone. When I was a freshman in high school, my brother was a senior looking at colleges. I remember sitting next to him in an informational meeting of Columbia College, Chicago. And when it was over, I looked at him and said, “I don’t know where you’re going to school, “but I’m going to Columbia.” We both ended up here. And for me, Columbia was the only college I applied to. But back in high school, I was constantly on edge. My family wasn’t aware of my school’s fundamentalist Christian history until it was too late. I was constantly having to advocate for myself. I was the queer Jewish student on campus. On top of all of this during my senior year, I was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a learning disability that governance executive skills. I was given a 504 plan, which ensures a person with a disability identified under the law receives accommodations for better academic success. I still had to implement every accommodation myself, all while educating others around me about my identities. I struggled super hard to get my high school rates to a passable place, all while juggling choir practice, serving as president of three different student organizations and performing in countless musicals. None of this was easy with the added stresses of homophobia, ableism, and antisemitism. Everything changed when I got to Columbia and my first meeting with Jean Kelly, Director of Services for Students with Disabilities, she told me we would use my accommodations in my 504 plan to create new accommodations, such as having a note taker or extended time on tests. I laughed in her face. This was so different to anything I’d ever experienced. Columbia College Chicago was my light at the end of the tunnel. Once I finally got to Chicago, I went from having a 2.0 GPA to being on the Dean’s list, both semesters of my first year. Now I’m a junior currently serving on the board of the Columbia College Chicago, Audio Drama Club, and the school has been the perfect place for me. Back in high school, no one wanted to see me succeed, but here everyone supports me. So if you’re creative, maybe a little different and marks the beat of your own drum, Columbia is the perfect place for you too. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Daniel.
All right, everyone. Now we’re heading over to the University School located right in the center of campus. This is a K through 12 school where education majors receive real life hands-on learning experience at a top ranked school. Carly Brewington, a senior majoring in special education is waiting for us here. She’s gonna talk to us about her experience as an education student at ETSU. Carly, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. The special education program here at ETSU has given me the college experience I have always dreamed of. The Clemmer College has allowed me to dive into an education career while still completing my undergrad. To finish all my teaching requirements I’m in a teaching residency program where I will have extended hours in the classroom working with many great students, administrators and staff. I’m here at the historic University School which is situated in the heart of ETSU’s campus. Here, you will find K through 12 students engaged in a smaller, more intimate classroom environment. My classmates and my professors have made me a better person by showing me support throughout my college experience. My mentor teacher is an incredible educator who has been teaching here at the University School for 13 years. She has given me priceless knowledge that I will take with me through life. from summertime classroom preparation to meeting students and their families and now a hybrid fall semester, teaching students both in-person and online I have been able to work alongside her through it all. My mentor teacher has also entrusted me to create incredible bonds with students. This has given me a new insight to teaching that I will always cherish. More specifically. I have created a friendship with one student in particular who has taught me that it is always a good day to have a good day. This student has taught me to live on the happy side an invaluable lesson that I will take with me through life. I have been able to watch him grow and become confident in his ability to learn. It has been an incredible journey to watch. He has also shown me the true reason of why I chose this career, which is to make a difference. My extra time spent in this inclusion classroom has allowed me to pour my energy into nurturing a growing mind. My college experience has truly been an incredible journey that I would not trade for the world. From being a student athlete on the triathlon team to the incredible relationships and education I’ve received, I’m so proud that I’ll be able to call ETSU my alma mater. I hoped you enjoyed hearing my story and I hope to see you soon here in the Tennessee Hills at East Tennessee State University. Back to you Alex.
– Carly, you are a rock star and I have a feeling the kids in your student classroom would say the exact same thing about you as well. The classroom experience and mentorship you’re receiving at ETSU is simply incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all. We appreciate it. Cheers Carly.
FAU’s beach side location is a huge draw for students, so we’re going to head less than two miles off campus to the beach and meet Santonya. She’s a sophomore majoring in psychology, with a minor in human resource management and she’s going to tell us how FAU students take full advantage of all the stuff Florida has to offer. Santonya, you’re on.
– Hey everyone. Moving all the way to South Florida from a small town in Georgia felt like a big risk, but FAU proved to be the only school that could provide me undergraduate research opportunities, dedicated advisors, and an excellent faculty to student ratio, in a location less than two miles from the beach. Living in Boca Raton, I’m surrounded by booming businesses, palm trees, and the beauty of the Atlantic ocean, but that’s not the only thing that makes FAU’s location so special. For me, being a short drive from cultural hubs, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Del Ray Beach, provide the perfect opportunities to learn and live in paradise. On weekends, I start my days giving tours to prospective students before heading out to brunch with friends, or relaxing right here on the beach. If you’re feeling more active, there are tons of trails and parks to explore, and FAU’s campus rec offers outdoor adventure tours and equipment rentals so that you can explore South Florida’s great outdoors to the fullest extent. One of my favorite spots to meet with friends and take in the local culture is Atlantic Avenue, also known as the Ave. Here you’ll find street festivals, local businesses and restaurants with amazing food and live music. The beauty of going to school in South Florida is that you’re not confined to campus. We spend a lot of time exploring the local community. Living in South Florida, there’s so much to see and do and so much to learn in and out of the classroom. What some may call a weekend getaway or spring break, I get to call everyday life. What’s next, Alex?
– Santonya, that was amazing and so is that ocean view. I love how FAU students really immerse themselves in the culture of South Florida and explore the natural beauty of this area. What an incredible place to go to college! That was excellent, thank you.
Our next stop is at the student union, where we’ll meet Rhoda. She’s a junior elementary education major, and she’s going to tell us about the engaging learning environment here at FAU. FAU offers more than 170 degree programs, where expert faculty create a learning environment that prepares students for success in all areas of life. Rhoda, please take it away.
– Thank you for the beautiful introduction, Alex. You’ve already heard about location and the campus experience from my peers, but FAU prides itself on it’s strong academics and engaging learning environment. After earning my AA degree, I transferred to FAU from a local college and let me tell you, as soon as I stepped foot on this campus, I felt welcomed and supported in achieving my goals. One of the best first experiences I had at FAU was being part of the First Year Connections mentoring program. In this program, I was assigned a mentor that guided me through my first year and connected me with valuable resources through the Center of Teaching and Learning. At FAU, students have numerous opportunities to learn through experience and esteemed scholars. We also have several honors programs, such as the Wilkes Honors College, which offers an all honors curriculum and close knit community. As an education major, I’ve met talented faculty who’ve pushed me to reach my fullest potential. From professors making themselves available for meetings, to advisors guiding with class selection, everyone here is dedicated to my success. A big part of my FAU story is the leadership training I’ve gained through the office of leadership education and development. Learning valuable skills, such as public speaking and understanding my own talents, not only helped me excel in my classes, but also helped me in achieving my goal of joining student government and eventually being elected as the Boca Raton campus governor. In this role, I represent every student on the Boca campus to find innovative ways for resources, activities, and programming to benefit our owl community. I’ve been at FAU a little over a year and already achieved so many of my leadership goals. Florida Atlanta University is the school for students to reach their full potential, in and out the classroom. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rhoda. I am so impressed by all you’ve achieved in your time at FAU. The leadership experience you’re getting outside the classroom will not only benefit you academically, but also make you a well-rounded candidate when it’s time to apply for jobs. You’re a rockstar. Cheers, Rhoda.
All right everyone, let’s meet Alexis. She’s majoring in ocean engineering, with a minor in mathematics. FAU’s coastal location offers students countless opportunities to conduct incredible research in the region’s vast marine ecosystems. They’ve got students working alongside experts in sea turtle conservation, shark migration, coastal restoration, and much, much more. This is going to be a great one. Alexis, you are on.
– Thank you, Alex. I’ve been very fortunate to work on a variety of research projects here at FAU. Here, undergraduates have the rare opportunity to conduct doctoral level research early on. I’ve been able to work on projects developing submersibles to identify the invasive red lionfish, and a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the thermal power plant systems. I am currently conducting research on FAU’s Harbor Branch campus as a part of their Marine Science and Engineering summer internship program. I’ve been able to work on quantifying Florida’s red tide issue and protecting the endangered Atlantic sturgeon. FAU’s campuses span 110 miles of coastline and it’s unique locations from the Indian River lagoon, to Dania Beaches intercostal area, offers students interested in ocean related studies, extraordinary opportunities to learn through experience from world famous researchers. I’m able to collect samples for my studies right on campus, and even go diving at FAU’s sea tech campus. FAU is the first school in the nation to have an undergraduate ocean engineering program and the faculty and staff that make up this program keep me motivated to continue on such a rigorous career path. No matter how elaborate my project ideas got, I always had a faculty member right there with me. The unwavering support for undergraduate research here at FAU is what has allowed me so many opportunities for success with my work. I’ve helped other undergraduates develop their own research projects that make them feel just as passionate as I feel exploring research ideas. FAU makes me confident that I chose the best school for my studies. That’s it for me, Alex. What’s up next?
– Alexis, wonderful job. Thank you for sharing your story with us. The opportunities for students interested in marine and ocean related studies are just remarkable. These students are joining world-class researchers, investigating some of humanity’s greatest challenges, and addressing issues that impact Florida, our nation and beyond. Thank you, Alexis.
Next, we’ll hear from a recent FAU graduate. Felipe graduated with a degree in business and had a job waiting for him, thanks to the help of the FAU career center. FAU prides itself on it’s impressive student success rates and is a top degree producer for underrepresented minorities. At FAU, these students outperform the university-wide graduation rate. Felipe, you are on.
– Hey everyone. Applying to college, I was not sure what I wanted to study. I remember stressing over picking a school that not only made me happy, but also supported my visions and goals. FAU’s investment in volume diversity was a strong factor in my decision. I’ve lived in five other countries and if there’s one thing I love, it’s being surrounded by different types of people. Being exposed to different perspectives and ideas really shaped my college experience for the better. As a business major with big dreams, I sought out advising and mentorship to help guide me towards my goals. At FAU, every student has their own success network, a group of academic, career, and financial aid advisors dedicated to making sure you have the best outcome. This supportive approach has helped students like me graduate on time and be ready for the job market. I picked classes focused on my professional goals, perfected my resume, and attended multiple career fairs, to make sure I knew about all the opportunities out there in the real world. Thanks to this, I was able to graduate with a full-time job waiting for me. To further expose myself to people and opportunities, I decided to join clubs that fit my values and aspirations. As part of the American Marketing Association, I learned so much so quickly. I attended national conferences and participated in case competitions. This club allowed me to realize that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everyone at FAU is focused on students like me reaching their full potential, so if I can leave you with some words of advice, it would be to get to know your faculty, meet with your advisors, visit the FAU career center, join clubs, and most importantly, maximize your social and academic resources. Back to you, Alex.
– Excellent job, Felipe. Congratulations on your degree and the success you’re enjoying as a recent college grad. The advice you give of getting to know your professors and utilizing the FAU success network is spot on for students just starting their journey at FAU. Thanks again.
We’ll meet Kristyn. She’s a senior majoring in public management, and she’s going to tell us about the many clubs and events here at FAU. You are up, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everybody. When I arrived on FAU campus, I didn’t know anyone, so I knew I needed to get involved to make the most out of my experience here. I immediately signed up for sorority recruitment and found my home away from home in Alpha Delta Pi. The most unique aspect of fraternity and sorority life here at Florida Atlantic University is a true sense of community. I always see a friendly face on campus and we are constantly collaborating and supporting each other’s organizations. FAU has over 400 clubs, so there truly is something for everybody. In addition to Greek life, I’ve made lifelong friends through FAU’s club cheer team, the spear fishing and free diving club, and the scuba diving club. These groups gave me the chance to do some traveling and make great memories. We drove to Daytona for a cheer competition and to Jenny Springs for a camping trip. Our campus community always has something going on with FAU’s Boca Raton campus hosting over 5,000 student led events each year. One of my favorites is the annual fall bonfire to kick off the school year. It’s a fun tradition that brings the whole university together. Then in the spring, we’ve got our carnival and the festival of nations, which celebrates the diversity of our school. I’ve had the best college experience, thanks to how easily I was able to get involved on campus. My involvement has helped me to further develop my leadership skills and my confidence. As a freshman, unsure about what college would look like for me, I could have never imagined the impact FAU would have on my life. As a senior, I hold leadership positions across campus, including on the Panhellenic council. These opportunities to work with my peers, not only enriches my time at FAU, but also allows me to form deep connections that will last long after graduation. Alex, what’s next?
– I love seeing the ways FAU students can make the most of their college years. FAU aims to create a welcoming space for all students. It’s top rating for LGBTQ plus friendliness and recognition as a Hispanic serving institution are just two examples of this commitment in action. Thanks again.