Dear Columbia,
When I first stepped on your campus at the beginning of my sophomore year, I did not know what was in store for me. I honestly felt like Whitney Port (from “The Hills”/”The City”) going to a different city, not knowing anyone, and pursuing my dreams. My three years here have been something. I’ve met people I never thought I would meet, made friends that I will never forget, became more of an art lover and grew up to be the person that I am today.
Not only was this college experience an unforgettable one, but going to school in the great city of Chicago was amazing. I wasn’t in the suburbs, I wasn’t in a random neighborhood; I was in downtown Chicago. Not many people get to experience it and I never take it for granted.
In addition to the great people I’ve met here over the years, I’ve met celebrities like Columbus Short, Toccara Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Common and so many more. I also joined plenty of student clubs during my time here. Joining InterVarsity Christian Fellowship allowed me to meet people that have truly had an influence on me.
Of course, I came here to pursue my dreams. Going through the journalism program here was challenging; I had a love/hate relationship with it for all of my junior year. However, I’ve learned the craft of journalism and have a newfound respect for journalists. I’ve had the chance to write for some pretty great publications like GlossMagazineOnline, Her Campus, and the African-American Cultural Affairs newsletter “The Harambee.” Through these publications I got to do amazing stories and interview some amazing people. I never would have guessed in a billion years that I would interview the rapper from the group Shwayze, the jewelry designer Marissa Kendrick or the up-and-coming t-shirt designer Shari Neal of Bon Bon Vie.
My three years at Columbia are years I will never ever forget. The opportunities that I had and the people that I met helped shape the person I’ve become. So, here’s to you Columbia. You gave me the most unforgettable three years of my life.
Sincerely,
Songine’ Clarke
A soon-to-be Columbia alum