It’s no new news that diversity is important on college campuses. Every day people learn from those around them. Diversity helps people learn from their peers and creates acceptance. People learn about the culture of others without realizing it.
According to Columbia’s Common Ground website, “It is the unified goal of Common Ground to create an environment on campus that allows students to fully express themselves without fear of ridicule or judgment based on sexual orientation and identity. We strive to create a campus where everyone is treated as human beings. When reduced to this ‘common ground’ there is no room for hatred.”
Diversity at a college is like a giant cooking pot. Everyone’s mixed together. The barriers melt away, and everyone meshes. Common Ground’s message stays true.
Erica Quinn, 23, says she enjoys “uniting people together for cause or common interests,” and Columbia’s diversity within the student body and opportunities to jump right into her major right away were what made her want to attend the college.
Quinn, a junior at Columbia majoring in marketing communications with a concentration in public relations, also has background and training in classical vocal music and loves fashion because she’s been an independent freelance makeup artist for the past five years.
She first heard about Columbia when she was online searching for art colleges in the Midwest and is passionate about her major because she’s always been a people person.
“The relationship I have with everyone I meet [is] really important to me,” Quinn says. “In public relations, someone, such as myself, represents the voice of an individual [or individuals], brand or company to society.”
Jackson Thomas: Can you tell me about some of your upcoming projects, and what can we expect to see in the future?
Erica Quinn: On March 31st, I’ll be hosting the CCC Networking Event sponsored by Student Government Association through the Student Affairs Committee and co-hosting “Biggest Mouth” on April 27th at the Metro. I am extremely excited to be an emcee. I definitely could get use to doing this type of work more in the future! Starting on Monday, I am the new social media and promotions intern for Soundbar, a club located in the heart of the River North neighborhood, too.
JT: What was the defining factor that made you realize Columbia was the school for you?
EQ: What sealed the deal for Columbia being the right school for me was how passionate the faculty, staff and student body are. I feel like the connections I’ve made at Columbia will take me far in life because people genuinely want to see me succeed, not only with their words but and their actions as well.
JT: How did you become involved with Columbia ’s LGBTQ support group Common Ground, and how did you become president? What was the experience like?
EQ: I became involved with Common Ground in fall 2008. I saw the Common Ground table at orientation, which was very intriguing, and picked up a brochure about the club. It wasn’t until around Halloween that I began to attend meetings and just fell in love with the people and mission of the group. I felt as if I had a sense of community here on campus, which inspired me to run for an e-board position in spring 2009 as the communications officer. By being on the e-board, I was able to gain hands on experience in the leadership aspect and help promote Common Ground toward students searching for other LGBTQ students at Columbia. In the fall 2009, I was the co-chair for planning the 8th Annual Coming Out Ball, which was held on Columbia ’s campus. The Coming Out Ball is an intercollegiate ball that celebrates National Coming Out Day. At the ball we were able to raise more than $3,000 for a local LGBTQ charity called The Night Ministry, which helps feed homeless LGBTQ youth. Being able to have a hand in that experience was truly life changing because I was able to help the greater LGBTQ community. The feeling was priceless and definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life.
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There was a lot of momentum that came from the ball, and I wanted to run for president of Common Ground in spring 2010. I believe that it’s important that you give back to your community and be driven about it along the way. I was hoping the members of Common Ground could see how dedicated I was to bringing the organization to the next level, and I ended up wining the election. The experience taught me many things about myself and most importantly, the needs of others and how to address those needs in a positive aspect no matter what obstacles were being thrown my way.
JT: What are you most looking forward to when you receive your degree from Columbia?
EQ: I am looking forward to showing the world what I am made of, to be honest. Columbia has allowed me to make connections and network in a way that is consistently paving my future. I am not worried at all about finding a job or work.
JT: Who inspires you and why?
EQ: Wow, that’s a really tough question, but there are two key components that inspire me. First: My current girlfriend of 15 months. She’s been there for me when times have gotten extremely difficult and I’ve wanted to give up on myself. She’s seen me at my highest highs and lowest lows. I couldn’t ask for a better person in my life to grow and learn with who appreciates all the aspects of who I am. She’s had to put up with many of the challenges that have been thrown into my life and never complained about it along the way. She’s built me up with her love, and I am extremely lucky! Second: The student body and other young professionals hungry for putting their impact on the world. I can’t help but be inspired by those always moving forward. It’s honestly not always about where you’ve been or come from, but where your going, which I am a firm believer in.
JT: How do you hope to “create change” at Columbia?
EQ: I hope to create change at Columbia through my positive attitude by inspiring others to believe in themselves. No one is an accident, and we aren’t here by chance. Each and every one of us has talents; don’t let them go to waste. Be around people who celebrate who you are and not tear you down.
JT: What’s next after Columbia ? What is your dream job, and what would you like to do with your degree?
EQ: What exactly is next for me, I am not really sure. I know it will be something good. I’d like to work in either entertainment or lifestyle public relations. I have eight tattoos and a few piercings. I am definitely a glam-rock kind of girl, and my job would have to accepting toward my lifestyle. As long as I am working for people and for a cause and have the ability to learn and grow, I’ll be happy.