Ensconced amidst a concrete jungle is a little oasis, sought after for its rich educational resources and charming ambience. Columbia University – an intellectual haven, which I would be honored to call my home for the next four years. After spending three weeks of summer studying psychology at Columbia, I promised myself that I would work hard and come back a year later as a Columbia Lion.
I am attracted to Columbia for the sense of belonging I felt so strongly during my stay. Attending an international high school, I am drawn to diverse communities with friends from all around the world. Despite it being my first time in one of the greatest cities in the world, thousands of kilometers away from home, the familiarity I felt at Columbia made me feel as if I was coming back to another home.
The educational aspect is, however, what stood out to me the most from my Columbia summer experience. I absorbed a vast amount of information during the short period of time, thanks to not only Columbia’s renowned strong psychology program, but also the students that I was surrounded by. My peers were as curious and engaged in discussion as I was, creating an intellectually stimulating environment. The learning experience was a taste of exactly what Columbia values – intellectual curiosity and thoughtful discourse.
I remember stepping my foot inside the Butler’s library for the first time. I felt humbled by the breathtaking tranquility in the atmosphere and generosity of the resources. Studying in such an environment motivated me to stay calm and focused.
As I sat on the steps of the Low library on my last day at Columbia, chatting away with my friends, watching the campus to dusk, I knew exactly where I wanted to spend four years of my youth.
