Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Myesha

I've been able to leave on campus and mature/ grow as a person. Having my teachers there hands on and knowing the industry is great.

Brooke

What I have learned so far in college is that everyone has a place, and if you work hard enough you can find oppertunities for yourself.

Katrina

It is honestly difficult for me to explain what a life-changing and exhilarating experience college has been for me. Before college, I was afraid to be myself. I was afraid to show the world who I really am. While I'm only a Freshman at Columbia College, I have learned more about who I truly am in the past 4 months of my life than I ever had in my previous 18 years of existence. I have friends who love me for ME, not because of what I wear, what I look like, or what sports I play. The diversity at the college allow me to make friends that have a variety of interests and backgrounds, which is something I was not really exposed to in the small town I was from. I have never pushed myself harder for something I really want in my entire life. I WANT good grades. I WANT to succeed. I know that if I continue my strong work ethic, I will succeed and show the world who I can really be. Columbia College is easily one of the best thing that has ever happened to me.

James

I had never even planned on going to college in the first place. After spending far too long in my dead-end job, I applied to Columbia on a whim and wound up getting in. Through attending Columbia, I have slowly come to realize that I have a creative side and I've embraced it entirely as a writer. Columbia has provided opportunities for me that I never expected, such as the Semester in LA program for advanced students, which I'll be attending in Spring. If you asked me if I'd end up in that program when I was my old slacker self, I'd have never believed you, yet here I am. Of course, attending is rather expensive, hence my mad dash for scholarships in an effort to claw my way out of debt. Cheers!

Martial

Out of my college experience, I learned responsibility. There is nothing better than knowing how to take care of yourself without your parents. Dealing with other students on-campus triggered me to refine myself as a young man and learn how to live with people different from me. Attendance is valued by employers and so is education. Being at Columbia College, success is one's own hands. The college provides students with all the tools they desire to pursue their career goals, and it's up to students to use these tools to their advantage.

Patrick

I have gained confidence and independence out of my college experience. Attending Columbia College and living on my own in the city of Chicago has given me a new energy to take chances and put myself out there. I now have a fighting power to be the best artist I can be and believe that I deserve to accomplish everything I want to. This is a quality that kids my age must acquire in order for our future to be filled with passionate and dedicated members of society, all contributing to the growth and improvement of our world.

Iair

From all my college expirience I think the best thing that I've gotte is a sense of comunity my college tries to make us into a community, they push for us to get together and form a "creative posee" and to work with tht posee and make art, and do things around the city that are wonderful. I think it's been valuable to attend Columbia College Chicago because they push us to be the best artists we want to be, and they are always there helping us to make the right decisions or guide us to a better place in our life.

Amanda

I have learned that filmmaking is without a doubt my true passion and I can't wait to continue to pursue my degree in it. I have learned that hard work does pay off in the end, if you have determination you can complete anything. I have also learned a lot about myself and that it is important to be me and do what makes me happy. College has helped me grow so much as a person, it has been filled with new experiences that I can feel making me become a new and better person. I've only been there a semester so far, I can't wait to see what the next three and a half years have in store for me!

Tyler

It has been a great experiance to attend college so far. It prepares you for the world that you will be going into when you finish school and leave home. It prepares you to deal with all the situations that you might run into. You also meet many new people who will be your friends, significant other and co-workers later on in life.

Jasmine

So far what I have gotten out of this college experience is a ton of widsom. My first semester was a huge learning experience for me. I learned how to manage my time and be more independent. I learned how to finally make my own decisions and be an adult. I have become more of a hard worker and much more determined to succeed. Being in college has me making new goals for myself and wanting to explore different things. Attending Columbia College Chicago has been very valuable to me because I feel like a completely different person. I have a completely new mindset and I have become so open to trying new things. This school is definitely my home.

Zalika

I have gotten that college works at a pace and that I have to keep up or I'll get left behind. I love my college experience it has opened up many doors and there are not many distractions in the classroom. The professors are available to talk and help and actually care. It is totally different then what people have told me about college and college life. College has been of value to me because it gets me on a straight path to my career goal which is to be a secondary special education teacher. I like that I have opportunities to go taste different subjects and try new things.

Amy

In my opinion, college provides a safe and caring environment in which to mature and grow into your adult self. Some schools and some campuses provide a very sheltered experience, a sort of watered down reality compared to the daily challenges of adult life. I believe that, having attended college in an urban setting, where I have been constantly in contact with real life challenges, I have matured and will segue more easily into my adult life without the culture shock associated with stepping into a professional career straight out of the sorority house. Although Sororities and Fraternities are important for building social skills and forging lasting relationships, I think that my school experience encouraged me to seek friends outside of school: friends who were already working in the field to which I aspired. And so, with that encouragement to look outside of the college community I have already begun my career, and I still have one more semester before I graduate. I came to this school to prepare myself to become a valuable commodity, and through my professors' wisdom, and through their own professional connections, I am well on my way to securing that goal.

Savannah

The most important value was learning to survive on my own.Ties to my family were pretty loose and help from them was minimal. I had to learn to be an adult. My parents and I were never close and never taught me much; other than how not to trust anyone. My social skills were limited and my knowledge of how the real world lived was almost non-existent. My first year of college was difficult yet wonderful. It took time for me to understand some things. I had to learn boundaries beyond the scope of my family. The dynamics of adult friendships and roommates was not what I was used to. I also had to learn the dynamics of being friends with people from other backgrounds and cultures. I grew up in a very small town with only one ethnic and economic background. I learned many lessons that stick with me today. I grew up so much that year that it’s hard to believe I am still the same person. There are lessons I continue to learn everyday, but the value of those lessons I learned then has helped me become a better person, and a better student.

Iris

Going to Columbia College has been the most insightful experience of my life. During my first semester, I wanted to be a music performing arts major with the trumpet as my instrument. I was first chair trumpet for three years at my high school and my band conductor was my influence for major. Eventually, performing with my trumpet was not as fun as it was in high school and I lost my passion to play music. During that period, I was confused and was not sure of what I should do for the rest of my life. Then I discovered my first love: Painting. Throughout my life, painting was always a talent I had but never took it seriously enough to consider it as my major. At first, I thought it was just a hobby until I took a studio art class and realized I needed to embrace my talent and continue growing with it. Because of Columbia's creative teachers, I was taught how to enhance my skills and to never settle for less when it comes to expressing myself through my creations. Because of Columbia College, I am currently an Art and Design student growing with my art.

Kimbrea

I have learned many things from my college experience, including networking skills, tips for my major and also learning how to live on my own. I have learned how to communicate with others and figure out how we can team up together to complete projects. I have also learned how to become a better photographer, tips on lighting and angle techniques. Living on my own was a bit tough at first because I was so used to my mom always being there but now I am able to solve problem and fend for myself.

Sara

During my time at my community college I have had a great time. I have gotten a great deal out of going for this past year and a half. I have learned many interesting facts about many different things. It has expanded my mind and has helped me look out of the box. I am very happy to say I am going to get my associates’ in art this coming May, and I have not missed one class meeting since the start of my college experience. My art class has really helped my drawing ability, and my art instructor is the best. She is strict but nice and teaches each person in a way that will help that specific person. It has made me a better person to go and learn about all the different subjects. I have gotten a lot out of my two years of college experience and it is very valuable for me to attend and graduate college I enjoy learning the arts and would love to go to SCAD if I can afford it. I think going to college is something everyone should be able to do.

vanessa

I believe that a good college student isn't defined by their G.P.A, or if they are the smartest in their class. It should be defined by the passion and dedication one person has to accomplish their goals no matter how long it takes and how many times they fail. I say that because that would describe me. I have the passion and dedication and the determination that no matter how long it takes me but I will finish top of my class because I believe in what I want to do. And no matter how long it may take me I will finish what I started. College has expanded my horizons and made me more determined that before. Hopefully when I finish someone else who never thought they would make it can get strength knowing If I can do it they can too.

Destini

I have learned so much already in the 3 months I've been at Columbia. I have gained a lot of knowledge about script analysis and films. I was albe to volunteer for the film festival too which was great for networking. I also know that I LOVE living in a larger city and that I really want to be involved in the film industry somehow for my career. There are so many great ways to get out and get involved and I have really enjoyed joining clubs and volunteering.

taren

My college experience has been valuable because it has allowed me a chance to overcome all the adversity that I have experienced in my young life. When I was four years old, my mother was arrested and incarcerated for five years. Growing up without my mother for five years was difficult. My mother was released from prison when I was nine years old. My out-of-state college experience has given me an opportunity to learn, listen, and appreciate music. This stimulation has encouraged me to think differently, ask questions, and explore new ideas, which has helped me with my independency and maturity. Going away to college has been valuable because it has helped shape and prepare me for my future. I possess the ability to make positive decisions and discipline myself accordingly; as well as relate to a diverse group of people effectively and positively. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in my past. Nevertheless, the past is the past and I realize that things in my past cannot be changed; only things in my future can be changed. I love my college life and experiences.

Davida

Connections, knowledge, close relationships with faculty, good facilities, support, opportunities

Alia

I left everything behind and defied everyone to pursue the dream of being a writer: family, friends, an entire life. I kept the dream close even as the college proved to be a disappointment, an unfit match. After a change in majors, and after many conversations and experiences with artists in the field, I realized that writing is very much a solitary art, and any hints of talent must be honed, criticized by the self, and nurtured. This, I learned to do on my own, after much pain. Had it not been for Columbia College Chicago, I would not have "known my enemy" so to speak, or learned how to value and protect my individual voice in an age that mass-produces sameness. I would not cherish my mind as fiercely as I do now, feeding it with anything I can like an autodidact. One may call this pretentious, flippant, rebellious ramblings. But to me, this is faith, self-belief. A way to "walk confidently in the direction of my dream."

Stephanie

I've heard mixed reviews of Columbia College: of it being too easy, too intense, too remote, but also wonderfully diverse, the best life-changing decision you could possibly make, the home you never had. What I've gathered from my college experience is that your education is what you make of it. College, and life in general won't hand you everything you need on a silver platter. You have to take it upon yourself to make connections with others in your field, and to push yourself to produce the best work that you can. Too many people simply show up for classes and then go home. There is so much more to campus life than that! Columbia constantly hosts events: lectures, workshops, mixers, art shows, performances... the list goes on. Supportive services like health care, tutoring and counseling are available if you are willing to take advantage of them! You'll be hard pressed to find a college in the midwest more open minded and diverse than Columbia!

Jordan

College, College College where do I start. First of all,I learn that you need to be more organize and prepared and organize more than ever. I learn how to value my character and my ability to commit to it. God has provided me with a unique character and I will never fail to reflect that character in all that I say and do. College help provide me with the standards necessary to achieve excellence. It also helps me to be a positive person and a motivator. I always make sure I give it my all everything I pursue anything. Now motivate the people around me to do better or help them when their struggling. since I start attending college I always have a positive attitude on everything and I'm real responsible in any situation I’m put into. Now I’m somewhat sociable and can be relied upon to follow through. I can approachable and know how to talk to others. In college knowing how to interact with other people makes you someone that other people want to be around and spend time with.

Sean

College is a privilege that not everyone is able to experience. I, for one, am extremely grateful for my opportunity to venture out of Cincinnati, Ohio and come to study in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago seems to be a really great place to be for a growing artist. There is so much around to experience and to fuel your artistic inspiration. So far going to Columbia College has been nothing but a positive experience for me. I never thought I’d be able to study music and audio production at the college level. Even my liberal arts core classes have been fun! Being at Columbia has also given me a really good opportunity to meet other people in the music field including future colleagues/collaborators, as well as the professionals who are my instructors. The networking aspect of this school seems to be just as important as the academic side of the school, and I look very much forward to benefiting from that in my future endeavors!

Dakotah

Just being my first year of college I have had the most amazing experiences in my entire life...so far. Growing up in a single parented home I never had time to really enjoy myself and really live life to the fullest. Columbia has giving me all that and more. My teachers are not only wonderful educators but they are great allies. They go beyond the "norm" and extend themselves as people rather that instructors. At Columbia i've learned to be a better student, a better friend, a better person and most importantly they are giving me the needed skills and confidence needed to face the outside world.

Sharon

Many people believe you should get an education because that is what you should do. However after going through a four year college I believe the reason to go is to grow as an individual and test out your talents before you are meant to be in "the real world" using those talents and skills. I feel that i have learned not only from my set curriculum but also through being treat as though your opinions have some weight. Its a great way to come into your own before you are expected to know all of the answers.

Allyssa

So far in the few weeks that I have attended Columbia College, I have realised it's super valuable to attend this school and make a lot of connections. If you just come to class and do your homework it probably won't work out for you. During one of my lectures, my teacher told us to make sure to make friends with everyone because after everyone graduates the person sitting next to you might be successful and if you're friends with them, then you might be able to be successful together. Paying attention to the lectures has been beneficial to me also. Usually, rather than old boring lecture from the book my teachers make what we love, interesting and use real life examples to get the point across. They're always open-minded and are always accomodating to our needs and questions for the class.

Faithful

Going to a community college was one of the best decisions I ever made: the professors are great, the students are friendly, the opportunties are endless. I would never have thought that I would hear myself say this. Coming straight from high school, I thought that community schools were low-down grade schools, where anyone and everyone could go to. I didn't want to go there, especially considering the fact that I was an A student. Heck no! was my answer, but today it's all different. I met one of the most amazing professors and students. I have gotten the experience that going to a 4 year university would have exempted me from. Thank you, I must say, to all those, who made me attend a community college.

Brandon

When I was ten years old i fell in love with making movies and acting. throughout my whole adolescent life i have made a lot of movies and acted in a lot of productions. my dream has always been to act in hollywood, and throughout my whole life everyone has always told me i can't do it. i have never felt comfortable expressing myself to my peers at school because they always shut my hopes up. Then i started going to Columbia, and not only has everyone there supported me in my dream, but they have provided me with the tools to succeed in my field. I have never been more comfortable in my decision to follow my dream as a little kid. It has been so valuable to attend this school because it showed me that you can follow your dream and feel inspired to do so. that is the most important thing to me in education, inspiration to follow your heart and columbia has provided that.

Abner

Attending an Art school allowed me to explore and tailor my education based on my passions. I find it was the appropriate path for my disposition. I tend to rebel against too much structure, as I find it bores me. The style and flavor of the school gave me permission to express myself. It has given me the foundation I need to continue on my path.

Katarina

I have obtained so much knowledge of who I was really was without having my parents unfluence me. Attending college was the best decision I could have ever made for myself!

Gabrielle

College has allowed me to explore the subjects and areas of academia that interest me. Through my first experiences in college, I have found that I have a passion for art history and have been inspired by my teachter to pursue an academic career in that area. When I first left for college, it was a difficult transition from living at home to being on my own. However, through this experience I have been able to grow into who it is I truly want to become. Starting new has allowed me to question who it is I want to surround myself with and what it is I want to do. Education is such a crucial aspect to all kids of my age because it really allows you to dig deep into different classes to enrich the mind and learn what type of future will best suit. It is a value to attend college because it has allowed me to grow academically and within myself. However, this is only the beginning and I have much more learning to do!

Tori

I have learned alot about myself through my college journey. I learned that I am a procrastinator, extremely indecisive and that I was very focused on anything. I am turning 23 this summer and I have decided to finish school. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed because I was now feeling the consequences of my actions from my experiences at the other colleges i attended. If I could go back I would change so much. I would have stayed focused and actually done my work. I can say that my past college experience has helped me tremodously. I am now more responsible and focused on my goal of graduating. I beleive that it has been very valuable for me to attend school because I am experiencing things that are for my advancement. I am learning things that are going to help me not only in my career but in my life as well. I am pushing foward to finish so I can experience everything that this life holds for me.

Danielle

That I am going to be the best I can be at anything i desire..

Leah

My college experience has shown me how much I love learning, especially in an environment where I can communicate with students and faculty who have similar interests. As a homeschooled high school graduate, I was usually alone (which was fine), but having professors who can help with research topics and teach me more about topics I'm interested in has been beyond beneficial. I've also made a lot of friends and learned to deal with situations that I wasn't used to. This forced me to grow instead of being stagnant which isn't beneficial to anyone. I'm very thankful for the opportunities I have been given in attending college, and since I attend a small two-year school I have more personalized relationships with the faculty, giving me chances to be mentored and do networking.

Lauren

After leaving home in Milwaukee, I was very nervous to make friends and become immersed in a completely art-oriented environment, mainly because that was not a major focus at my high school. One thing that greatly affected me this year is my difficulty with roommates. I was not previlaged by any means with my roommates, which taught me numerous lessons about living with and growing accustomed to new people. I have also learned a great deal about the diversity involved in college, especially one that is located in Chicago. I have met such a wide variety of people, yet despite all of our differences, we all share one common interest - the arts. Regardless of our specific majors, we perceive a great importantance in artistic expression. From being at Columbia for almost one year, I have noticed that not many other college students can relate to one another in the same way that Columbia students can. The environment of the urban campus as well as the overall love and passion for the arts is something that I have treasured from this college expereince, and I am so looking foward to the next three years.

Kristine

I have learned so much with this college experience from learning new things in class from learning how to deal with roommates. It all has opened my eyes for my future because it will teach me how to deal with the corporate world. I have also learned how to deal with others even if you like or dislike them becuase at the end of the day it is nothing but about respect. It has been very valuable for me to be here I have learned so much and I am still continuing to learn even more.

Francisco

So far from what I have encountered through my college experience has been very fun, and exciting. The people here are great, and the teachers are some very unique individuals. To some my experience up in a few more words, you have to attend columbia to understand exactly what i'm talking about. Columbia is like no other college or university.

Jacklin

While being in college I have achieved a better understanding of how to apply myself to school work and how to balance my personal life while keeping good grades in school.

Rachel

My college experience as a first year undergraduate at Columbia College Chicago has been very busy. I am in the film/video deparment and frequently hang out in the Multicultural Affairs Lounge. While in the lounge I meet people from different majors and countries. We also help eachother out with school and personal projects. I am always working with someone and encouraged to keep doing what I love. Columbia has a very lively night life, they don't have all dorm parties like most colleges have, they prepare events and schedule entertainment students can count these experiences in their resume. I have been doing the same. I have spent countless hours working on film related projects all of which I can add to my body of work, and with this only being my first year, my body of work will keep growing. My college experience is valuable in that it his taught me people and career skills. I am very grateful that I was picked to attend this college.

Kariann

So far I have gotten a lot from my college experience. I have met new people and with all the academic experience I feel that I have gotten wiser and more intelligent to make tough decisions with my life. It's been very valuable because it will change my life forever and into my career and hopefully with everything I have been through from college a happy and successful life and people and things that make for a fulfilling life.

natalia

College is a place most teenagers can?t wait to attend. The independence, parties, and meeting new people is all enticing to them. I too could not wait for my chance to be out on my own without parental supervision, although as soon as I started college the reality of life hit me. Managing money, making my own food, managing my time all seemed like they would be easy, but they weren?t. My parents had always taken care of me and now it was time for me to take care of myself. Being on my own taught me many important life lessons such as cooking for myself, how to wash clothes (yes it seems simple but you have no idea how many times my clothes shrunk or my white clothes turned red), money management, responsibility and most importantly time management. College is a stepping stone for many teens, and it is definitely an important one. It not only gives one a good education and a direction in life, it teaches many important life skills and how to manage ones life all on their own.

Devin

I have networked with many people that will help me in the future and I feel that this was the most valuable thing I got out of attending Columbia College Chicago

Kiera

I would give myself the advice of applying to as many scholarships as possible. I would also tell myself to find somewhere cheaper to live, and to really grasp how expensive college is for my parents. I'd even tell myself to consider staying home and commuting to my school to save some extra money. I would tell myself also to broaden my pool of college choices. Last but not least, I would tell myself to really enjoy this last year of high school because once it's gone, it's gone. There is no getting it back so I should cherish every moment of it.

Emma

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to reach out to the community and the people around me. It really helps in college to branch out and reach into the city around you, especially when you enter school with no friends.

Taniesha

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself three things. first to apply for more scholarships and grants. I have been very blessed that my family has been able to take care of my tution but as my frist year has progressed have cearly seen how much a burned it is on my family and myself. second I would tell myself to not be afriad to get involved in things. so if this means trying out for a play or a music gig i need to just go for it. Finally, i tell myself to always be 1 step ahead instead of 2 steps behind.

Jasmine

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School student I would tell myself to apply for alot of scholarships. I have truly learned that college is exspensive and would have told myself to save up money to prepare for college. I would have also taking some art classes and advanced myself more. Going into and art college I realized how great these people were at what they did and I would have prepared myself for that more.

Courtney

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say to not take spanish and take an art class. Since I am in an art school I have to take a pluthera of art classes. I am currently taking Drawing I and it is really hard for me. Knowing myself, I need a lot of practice in order for myself to get used to something. In my drawing class there are people in there who haven't got to experience any art because they didn't have any programs in their high school. I just feel like I wasted my life in my spanish class for my four years in high school when I didn't need it for Columbia. If I also knew that I was going to go to Columbia at the beginning of my senior year of high school, I would have taken advantage of the oportunity of taking Art and enjoyed my senior a little bit more. But I learned from my mistake and I am doing my very best in all my art classes to create a masterpiece of art.

Yvette

There are two keys pearls of wisdom that I would give myself. The first is "slow down." When I was a senior in high school I thought that I needed to have all the answers and a career path lined up. The thought of going into college "undeclared" was absured to me. I did not slow down and take the time to explore my passions and individuality in a way that would have led me on the right career path. I needed to know that it was ok not to have all the answers but look forward to the jouney. The second and perhaps most important piece of advice would be "don't be afraid." I went through most of my undergraduate career afraid to try new things and break out of my comfort zone. I still look back and wish that I would have traveled more, joined more groups or even networked and made more friends. When I was in school I wasn't open to the world the way that I should have been and that has been my biggest regrets. So now I would laugh more, love more, ask more, learn more, study more and complain less.

James

If I were able to go back in time to inform myself (as a Senior in High School) of school-related issues I would suggest that I take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available to me. Although I always have had a 3.0 gpa, I haven't applied myself enough to seeking scholarships for my tuition: Such scholarships would make my life much easier.