Student Voices

Everyone's Columbia story is unique, which is why we are excited to share them!

Interested in sharing your story? Let us know by filling out this Google Form or email us at [email protected]. 

The views and perspectives students share within University Life's Student Voices blogs are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Columbia University in the City of New York, or the Office of University Life.

Blogs

Ferdinando at an Ambassador meeting
Student Voices

Ferdinando Castro-Gonzalez on Staying Motivated and Becoming an Advocate

Throughout his life, Ferdinando Castro-Gonzalez, GS’24, has needed to dig deep to find motivation in the face of challenges.

Jeremy in graduation gown poses on the Morningside C
Student Voices

Jeremy Chiu on Photography and a Lifelong Columbia Dream

Jeremy Chiu, MSPH’23, is a University Life Ambassador studying Epidem

Hanyu holding flowers and posing in cap and gown on the Morningside campus
Student Voices

Hanyu Ye on Loneliness, Connection, and Embracing Our Differences

Hanyu (Alison) Ye, CSSW’23, is a University Life Ambassa

Bingruo Xu in graduation gown walking up Low Steps
Student Voices

Bingruo Xu on Confidence and Being a Strong Woman

Bingruo (Melanie) Xu, SPS’23, studies Applied Analytics

Tenneh backstage poses for photo in the mirror
Student Voices

Tenneh Sillah on Acting and Being True to Yourself

Tenneh Sillah, ARTS ‘23, studies acting and works with University Life as a Com

Maya standing on the sundial in graduation gown
Student Voices

Maya Castronovo on Storytelling and Trying New Things

Maya Castronovo, CC’23, joined University Life as a freshman looking for a work-study job.

Shatize and her daughter -- NYC skyline at sunset in the background
Student Voices

Shatize Pope: Finding My Village at Columbia

Shatize Pope is studying human rights at the School of General Studies.

Group poses outside Apollo Theater
Student Voices

James Jennings: What Black Studies Means to Me

James Jennings, Jr.

Photo of Tanya in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Ukraine. Mentor Ukraine Logo.
Student Voices

Tanya Kotelnykova on Founding Mentor Ukraine and Speaking Up For Ukrainian Students

Tanya, a recipient of Columbia’s Scholarship for Displaced Students, founded a mentorship pr

Three photos of Julian Melo. Left: Photo of Julian with his mom and his sister, Jessica. Center: Julian Taking Oath of Enlistment. Right: Julian stands on Columbia steps.
Student Voices

Serving and Advocating for Service Members

Julian Melo is an immigrant, first generation American, United States Army veteran and a senior at the

Dylan and Members of Indigenous Peoples' Initiative in Washington, DC
Student Voices

Dylan Baca & Tristan Espinoza on Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Indigenous Youth Advocacy

Dylan Baca (CC‘25) and Tristan Espinoza (CC‘25) are both board members of the

Johanna Martinez and her mom, dad, and sister on Low Steps in front of Alma Statue
Student Voices

Centering Community and Celebrating Latinx Heritage as a First Generation American

Johanna Martinez (CC ‘24) is studying sustainable development and was selected as one of the inaugural