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

D.J. sits with Alma Mater in cap gown
Student Voices

Dawoom Jung on Keeping an Open Mind, Self-care, and Student Life

Polaroids of Taylor and her family
Student Voices

Taylor Carey on Filling the Gaps in Our History

Daniela in the lab
Student Voices

Daniela Asifiwe Bushiri on Perseverance, Renewable Energy, and Dreaming Big as Refugee

Student pic
Student Voices

Nafisa Ali on Engineering and Women’s Right to Education and Healthcare

Suane Larissa Bispo dos Santos wearing a CU sweatshirt
Student Voices

Suane Larissa Bispo dos Santos on Finding Motivation and Women’s Empowerment

Suane Larissa Bispo dos Santos is a student at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Originally from Brazil, she came to New York City with her family in 2023 to pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration. For Women’s History Month, she spoke with us about role models who empowered her growing up, raising her son in a male dominated society, and how she hopes to inspire young girls and give back to her community.

Photos of Maggie with her friend Luisa and her family
Student Voices

Maggie Salinas on Finding Motivation and Community as a First-Gen Student

Maggie Salinas (CC’25) studies creative writing and works as a Communications Assistant at University Life. She shares her journey to Columbia as a first-generation, Mexican-American student, the mentors and friends she’s met here, and how her family keeps her focused and pushes her to persevere.

Andrew teaches a technology class.
Student Voices

Andrew Rust on Entrepreneurship and Making Tech Accessible

Andrew Rust (SEAS’24) channels his passion for making tech accessible into ByteSize Learning – a company he founded to improve computer literacy for kids. While at Columbia, he has received support to grow this venture from Columbia Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design.

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 Epidemiology with a certificate in Infectious Disease. In the lead up to Commencement, we spoke with Jeremy and he reflected on his time at Columbia, his photography, and getting involved at Columbia as an introvert.

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 Ambassador who is excited to begin her career in social work. She spoke with University Life in the lead up to Commencement about why she left behind a lucrative career in China to study social work. She shared how she copes with loneliness and about her experiences working with seniors and immigrants.

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 in the School of Professional Studies. In this interview with University Life, Bingruo shares her experiences as an international student and her journey to Columbia.

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 Communications Assistant. You may recognize Tenneh from University Life reels and her performances at Columbia. We spoke with her in the lead up to graduation about her experiences in the MFA Acting Program, the joys and challenges of being an actor, and what she's looking forward to after graduation.

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Jessica Balistreri
Jessica Balistreri (GSAS)

“I come from an immigrant family and I’m the first person in my family to go to college...I went into academia not only to do it for my family but to empower other women. So I can set an example for others after me...”

Krisna Panchal (SEAS)
Krisna Panchal (SEAS)

“My mom has been working for minimum wage for 28 years and seeing her leave for work at 4PM on one day and coming back at 6AM the next day just so our family can stay afloat in America, drove me to make the most of the education I had the privilege of getting here. Her hard work and grit continues to motivate me today as I try to harness all the opportunities here at Columbia.”

Maya Katerina Kashapov (Climate School)
Maya Katerina Kashapov (Climate School)

"I feel like I’ve had a lot of firsts in my life. My high school opened the year that I started there so I was in the first class of my high school. Now the same thing is happening at the Climate School. I’m in the first class there. I’m also the first one in my family to get any sort of college degree. So the fact that I'm doing a masters is huge for me and my family both."

Keshia Pershad (SPS)
Keshia Pershad (SPS)

“I want to make sure I’m showing people that look like me, and come from what I’ve been through, that you can do it and you can do it anywhere. Don’t sell yourself short. I didn’t think I was going to get into a Columbia grad program ever. I think future generations seeing people that look like them go through it and be a resource for them and give them some tips along the way is helpful."

Olivia Cordingley (CSSW)
Olivia Cordingley (CSSW)

"Be open and honest about the fact that you're a first generation student because if anything, I think it’s a very big strength to go a path that hasn't come before you. It shows a lot of hard work, and self-reliance, and resilience, and to just be proud about the fact that they are first-gen.”

Nia Augustine (MPH)
Nia Augustine (MPH)

“I feel that for me to share my first-gen identity is to say: 'hey, I’m being vulnerable with you and I’m letting you know that I’m coming from a place that I do not know'. I am the first. I am a trailblazer. I feel that it highlights my strength, my resilience and willingness to go beyond the standard that was placed in front of me.”