Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

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."

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.