STUDENTS

Meet a Few Soon-to-be-Famous Columbians

Matthew Harold

“A Diplomatic Vocalist”
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Academic Interests: Political Science, French, Economics

There is really nothing in this world that can prepare you for all the exciting opportunities and challenges that await you as a Columbia student. While my first year at Columbia went by extremely fast, it was an incredible experience, filled with many new beginnings and great friends! I lived in Carman Hall and I was immediately struck by the sense of community, which I think reflects the university-at-large. Community is an integral part of the Columbia experience, having teachers, staff, and friends who you can depend upon when needed.

No other institution matches Columbia, a university that prides itself on being a part of one of the world’s great cities. With the simple swipe of a MetroCard you are at the brink of endless possibilities in New York. You can read a book in Central Park, listen to jazz at a café in the village, or even see one of your favorite Broadway musicals, all on a typical Columbia day! The best part about Columbia to me is that there is something literally for everyone. I am a member of the a cappella group, Notes and Keys, and love it! Like I said, community is very important, and I can truly say that my a cappella group is my adopted family here on campus. Having people you can turn to and rely on is one of the best feelings in the world.

I will always remember my freshman roommate, the kids down the hall who played every sport imaginable at 3 a.m., my University Writing professor who by night played in a jazz-funk band. That’s what will stay with me the most, the people, the experiences, and the bonds this community shares.

Kendra Moore

“Adventures in Possibility”
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Academic Interests: Hispanic Studies, Human Rights

To me, it is the endless opportunities of a Friday that symbolize my time here at Columbia. Whether it is teaching a high school class about health education through Peer Health Exchange, heading down to the MoMA, or just taking a jog through Riverside Park, Fridays are my favorite days here at Columbia. It is a day to reflect back on what I learned that week in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, participate in an extracurricular activity, or simply recuperate from a week of working hard.

With the countless classes that I want to take as I peruse the bulletin, and the hundreds of student clubs and organizations, the choices can be overwhelming. There is so much that appeals to me here, both on and off campus. After some discerning decision making, you can settle into a niche but never feel confined by it. Pursue what you love, try something new. Always an adventure.

Andrew Rodriguez

“The Mathematical Explorer”
Hometown: Newburgh, New York
Academic Interests: Applied Mathematics

I have an odd fascination with the subway system. I have ridden every subway line at least once, just so I can see where they all go and what cool places I can visit along the way. Take the D all the way out to Bensonhurst (in Brooklyn), and swing by Villabate Pasticceria, which was rated as having the best marzipan in the city in the Village Voice’s “Best of New York 2004” – and when you’re done there, continue riding on the D (just 7 more stops!) to Coney Island.

Ride the 7 through Queens and experience the most diverse county in the United States. Take the N or W to Astoria (in Queens) and have some of the finest Greek food in the city; or hop on a Bronx-bound 2 or 5 train to the Bronx Zoo. When you’re finished exploring and want to return to Columbia, remember to get on the 1 train. You’ll always run into a fellow Columbian when you’re on it, so the ride will make you feel that much closer to home.