Meet a Few Soon-to-be-Famous Columbians

Oriana Isaacson

“The Fencer Linguist”
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Academic Interests: French and Francophone Studies, Hispanic Studies

I came to Columbia for many different reasons – but two of them have turned out to be the best ones so far. The first reason was the Varsity Fencing Team. Columbia attracts some of the best fencers in the country and the team boasts many National and Ivy League Titles. Being a competitive fencer, I knew that I wanted to compete in college and that this was the team I wanted to join. This past year, we not only won the Ivy League Title, but our Men’s team won the NCAA tournament, and overall Columbia placed third in the country. I am anxiously awaiting our Championship ring ceremony!

The second reason I came to Columbia was the language programs. I’ve always had a love for languages, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with them. Knowing that Columbia offered courses in over 40 different languages I felt I couldn’t go wrong. After debating majors in Political Science, French and Spanish, I finally decided to double major in French & Francophone Studies AND Hispanic Studies because both offerings allow for a great combination of literature and culture classes. In fact, I am even able to focus on Political Science within both majors so it is fully satisfying! In addition to those two languages, I also took a year of Italian for fun and next semester I am looking forward to not having any classes in English – adding Elementary Arabic to the mix!

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.

Dominique Jean-Louis

“Fashion politik”
Hometown: Jackson, New Jersey
Academic Interests: History, Comparative Ethnic Studies

My favorite activity is CU Step. The non-Greek step team (stepping is a kind of percussive dance) is entirely student-run and choreographed. I’ve had the chance to meet really amazing people, learn intricate routines, and perform at some of Columbia’s biggest events, including Days on Campus, the Caribbean Culture Show, and Nightmarket. But the best part about being involved with CU Step is the network of performance teams on campus. Since we perform at many of the same events, I am able to get to know members of the Latin dance team, Sabor, CU Bhangra, the hip-hop dancers of Onyx, and the capoeira team. It is also the way I have been exposed to the diversity that exists at Columbia; everyone is eager to showcase their background, and everyone else is eager to experience it.

Off-campus, I am interning at a nonprofit called Generation Engage. The nonpartisan organization strives to get young voting-age people involved in the political process, especially those without the benefit of a college education. Columbia is an amazing place to be politically: high profile people like Vaclav Havel and Bill Clinton are here all the time and students tend to want to get involved. But my internship reminds me that not everyone is as fortunate, so we try to get the same high-profile people to give speeches and answer questions at a Harlem neighborhood center instead of Low Library. I’ve learned a lot about the way nonprofits are run, and the challenges these organizations face in carrying out their missions. I’ve also learned a lot about political structures in the United States, and met some influential people along the way such as Spike Lee and 9/11 memorial architect Michael Arad!

In my downtime from co-curricular experiences, I am an avid shopper. I like to buy earrings in Chinatown, vintage clothes from the thrift stores on the Upper East Side, and shoes from Century 21 in the Financial District. Did I mention that NYC is the fashion capital of the world?

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.