Thank You!

I'd just like to thank everyone for a great semester. I hope everyone has a wonderful winter break.

art school?

I can actually handle columbia somewhat. i like the classes, but i'm not a people person, so the whole people category doesn't really apply to me. The teachers i've had to far have been great, and they have helped me get acquainted with this school and it's objectives. The staff is easy to get along with and present problems to, because they listen. And if they don't genuinely care about your situation, then they are damn good actors. I'm actually kind of looking forward to next semester. I get a lot of shit about giving up on life and going to an art school and how i should go to a real school instead. I think those people can f*** off frankly, because if they came to columbia they would see that the student body is not only consisted of starving cliche hipster artists. Even though, unfortunately, those do exist. I think columbia is a great school for driven people who have their goals in mind and know what they want and need to do to get there. Columbia is under rated. iI don't apologize for my grammar errors. it's too early to worry about spelling and such.

If You Love it, Don't Leave it.

Mid-sophomore year at Columbia, and never have I once wanted my money back. Sure, it's pricey and sure there are a lot of annoying hoops you have to jump through to get from start to finish but it's worth it. It's worth and its the same regardless of what school you are at. I like the hoops, it makes me feel like there's an obstacle, something to get through, something to feel accomplished for after I'm finished. A lot of my friends did not return after freshman year and I understood why, it's not for everyone, but it is for me.
I wasn't a writer until I got to Columbia. It's something I always thought about and knew I would enjoy doing, but I needed guidance. I didn't know what I was doing and I believe I have found that direction I needed. Not only was I not a writer, but I didn't even know what kind of writing I liked to do. It wasn't until being at Columbia a full semester did I truly enjoy the art of Playwriting. I can consider myself both a writer and a playwright now. I have in my time here completed numerous short stories, but also an entire play. If not for Columbia I wouldnt have had A.) the tools neccessary for the craft of writing and B.) I wouldn't have the actual drive to do it. This school is a place for people who care about their work, nobody is going to make you live it or love it, it has to come from within, and that's what I like. The only pressure you get is the pressure from yourself. If you don't love it, than leave it. If you love it, and it works for you and you work for it, stay. I've got a good thing going here and I am truly content with my college experience, which is something a lot of college students can't say.

Columbia Experience

Ah what a semester… did it actually just happen? Looking at my calendar right now I cannot actually believe it is the last week before winter break. It seems as if the fall months literally were passed over in my mind; this was likely due to how much I loved being here in Columbia College. My classes, social life and pretty much overall living situation could not have gone much better when it comes to a college-life experience. Living in the city, when compared to living in Champaign-Urbana and The University of Illinois, was such a welcome change. There was never a lack of something to do on a given day, whether it was going to a play, trying out new restaurants or just walking around the city with friends.

When it came to classes, I couldn’t have been happier as well. From English to Programming, I was able to learn a great deal from classes and assignments, as well as having a great in class experience. I’ve never had a semester of school where I actually enjoyed waking up every morning and going to all of my classes before and I’m happy to say I have this year. My department (Interactive Arts & Media) has been incredibly helpful when it has come to my administrative- related questions and with helping me set up my future education-related endeavors here at Columbia. I am incredibly excited to continue classes after winter break and greatly look forward to expanding my knowledge of programming related material over the next few years as I delve further into my major.

Columbia College Chicago

My experience here at Columbia Chicago has been a positive one so far, but I think that most of the good it has done me being here has to deal with living in being able to Chicago, with lots of new people and ideas, and being relatively alone. 

I came to Columbia mostly to be in Chicago, because my father had gotten his start in the music business here at the Chicago Recording Company when he was the age that I am now, eighteen. Since I have been here, I have had some sort of inspiration that has led me to some kind of prolific stage that has brought about me producing alot of writings and recordings. This must be due to a combination of many changes and experiences in my life since I have been here, such as seeing and talking to people in class or on the streets, or wandering around the city, or interesting ideas being discussed in my classes. Although I am fairly disappointed in the classes within my major, I have enjoyed all of my other classes, like this class, Fiction Writing, and Quantum Physics, and I have learned alot, or at the very least, I have thought a lot. Overall, I think it has been a good decision on my part in coming here to Columbia based on the experience I have had.

Co-co-mo-lumbia

My Columbia experience has been, overall, pretty good. I have, for the most part enjoyed my classes and I have met a ton of people. I think I would enjoy everything a whole lot more if I lived in the city instead of an hour away. I feel like I don’t really have any real connection to the school other than the fact that I take classes. Although I have had enjoyable experiences in my classes, I am not really sure what I learned this semester. I really did not like my art history class, not because of the subject, but because my teacher was terrible and did not teach me anything. I have been doing lots of work though and that is good. I am really excited to be taking typography next semester. I am happy with the school and I have been doing my best to find ways to get more attached to the school. I have a few places that I love to go and they are my spots. I have a bench in grant park that I sit on, when its warm, and I really enjoy sitting in the Hokin gallery in the 623 building. I think I will really get to love the school when I live in the city next year. I love the city and I love the school and everything that goes along with them, except commuting. I really don’t know what else to write about Columbia, I really like it here and I just wish I were able to spend more time here.

My Columbia College Experience

My experience at Columbia College has been really enjoyable so far. I have met some awesome people during my time here who are really interesting. The classes have all been very enjoyable and my teachers have been very kind and accepting of who and what I am. They have given me a lot of room in which I am able to figure out what it is that I want to do and given me suggestions on how to accomplish my goals. One of the teachers has been a little less lenient, but it is not a big deal. I am also very grateful that I have been able to start taking classes in my major right at the beginning since I wanted to do that while I was in high school. I was looking for a school that I did not have to focus so much on the general education classes that I found so tedious and time consuming during high school. Actually, I found high school to be a very tedious and time consuming process. I was having a lot of stress and trouble in high school completing the homework on time, but since I started at Columbia College it has not been such a big deal to complete all the homework. This is because there is no busywork that you need to have completed by the next day. In general Columbia College is a great place, the teachers are really nice and I would gladly recommend it to anyone in the country who is looking for a great art school to attend.

my ccc experience

When i first came to columbia i kinda liked and then i really started to hate it because i wasn't doing anything that had to do with my major that i hadnt alredy done before. but i grew to like the classes, i was learning new things about myself and other people, as well as to push myself to do better work. And as i stayed in the classes i did learn new things about music that i had not learned before. But I feel like because i didnt live in chicago i did not get the full columbia experience, i mean ive met new people but i wasn't forced to make new friends because i would come home everyday to my old friends. Im not going to lie tho i do not like chicago, its to busy the people here i rude sometimes, i get trampled a lot because im little and i dont walk as fast everyone. I cant drive so i have to walk everywhere, and it wouldnt be so bad if thed weather didnt suck. Over all i liked the experience and i think it will be benefical for my future as an artist even if i cannot stay here at the school.

The Life Columbia!

My time here has been quite satisfying actually. I have learned a lot, even though im taking only GenEd classes. In highschool I thought most of the info was pointless and unfair, but here I value everything I learned. Though i constantly complain about some of my classes in the moment, deep down i know that most of them are to bring out my creativity and finding it everywhere and i really appreciate that about Columbia.

Also the atmosphere is great. I used to tell myself and everyone else that I'm going to a big city other than detroit because it isnt so hot here anymore. But i never thought it would actually happen so i love it here even more becasue is was a goal that reached myself. Also at other art schools everything is a huge competition, everyone i fake "emo" im not really sure what a real emo is, but still its annoying either way because they try to show everyone how good they are, whatever. The students here are laid back and cool, we dont mind helping out each other. At least the people that i have run into have been, i cant really speak for everyone. And i think that great, we all are still competing but we are kind of here to help each other. i think thats cool

They tell me that its not what you know its who, and the constant message of network, use your resources and save everything is very relevent and constantly useful. I think that Columbia gives a push but they arent always going to be in your face. Thats what we need.

CCC

Although I have only been at Columbia for a semester, all my experiences have been positive ones. During my senior year, I was positive that I was going to Baylor University in Waco, Texas to major in Biology. However, back in March, I decided to change my plans completely and apply to Columbia College Chicago. At first my parents were a little hesitant when I broke the news that I no longer wanted to be in the medical field, but they have been nothing but supportive since. I am happy with the discussion I wanted to invest my time in a major/career that I have always loved, and no I will love forever. Thus far, I am glad that I chose to come to Columbia. I have lived in the southwest suburbs my entire life, but I feel like living in Chicago has allowed me to experience the city in a whole new light. Surprisingly, I enjoy all of my classes and my teachers. My teachers are all genuinely nice people who have all worked in their field. I love the fact that at Columbia you can start taking classes in your major right away. I am majoring in Advertising Art Direction, and I like how even in my entry level classes I have started to learn the business, since my Art + Design teachers are working graphic designers and art directors. I have made some friends while I have been here, and I can only hope to make more during the next four years.

A New Found Respect

Overall, my experience at Columbia College Chicago has been positive. Commuting to Columbia is a new experience every day. There is always an incident or event happening that doesn’t make it old. Since I started attending Columbia, I see the city in a whole new way. It is a second home to me and I have a new found respect for it.
I realized that Columbia is not like most other colleges. At Columbia, students can major in certain subjects that they wouldn’t be able to at any other college in the country. Columbia also has really cool general education classes. Geometry in the Arts, Science of Natural Disasters, and even a class about The Simpsons! At what other college are you going to find those classes?
What I enjoy most about Columbia is my area of study; radio. Columbia is the cream of the crop when it comes to a college specializing in a radio major. All the other colleges I visited had a general broadcasting major. At Columbia, they pin point and cover every single aspect of radio. Also, the radio faculty is outstanding. Most of the teachers have real life professions in what they teach. That gives us an advantage when it comes to networking. The radio department has also put together many events which give networking opportunities. In only my first year at Columbia, I have already met many big radio names. I met Johnny B, Larry Lujack, Dick Biondi, and big station program directors. (The program directors are the people who hire the on-air personality.)
I take great pride in the City of Chicago and I especially take great pride in Columbia College Chicago.

Columbia

So far, even though it has only been one semester I like Columbia.  I choose this school in the first place because I wanted to go to an art school and I wanted to go to a school where a lot of people from high school wouldn't be.  Most of the people from high school stayed in state and I wanted to go some where else.  I thought Chicago would be a good location because it is an amazing place and I figured living some where else would be fun.

My experience has been a positive one so far.  I like almost all of my classes and most of the teachers are really nice and caring.  I like how at Columbia you can start with classes that are actually for your major and you don't have to wait a couple of years.  I have made some new friends and hope to continue to make more during the next four years. 

I like how there is so many different opportunities at Columbia College Chicago.  There are so many activities that go on everyday on the campus that I don't even know about all of them.  I also love the diversity at this school because it is important to be around all different kinds of people.  I would recommend this school to anyone that is considering going here.

CCC

So far, my experience at Columbia has been pretty awesome. I love being there. I transferred from St. Xavier University on the southwest side of Chicago and have no regrets whatsoever. I have met many new and exciting people that I would have never met by staying on the Southside. Columbia has so many diverse people that it just continually drives you to welcome change in yourself, and others. I have learned so much this past semester. At times, I forget that it’s even school that I’m actually going to. I mean, I do feel that it can demanding with homework, essays, and other things, but it’s all worth it. I also love the fact that everyone is so driven by their passion. It’s not like a university where some people are becoming something that their parents want them to be or they’re simply majoring in something in order to make a ton of money. That is one that I will always love about Columbia College Chicago; love life and live love. When you have a passion, it burns in you to do it and naturally, you love it. There’s always work involved, but it is not viewed negatively at all. Radio is what makes me happy, and I hope to remain happy after I graduate. =)

CCC

Columbia is alright I guess, I mean this is my second year here and i've had some fun. Last year was great because I was living with a band I was playing with over in the wicker park area and it was just a lot of fun. we rock'n'rolled, partied, fucked things up but we also took two things very seriously. Despite all the craziness we took part in we also really wanted to learn and do good in school and also get our band launched as a legitimate touring force. We were all totally excited about pursuing our education and working really hard to do well but sometimes that was also hard because to be perfectly honest we really just wanted our band to go somewhere because we all were so sure it would. We had been told all throughout highschool by everyone that we were destined to be a world famous band and with our first studio album and out of state gigs behind us we thought we were almost there. We had a massive following, literally thousands of myspace friends and we had just moved to chicago from our home town in the suburbs to finally make it happen. we had made the commitment and we were ready to see it through. This is why I hate columbia, it is the reason that my band broke up. Suddenly we were too busy with school and whatnot to make things happen. needless to say the shows stopped, the creativity was silenced and we were disintegrating slowly. this was a truly sad thing for me. This year my former band/roomates are in montana for school due to their willingness to study different things in different places. Unfortunately for me, what I want to study is not offered at missoula in montana, where they now currently are enrolled. It just wasn't a possibility for me. We simply could not manage the feat of being a serious band and going to college at the same time. Since then it has been hard to even concentrate on school or academics, which were never really my strong suit in the first place. However, I don't think that my lack of things to say about columbia as far as academics is a bad thing because for me my experience so far has been so much more than that. I mean of course I've taken some really sweet classes for my major (Audio Arts and Acoustics concentration audio design and production) that i really really enjoyed. They were definitely something that will truly help me with what I want to do with my life. Which is not really be a recording engineer and record bands all day long, but what I want to do is make music. I am a musician ,and also i feel, somewhat of a creative artist, and I desire to be able to make great sounding recordings of awesome rock'nroll because i see no other way. I am excited to learn as much as i possibly can about recording techniques and skills because it is something that brings me more joy than anything else. I love the feeling of writing a song and piecing together the different parts on each instrument and just making it rock. Recording and modern audio equipment gives us more and more room to experiment as time goes on and i am so happy to be a part of such an awesome time for independent musicians. This aspect of columbia was fantastic and i am so looking forward to expanding my knowledge as far as audio. then there are the dreaded gen eds. I mean yeah i've had some sweet gen eds and really cool teachers so far but some of them haven't been so sweet. at all. But I mean i wish i could get more of the classes i want and not have them all filled up in oasis and shit. that shit sucks. yeah but i mean i really just have a hard time in my gen eds when i don't really enjoy them because it suck, you know. I don't like writing papers and the workload is so much and (chet, don't worry, not you, our class rocks and is totally legit.) and all the stuff that is so hard like math and reading all these long books  is hard when i've got dreams that don't deal with that stuff you know. it is so difficult to manage, especially when you consider how not very intelligent i am. I don't quite meat the specs of a brightest crayon in the box type. college is actually hard for me. it totally sucks cause i kn ow lots of people all around me will laugh and mock at how easy classes are for them. "this is just like highschool" they'll say. or junior high. Unfortunately for me it is not. I have a hard time despite how hard i work. and working hard is hard for me to begin with but i try and and try some more. I guess i really just have a hard time when i get last pick of classes and get stuck with some crappy gen eds or when i have to do some of the requirements that aren't exactly my cup of tea. I just try to remind myself not to get too stressed out about school and life and money and the whole "oh my, but what will you do, where are you going to work, whats your plan in life?" thing. It's like icelandic singer Bjork says, or sings i suppose..... "I don't know my future after this weekend, and I don't want to." I just don't exactly know what i am doing in life. I am a lost cause. totally unaware of how to get by. I don't have any real aspirations other than to find new bandmates for now. that's all i'm really concerned with. Columbia is great but it would be better if i was back in the studio or on the stage with new musician friends eager to join in the totally ecstacy that is making music in a rock'nroll band. I am desperately looking for people to help support my solo act. If columbia had provided me that then it would be perfect. Til then i'll keep looking. I really think the most valuable part of life at columbia is just the life experiences you know, the school is great and important and i love it, sure, but the life experiences are important too. and i love them too. It's the whole package. It's life, darling, and its magical. Enjoy it wherever you are. columbia or otherwise. it's all fun, don't you think?

Columbia

I have had both positive and negative experiences at Columbia, but mostly positive. I love and have loved all the classes I took as well as professors teaching them. Of course I am not a fan of many science and math classes because it’s an art school, but I’ll tell you that enjoyed them. I learned something in each class and I can’t say that for high school. I love the whole idea about college and choosing classes, when do you want them and the teachers that you want. I love living on campus and meeting people, as well as being Downtown. Truly I believe I got enlightened in college and this is only the beginning; I will be a sophomore in two weeks. I met some cool and serious people but not that many which disappoints me. I hope that will improve over the course of years. I partied a lot in high school so I am not all that crazy about the life on my own and all that freedom. It is nice but still it is time to get serious. The one bad experience that I had was my first semester. I tried to film a short movie of mine and the actress that was in it was also in my class; she quit on me and I wasn’t able to finish the movie. I put a lot of time into it and even my acting professor was a part of it. It seems like I wasted his time and nothing came out of it. I met some shady people that think too much of themselves and I believe they don’t focus on their careers as much as they should. I thought that aspect of college would be different; that high school days are over and that I would find passionate and willing people to work with. I did meet some but also many bullshiters. Anyway, all in all I am satisfied so far and I know it will improve and I’ll be able to show off my creativeness, ideas and talent as well as learn the craft.

Blog Post #12: Columbia College

For this post I want you to write 250 words or more about your experience at Columbia so far. This can be negative, positive, neutral, whatever.

This post is due on Monday 12/8. Be sure to comment on a classmate's post.