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

Daniela in the lab
Student Voices

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

Daniela is a third year PhD candidate in chemical engineering at the School of Engineering and Appl

Polaroids of Taylor and her family
Student Voices

Taylor Carey on Filling the Gaps in Our History

Taylor Carey (GSAS'24) is a graduate student at the European Institute at the

Student pic
Student Voices

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

Nafisa Ali is a student pursuing her Master’s in Data Science at the School of Engineering and Appl

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).

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.

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 co

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 Epidem

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 Ambassa

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

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 Com

Maya standing on the sundial in graduation gown
Student Voices

Maya Castronovo on Storytelling and Trying New Things

Maya Castronovo, CC’23, joined University Life as a freshman looking for a work-study job.