Ups and Downs

If I've learned anything thus far, it's that college REALLY has a lot of ups and downs. This whole transition period's really becoming something I didn't expect.

I guess it's just a matter of establishing yourself in a new place--your whole identity is remade to whatever you make yourself to be, and that can be a bit scary after having been known as one person for your entire life.

Ups and downs--classes can be great but can also be severe downers. What I'm learning--it can be really amazing. But grades, for example--professors are really just not afraid to give you a grade they think you deserve, good or bad. Of course, you can dispute it, but sometimes, you really do deserve it, in the light of their comments on your essay. The subjectivity of essays can throw you in a curve as well....

Friends and meeting new people--ups and downs here too, but my friends have been absolutely wonderful. I couldn't ask for better ones. My floor is also amazing--so supportive and cool with whatever you do. I guess the problem I run into is with cliques--these can be pretty difficult to deal with here. But, all a part of growing up of course.

Bathrooms--let's leave this topic for maybe another post. Just, college can be fun until you realize that people do get overly drunk.

I'd say that it terms of academics, Columbia is top notch. In terms of people, even higher than top notch. In terms of faculty, excellent. In terms of facilities--Columbia really needs to work on these. Wi-fi, bathrooms, food quality, bureaucracy, practice rooms: they really can become a huge drag and a mess of bureaucratic affairs. But maybe that's just because of the hugeness of the school. I'm willing to handle these inconveniences as long as Columbia keeps its other stuff at the level it's at.

New York? It's a great city to transform in. I really like the city--no problems here.

So Columbia? I enjoy it a lot overall. The experiences I've gone through, such as late night ramen parties, are things I wouldn't trade for the world.

Let's just say that I'm in transition right now--it's difficult, but I'll persevere.