Hi! My name is Chloe, and I am currently a rising junior studying Psychology and English at Columbia College. I am from Long Island, New York! At Columbia, I am involved in a ccapella, TASA (Taiwanese American Students Association), and play clarinet in pit orchestras. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city's many cafes, reading a book, and working out.

Hometown

Long Island, New York

Major(s)

Psychology

Minor(s)

English

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Columbia Metrotones (acapella) - Music Director Pit Orchestra - Clarinet TASA - Taiwanese American Students Association

Describe your college experience

My overall college experience has been positive and pushed me in many ways. I believe I have gotten out of my comfort zone, met a lot of new people, and tried new things I had never done. Having been in both Boston and NYC has definitely given me a unique perspective on the college experience, as the transfer experience was a little rough, but I have learned to grow and adapt as a person, which has helped me immensely.

Tip for future students

It's okay if your college experience is not what is portrayed in popular media or what you thought your experience would be. Being a transfer student, I emphasize with this wholeheartedly. I know, firsthand, how it feels to have your expectations be unmet. I would advise letting this experience sit and continuing to push yourself to meet new people. I understand that it's so difficult, especially when it feels like none of your efforts are paying off, but it is so much better to look back and be proud that you tried. There is no one college experience, and you have the power to make it a good one.

Favorite class

Literature Humanities. My professor was amazing and attentive, and she was especially skilled at keeping the class engaged and talking. Seminar-based classes run the risk of being stale and quiet, but everyone in the class was extremely talkative and willing to contribute. Literature Humanities allowed me to fall back in love with English again and is part of the reason why I decided to pursue an English minor. I appreciated the opportunity to close read a variety of texts and discuss them with my class. I also enjoyed doing creative projects, which allowed me to pick what interested me about these texts and focus on them.

Career goals

I hope to pursue clinical psychology in a school setting as either a school psychologist or social worker.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I enjoy both staying in with a good show (Law & Order, Sex and the City) and feasting on takeout or exploring the city—trying out a fun restaurant or seeing a cool musical.

High school or secondary school

Herricks High School - New Hyde Park, NY, USA

Previous college

I transferred from Tufts University. I found the transfer experience a little frustrating, because I was leaving a great and supportive community at Tufts. My first semester at Columbia was a little rough. I had a hard time finding a new community, even though I was joining clubs and organizations. The spring semester was a little better, and I saw my efforts paying off. I have established communities within Columbia and even have a better relationship with myself, as I am more confident and content being alone.