A Native New Yorker's College Experience at Barnard
I figured providing an outlook on my experience as a native New Yorker attending Barnard College would be of interest to those of you who come from similar urban backgrounds.
During the college application season, several of my friends and peers desired to “escape” New York City and go off to colleges elsewhere. To me, that just seemed … insane! Most of my high school peers as well as myself barely got to explore the breadth of opportunities that New York City had to offer and I knew not to take overlook this significant factor, which is why I have always been adamant on going to college in New York City.
Some of my friends and I at the Annual Columbia Tree Lighting event.
Barnard College was my ideal fit -- located in the heart of New York City, far enough that I get the chance to dorm and meet amazing people, and an academically rigorous liberal arts environment immersed in the ecosphere of a larger research university. What more could I ask for? I knew I was not missing out by disregarding universities and colleges across the United States because I was well aware that New York City had everything I needed and desired. From 24/7 convenient transportation (MTA) to the city’s socioeconomic and racial/ethnic diversity as well as the prestigious internships located all within a train stop(s) away, I just knew my undergraduate years would be a sustainable and eye opening experience.
Like many of you, I also desired to be close enough to home and drop by to visit old friends and family all while decompressing from the stress of academics. I particularly love the placement of Barnard, as it is located away from the chaos of midtown which makes for an interesting campus atmosphere. I love being able to travel downtown for my internship after classes and easily make my way back uptown to a less chaotic and low key environment.
This was taken during a Brooklyn Bridge trip. (If you haven't walked on the Brooklyn Bridge, add that to your bucket list!)
A lovely photo I captured of the Brooklyn Bridge during our trip.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and have lived there my entire life. Still to this day, I interact with new people on and off campus, engage in diverse environments, explore my academic interests and prospective career through various resources and somehow manage to learn something new about the subway system each and every day. My college experience has been amazing, largely due to the unique relationship between Barnard and New York City and I highly encourage those of you who are weary of staying in New York City for college to consider this multi-faceted experience.
Best,
Hagir