SUMMER 2023 ALUMNI

RABBIA BATOOL

The Columbia Freedom and Citizenship Program offered me an unforgettable experience. I resided at Hartley Hall within Columbia University for a span of four weeks. During this time, I had the privilege of immersing myself in what I love most: learning. Each day was a journey through the pages of profound philosophical texts that have left a lasting mark on our world, reshaping our perspectives and intellectual horizons. From delving into the wisdom of Socrates to exploring the profound insights of Martin Luther King Jr. and many other historical figures. Our daily routine consisted of delving into the campus libraries, where we would immerse ourselves in the intricate layers of these texts, followed by discussions aimed at unraveling their meaning to the best of our abilities. Hours would then slip away as we wrote our reflections, unrestricted by any rigid format. These reading and writing sessions meticulously prepared us for the following day, which began with seminars. 

We were a group of around 15 students, which we had discussions in, that were led by our Ivy League Professors, who encouraged us to think critically and deepen our comprehension of these profound ideas. Our professors' erudition and insights were nothing short of eye-opening. While the initial workload may have appeared daunting, it ultimately forged the most memorable summer of my life, one I would gladly relive. We woke up early each day, gearing up for intellectually challenging experiences that pushed us beyond our perceived limits. The process of grappling with the philosophical texts, experiencing moments of confusion, and then finally achieving comprehension was profoundly rewarding. It left me not only with a deeper understanding of these ideas but also with invaluable insights into myself and others, insights that I might never have gained otherwise. This program proved to be such an intellectually stimulating experience. 

Amidst the academic rigor, I had so many opportunities to immerse myself in the vibrant Columbia and Barnard community and campus, with daily meals at the Lerner dining hall and ample time to explore the campus and its buildings. Moreover, we enjoyed a plethora of fun activities and extracurriculars, including baking, cooking, walks in the park, resume building, arts and crafts, pottery, painting, crocheting, water balloon fights, sports, and quality time with friends. The program's small size, with just 45 students, initially presented a challenge as I navigated this diverse and unique group of individuals with not a lot of people who I sparked a connection with. However, it was precisely this diversity of characters that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to forge strong, meaningful bonds with my peers. I felt a sense of discomfort initially, but I emerged from this experience with even deeper connections and a broader perspective. Each day also provided free time for us to explore the campus and its surroundings, offering a chance to recharge and engage in activities of our choice. 

It definitely was not just the academic work that made this experience meaningful, it was also the remarkable people and the sense of community that surrounded us. We were all united by a shared love for learning, and our evenings were often spent in our suites, engaging in lively discussions about the texts we were studying and the world around us. These conversations were a source of immense joy and intellectual growth. 

Even though I had concerns about spending so much time away from home during a summer before my senior year, where I had a lot of work to do regarding college applications, the program offered invaluable support. It guided us through the process of applying to additional programs, managing college-related tasks, including building resumes and working on college applications. With resident teaching assistants and graduate teaching assistants who were Columbia and Barnard undergraduate students, we received first-hand guidance and advice on our college applications. The program provided ample resources and facilitated our participation in college access programs. We also had the privileges of attending college fairs and had many opportunities to connect with professors and well-known speakers who spoke to us about American History and these ideas. There were occasional events at Columbia that helped us network as well. Additionally, we were each paired with a Columbia/Barnard undergraduate mentor, offering invaluable support in navigating the college application process. 

My four weeks at the Columbia Freedom and Citizenship Program were an extraordinary and meaningful journey that was so worth it. It was an experience that not only deepened my appreciation for learning but also equipped me with the skills and support to confidently navigate the path to college, which is what I will be tackling soon.  

I would love to talk more about my experience and answer any questions! 

Reach out to me! 

Email: rabbiab@seoscholars.org