Last week, we had two current Barnard students share their memories about the experience of moving to New York City. This week, two new students share their personal stories about the transition. Take a look...
Abby Abrams '15
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
After growing up in what is described as a sleepy suburb of St. Louis, I came to Barnard looking for a change of pace. When I arrived at Barnard for orientation, I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn about New York City. The subway seemed like a foreign world at first, and I soon saw that although New York has every type of food imaginable, some home favorites, such as St. Louis Bread Company (more widely known as Panera Bread), wouldn't be as accessible.
Despite the many differences, I never once felt out of place. Everyone at Barnard was so kind and welcoming that I felt completely at home right away. Because Barnard students come from such a huge variety of places, I found plenty of people who understood when I felt homesick, who laughed when we discovered something odd about New York, and who were just as eager as me to explore all the city had to offer. Whether it was camping out to see Saturday Night Live, attending a campus event featuring Mario Batali, or stalking Arctic Monkeys after their concert in Brooklyn, my experiences here have constantly reminded me how lucky I am to attend such an amazing school in one of the most exciting places on Earth. I've made some of my best friends at school through our adventures exploring the city together, and the supportive community at Barnard has really made this my second home.
Kiana Davis '17
Hometown: Ellisville, MS / Booneville, MS
Moving from my small town in Mississippi to Barnard in New York City was by far the most major transition I have ever had to make. I won't lie, it has not been easy, but what I can say is that it has been completely worth it.
I plan on moving back to the South after college; obtaining a degree from Barnard and Columbia University will make me stand out among all other possible employees and the fantastic education will leave me well prepared for my career. What I love is that, even though I am in one of the largest cities in the world, when I am inside Barnard's gates, it feels as if I am in a small town again. Aside from adjusting to the outside transitions, my internal change has been something else I have noticed. I am still the same laid-back, hospitable Southern girl, but I am also adding new "city" characteristics to myself. That should make for an interesting mix.
It was hard not knowing people at first. In small towns, it's normal to know everyone you come into contact with, so I had to adjust to not knowing every face I would see. Also, I have a boyfriend who I've been with for over two years. He's more than seventeen hours away from me, so learning how to have the full college experience and be in a long-distance relationship is tough. I have to time manage: class, homework and studying, exploring the city, clubs and extracurriculars, talking to friends and family at home, working, and taking care of personal needs and errands.
Abby Abrams '15
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| Abby Abrams '15 |
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
After growing up in what is described as a sleepy suburb of St. Louis, I came to Barnard looking for a change of pace. When I arrived at Barnard for orientation, I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn about New York City. The subway seemed like a foreign world at first, and I soon saw that although New York has every type of food imaginable, some home favorites, such as St. Louis Bread Company (more widely known as Panera Bread), wouldn't be as accessible.
Despite the many differences, I never once felt out of place. Everyone at Barnard was so kind and welcoming that I felt completely at home right away. Because Barnard students come from such a huge variety of places, I found plenty of people who understood when I felt homesick, who laughed when we discovered something odd about New York, and who were just as eager as me to explore all the city had to offer. Whether it was camping out to see Saturday Night Live, attending a campus event featuring Mario Batali, or stalking Arctic Monkeys after their concert in Brooklyn, my experiences here have constantly reminded me how lucky I am to attend such an amazing school in one of the most exciting places on Earth. I've made some of my best friends at school through our adventures exploring the city together, and the supportive community at Barnard has really made this my second home.
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| Kiana Davis '17 |
Hometown: Ellisville, MS / Booneville, MS
Moving from my small town in Mississippi to Barnard in New York City was by far the most major transition I have ever had to make. I won't lie, it has not been easy, but what I can say is that it has been completely worth it.
I plan on moving back to the South after college; obtaining a degree from Barnard and Columbia University will make me stand out among all other possible employees and the fantastic education will leave me well prepared for my career. What I love is that, even though I am in one of the largest cities in the world, when I am inside Barnard's gates, it feels as if I am in a small town again. Aside from adjusting to the outside transitions, my internal change has been something else I have noticed. I am still the same laid-back, hospitable Southern girl, but I am also adding new "city" characteristics to myself. That should make for an interesting mix.
It was hard not knowing people at first. In small towns, it's normal to know everyone you come into contact with, so I had to adjust to not knowing every face I would see. Also, I have a boyfriend who I've been with for over two years. He's more than seventeen hours away from me, so learning how to have the full college experience and be in a long-distance relationship is tough. I have to time manage: class, homework and studying, exploring the city, clubs and extracurriculars, talking to friends and family at home, working, and taking care of personal needs and errands.