Why I transferred after my first year of college

By Kami Rieck

Prior to entering Columbia College Chicago, I was determined to become a filmmaker by using my creativity to bring light on prevalent issues in society. In order to pursue this goal, I was required to abandon everything I once found familiar and instead embrace discomfort. American author Seth Godin once said, “Discomfort brings engagement and change. Discomfort means you’re doing something that others were unlikely to do because they’re hiding out in the comfortable zone.” I began to realize the importance of a good challenge and was eager to tackle it head on to ensure a prosperous future. I plan on exercising my creative abilities in a different capacity — writing. Similar to film, this goal entails engaging in a high-quality curriculum, improving my craft during free time, and immersing myself in an environment of students who are passionate about their field.

During my first semester at Columbia College Chicago, I realized the importance of surrounding myself with individuals of higher intellect and understanding than my own. I was driven to improve as a writer and ensure my future success by staying occupied with side projects in my free time. Too often I ran into classmates who had lofty aspirations with a conflicting work ethic. I am ready to collaborate with passionate leaders who challenge me to grow both inside and outside of the classroom. I would proudly stand in a room surrounded by people of greater experience and talent knowing that I will grow in the process. I am excited about the opportunity to share my unique perspectives on social issues while also connecting with people of dissimilar backgrounds and beliefs. I know that I might experience discomfort by not engaging with ideas that I am familiar with, but I believe my own views will be strengthened, which is essential to my growth.

Throughout high school, I never engaged in academia the way I had hoped. I fought to maintain an interest in my studies, but felt a sense of disconnect. As time progressed, I encountered inspirational mentors who helped me develop a curiosity and drive that soon passed my own expectations. My first semester in college was the first time I experienced a lack of challenge in my classes. Despite this lack of resistance, I can now understand the importance of engaging in demanding subjects that will prepare me for my career today, tomorrow, and beyond. I believe my unwavering work ethic yields a capacity for hard work, a passion for learning, and a desire to grow with my peers. Now I am ready to submerge myself in education that challenges me to reach my full potential with world-class faculty who have paved the path before me.

Surrounded by superior classmates and immersed in top-notch education, I plan to apply my knowledge and experience towards building a nonprofit organization that serves the greater good. I hope to bring awareness to causes that support social issues and demand equality of all backgrounds. As an adopted infant from China, I know that America provided me more resources than I ever would have experienced in my native land. Helping people who are not privileged with ample opportunities is the fundamental purpose in my pursuit towards a communications degree. By writing articles that educate and inspire, I also aim to promote activism for social justice in my own community and beyond. I look forward to investing in my craft and taking advantage of the present to ensure a better nation for future generations.

An institution cannot guarantee my success, but it can provide me with great opportunities to work towards a meaningful career. I am ready to attend a school that will supply me with the tools necessary to develop myself into an international voice. By abandoning my comfort zone, I dedicate myself to refining society’s standards and giving back to a nation that has given so much to me.

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