Student Profiles

Connelly M. Stokes-Buckles
Woodstock, Vermont
Psychology

I chose the School of General Studies because:
My work as an LPN helped to clarify my desire to return to school and pursue a degree in psychology. I was primarily interested in attending Columbia University or New York University. After much research, I decided GS was the best fit for me, and 2 years of nursing school credits transferred.

What do you like most about being a student at GS?
I find the diversity of GS amazing. Entering GS with me in 2006 were military veterans, writers, cab drivers, and an Olympic figure skater, to name a few. GSers bring a wide range of invaluable life experiences into the classroom.

Something I learned at Columbia that I will always remember:
I’ll never forget what a luxury it is to be a full-time student!

My best class:
Josh Davis’s psych course on social cognition stands out for me, and I’ve had a great time in every French class I’ve taken here.

What I am most proud of:
Going back to school is a challenge. My first semester back was nerve-wracking but I did very well—it was satisfying to know that I could still succeed academically after a long hiatus from school!

My favorite place on campus or in the neighborhood:
I enjoy hanging out on the steps at Low, at the Psychology Library, and at the Student Calling Center, where I work to raise money for GS and Columbia.

Donald Taylor
Chicago, Illinois
African-American History

I chose the School of General Studies because:
My decision was between Columbia and the University of Chicago. I hold both in high regard, but General Studies won me over at the personal level. Throughout the admissions process I felt welcomed and appreciated.

What do you like most about being a student at GS?
There is nothing else like GS. I believe the School respects and embraces people’s differences. The GS community inspires me to dream and achieve things I did not think were possible. My peers at GS are passionate about learning, and our classroom interactions are always enriching.

Something I learned at Columbia that I will always remember:
Columbia is known for producing political and revolutionary leaders. After learning of that distinction, I began to believe that I too can be part of that legacy, that tradition. Ultimately Columbia has taught me that there is room in the world for dreams—and I am now an avid dreamer!

My best class:
Professor Nahum Chandler’s Historicity and Sovereignty seminar had a profound effect on me—it opened my eyes to people around the world and changed the way I think.

What I am most proud of:
At one point, I was working five jobs to pay tuition. It was a struggle to stay afloat financially and keep my studies in order. I believe many students at GS feel the same way I do—that GS represents not a first or second chance, but the only chance. I worked very hard and people noticed; I received a scholarship, which has helped considerably with my expenses and allowed me to focus on my education.

My favorite place on campus or in the neighborhood:
Two places have become home to me on campus, the Institute for Research in African-American Studies and the registrar’s office. In both places, the folks there took me in like family and have continuously provided strength in my times of weakness. I’ll never forget them.

Robert Ast
Wichita, Kansas
English and Comparative Literature

I chose the School of General Studies because:
I attended the University of Chicago for two years before leaving to work in Hollywood, but in the back of my mind I always thought about returning to finish my undergraduate degree. When it was time to make a decision about where to go, it was clear GS had the best combination of location and reputation, with the promise of a distinct, fully integrated college for nontraditional students.

What do you like most about being a student at GS?
I am most grateful for the exposure to interesting ideas and people, particularly my fellow students at GS. The people, all the resources, and the city come together to form something pretty incredible.

Something I learned at Columbia that I will always remember:
I’m sure that every time I buy some new piece of technology I’ll remember that the early humans used Acheulean tools for over a million years without changing a thing.

My best class:
I often find myself thinking back to Professor Edward Tayler’s Shakespeare class, which profoundly affected how I look at language (and a lot of other things, too).

What I am most proud of:
My column in the Spectator is about the history of the University, and its subjects range from the historical background of the name "General Studies" to Jack Kerouac's involvement in a murder in Riverside Park. Occasionally people will tell me that I’ve written about something they didn’t know, which makes me glad that I’ve been able to bring some of the richness and complexity (and sordidness) of the University's past to light.

My favorite place on campus or in the neighborhood:
The bars that still card me.

As long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor, but somewhere along the way I lost confidence in myself. Then in my first semester at GS, I was captivated by my Frontiers of Science class. When I found myself researching class topics just for fun, I realized that I needed to think again about pursuing my original ambition.

Doing well my first year gave me confidence, and my advisor and fellow GS students gave me the support I needed to embark on the path to medical school. Thanks to them, I realized that it’s never too late to follow your calling.

Having grown up in poor Miami neighborhoods, I thought my options were limited. Thanks to GS, I now know there are no limits to my success.

An economics and political science major, I am planning a career in business and, eventually, politics. I believe it's important to have a well-rounded education in order to understand how the world functions, both at a macro level and in terms of appreciating the beauties of the human spirit. This is at the core of a Columbia education.

GS is changing my life! It has opened up doors for me I never knew could be opened.

Jacqueline Wayans
Bronx, New York
Writing

I am a single mom of three who used to live in one of the poorest economic sections of the Bronx. In my quest to secure strong public schools for my kids, I ended up motivating and teaching other parents how to do the same.

However, as I spoke to students and encouraged them to seek the best for themselves, I realized that I had not done that for myself. So, after prompting from my office director, I applied to the School of General Studies.

Now I'm soundly on my way to becoming a true role model for my kids and hopefully all the kids in New York City.

Dave Drury
Montgomery, New York
History

I was a New York City firefighter for twenty years before coming to GS. I may not look like a typical college student, but on this campus I feel like one, even though I have three college-aged sons. They are proud that I’ve gone back to school, and their support helps keep me focused.

My goal is to major in American history and possibly teach high school. I am thankful to be here, and I look forward to each and every one of my classes. If I had a wish list, I couldn’t add to it.