Cy Beltran

Creative Writing BA, Concentration in Fiction '23

"No matter how niche your interests might be, it’s not hard to find a community dedicated to them at Columbia,” says the recent Creative Writing graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

No matter how niche your interests might be, it’s not hard to find a community dedicated to them at Columbia. It was amazing to meet so many talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds, all of them wholly dedicated to their craft. I’m grateful to have been able to read tons of fantastic stories from a multitude of smart writers, who I’m sure we’ll see populating bestseller lists in the not-too-distant future.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

Associate Professor Ann Hemenway, Associate Professor Jeanne Petrolle, Adjunct Austin St. Peter, and Professor Joe Meno of the English and Creative Writing Department were instrumental in helping me discover my own unique voice as a writer. Each class came with the opportunity to explore incredible new stories I would never have found without them. I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t be half as passionate as I am about writing without their guidance, and I’m incredibly appreciative to them for everything they’ve done.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am currently working as an Editorial Assistant at Sourcebooks Wonderland, where I help develop children’s books. Eventually, I hope to continue my studies by delving deeper into the history and craft of comics as an art form, while also continuing to develop my own writing and art.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

Frequently challenging, but always in the service of personal growth.