Maya Kosztolitz

Cultural Studies BA, Minor in Nonprofit and Public Affairs Communication '23

“The most surprising thing I’ve learned at Columbia is how passionate the school’s community is about arts, inclusion, and advocacy,” says recent Cultural Studies graduate Maya Kosztolitz. “They allow the student body to take charge of the movements and student organizations that inspire them while facilitating room for growth.”

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

The most surprising thing I’ve learned at Columbia is how passionate the school’s community is about arts, inclusion, and advocacy. They allow the student body to take charge of the movements and student organizations that inspire them while facilitating room for growth. 

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

I owe a lot of my success at Columbia to the Career Center, especially my internship advisor Jennifer Halperin. There are a lot of people on the academic side that encourage you to connect with the networks in the areas of work you want to explore pre- and post-graduation. Also, a shoutout to some great professors in the Humanities, History, and Social Sciences Department and ROC Advisor and Professor of Instruction David Dolak!

What are your plans for after graduation?

My plan after graduation includes exploring Chicago a bit more and delving into working for art institutions in development and learning like I am currently. I’d also love to travel abroad and get to explore more nature while meeting new people.

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

Columbia College Chicago has been an eye-opening experience for me: It has taught me how to advocate for myself and encouraged the closeness of the community.