At Columbia University in the City of New York, there is talk of escaping the “Columbia Bubble.” To put it simply, most students, either because of laziness, convenience, or some other factor simply choose to not go into this wondrous city that we call New York. The most common rationale is this: “I have four years to see the city, so why should I go today? I can go next weekend.” Except... we rarely do.
I must say that I’ve not escaped the Bubble as much as I would have liked. I, too, fall prey to laziness and convenience. But the nights that I have escaped the Bubble have been amongst the best nights for me here. Whether it’s strolling around Greenwich Village, touring Midtown, eyeing the massive skyscrapers in the Financial District, or just sitting down to feel the sun in Central Park, New York itself has made my Columbia experience significantly better.
This is why I chose this University. Not just for the education, and not just for the limitless opportunities, but also for the feel of the city. Even the most routine trip on the Subway never ceases to bring a sense of wonder to me. I can feel the city all around me. Though I am swamped with homework, studying until 3 in the morning, clubs, friends, side events, lectures, and the like, I never want to lose the feeling of New York City.
My night around Midtown was probably one of my most memorable here, which is saying something incredible. Though I chose not to go up the Empire State Building (the exorbitant $32 fee was more than enough incentive!) I still had a wonderful night. Through the early night, where there was still a bit of warmth, to nearly 3 in the morning, where the late-fall freeze finally began to hit my inadequately-wrapped body, I enjoyed both my company and my surroundings. I suppose I could get more into the story, but why give it all away?
Let me be clear: the Columbia Bubble is not always a bad thing; sometimes, one needs to simply stay on campus and feel comforted by our sense of home. Yet, even though Columbia is my home for the next four years, I feel as if my home is still New York City. Omaha, Nebraska, is always in the back of my mind, but for all intents and purposes, my home is now Columbia University in the City of New York. Not just Columbia University. Columbia University in the City of New York.
This weekend, I intend to do the same thing that I have for the past few weekends: walk around the city. I am fortunate enough to have friends that are similarly restless within the confines of the campus. Perhaps we will go to Brooklyn, where I have yet to explore thoroughly. Perhaps we will go to Hell’s Kitchen, which I have yet to visit at all! In the end, it doesn’t matter, as long as we escape the bubble. Even if it’s only for a moment! I could make the excuse “I have four years. Why now?” Instead, I’ll make a different claim. I have four years. Why wait?
