Last Day Poem

Thank you Brad and Caitlynn, for all you have done

Now it’s time to go out and have fun

you taught us how to write and read

I can write 300 words on the speed

500 words is a piece of cake

Half of it will be fake

Sarah Vowell’s book

Had awful hook

Take the cannoli, wasn’t that good

I read it faster than no one should

Lectures we kind of cool

Made me feel like this is really school

Dr. Ames made a clash

Finding Nemo lady made a splash

Zombies like to no eat people

Peter danced in a steeple

The rest of the lectures I don’t remember

Thank god I’m going here in September

We went on field trips around the city

Some were great some were shitty

My favorite was The Art Institute of Chicago, paintings are my thing

The painting with the 3D objects that cling

Onto the painting like its coming out at you

There was a train going Cho Cho

This is all I have to say to you for now on this fine day

Until we meet again, I’ll be down at the Chicago bay

Naps after Bridge class

This experience has been life changing and made me grow up a lot. I think I had one of the best classes and the best teachers. The class is all very supportive of one another and all kind and respectful to each other, as well as to the teachers. Brad and Caitlynn were really nice and helpful when you needed it, and made everything not seem boring, because they connected really well with us. They also know what they are talking about when it comes to writing papers and really helped my turn my writing around and learn how to use my time management better. So thank you Brad and Caitlynn and fellow classmates for this whole experience! Bridge class of 2012, yay! J





SO LONG

Four weeks have gone by faster than I ever thought they would; but this is the ending to start a new beginning in all of our lives.

We should feel blessed that we have been given this opportunity, not only has it proven that we belong here but it has given us the key essentials to succeed in the college life. We’ve been exposed to deadlines, meeting new people, finding our way, learning what’s best for ourselves, being on our own, priorities; more than what our other fellow future classmates can relate to and that gives us the advantage to put our foot forward quicker.

These past four weeks have had such a strong impact on who I am as an individual; it has pushed me to my strengths and through my weaknesses which is primarily what I am so proud of. I never used to be so on top of my work assignments until now, and making these habits before school even starts is just another advantage to my schooling.

What I will take away from the Bridge program is that in order to make yourself here at Columbia, you can’t just sit back and expect something to come to you; you have to put yourself out there like you’re already famous. Everything is possible if you just go for it. The experiences and memories I have made here over these weeks were life changing and so amazing I don’t know what I would do without them at this point.

Everyone here is so inspirational it just makes me so ready for school to start and to create new experiences along the way with incredible people. I'll miss you all and thank you everyone for making this the best class in the program! :)

last words

Well it’s time to say good bye now to this blog thing. Long we have waited for this; it’s the finish line in a sense most of us wept thinking this day would never come. Also it’s another chapter finished in my life and in the other students. All these weeks have been interesting meet new people that I wouldn’t have meet if I was still kind of my old self. Maybe I just changed a little but that’s what I came here for. Change my aspect on life and its surroundings for my well-being.

There were times when I thought that the lectures would never end since somewhere very boring. But I feel that it was good practice for future classes I might take. All classes aren’t meant to be interesting some we just have to deal with. Also an end to blogging, I know already said it once but come on blogging isn’t for everyone. Especially for me it was like boring myself to death which I wouldn’t want to do. But really glad that it’s over, at the same time am surprised it has been a month since we started this program. Bridge seems as though it came and went.

Life lessons were learned not that wasn’t my plan and locations were encrypted into my head.  Those will be needed in the days to come for me as Columbia begins.  The main thing is to join clubs at the upcoming fall. Join as many as possible while looking at my schedule not messing up the timing or I will be screwed. One last time I will say that I like using ponder it has nothing to do with the program but its good word. Also bamboozle it’s a funny word to use since its means easily tricked or deceived.  

See You Later

Since July 23^rd when we all stepped into this classroom, we’ve all changed immensely. From being strangers who had no idea if they would end up passing this program to friends and foes that are now sitting here on August 18^th, ready for the fall semester. It’s a small, but crucial chapter of my life I’ll always remember because it truly has been a literal stepping stone that’s made us all prove ourselves. We’ve wrote numerous papers, read a novel and are now about to present our artistic interpretations and it will be us saying goodbye to bridge, and hello to Columbia College Chicago.

                As I saw people slacking off, and getting removed from the program, I constantly thought I would be the next to go. I was convinced that everything my previous teachers had said was true, and that I was a smart young lady but I was lazy and not driven, or that I just didn’t care enough to pass. But as I’m writing this, I want to be able to look back on it one day and remember everything, because although I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make it, that fear was my main driving force. I knew that this was my chance and if I didn’t take it, than I would be disappointing not only myself, but the few people who have believed in me.

                My mom called me this morning and to tell the truth, I don’t think she’s ever sounded so proud of me. It makes me want to cry because for the first time in my life, I truly stuck to my word in telling her that I would be able to do this and that I would make her proud of me. Every other time I’ve said that, it always seemed to fall apart. I can’t express the feeling I have knowing that this is the first day, of the rest of my life in so many ways.

                I strongly believe a class is only as good as the teacher it has, and in this case we have two who have made it possible for us to thrive and succeed in this program. Brad and Caitlin made sure we had an environment that was more than four walls and dry-erase board, but we formed a community and a bond that has made our work seem less like work, and more like an experience. Not one day during this past month have I woken up and wanted to lie back in bed all day or dreaded the thought of going to class. That’s NEVER happened before.  Although today I do feel very sick and kind of wish I had some hot tea.

               

 Tonight when my roommates and I pack up our dorms and say our goodbyes, I’m going to cry like a baby and it doesn’t help that my sinuses are congested like a mo-fo. But I really can’t believe it’s already over. It seems like just yesterday we moved in and got settled. When I go home, I’m going to be bored out of my skull. I cannot wait to be back on the 24^th and moving into my apartment at the Dwight, and reunited with my two new best friends, Red and Panda. If it weren’t for the bridge program, I would have never met them and they’ve already changed my life.

                All in all… I think the only thing left is to say thank you. To everyone and anyone who had any part in this journey I’ve been on. And even though it seems like a “goodbye”, it’s really just a “see you later”.

We Were Here! Columbia Bridge 2012!

Wow, I cannot believe this is over. I feel so grateful for this experience. I got to experience this campus before anyone else. I have got to live in the city before anyone else. Wow! I do feel that I’ve learned so much. I remember I was dreading this! I just felt like this was going to go by so slow, and be just horrible. I was so wrong! This has been so much fun. When I first moved to Chicago, although I loved being here I was feeling down about not meeting people. That all changed coming to bridge! I didn’t think I would feel emotional about this because I have made great friendships and I know we will all keep in touch!

Sommer,

Wow, you are so talented and such a beautiful person inside and out! I have truly enjoyed your presence and the laughs we’ve shared! I can see such great things for you. I want you to keep that drive that I found in you when we met for the first time. With your personality you can go anywhere you’d like to! Thank you for being such a great friend, and support throughout this experience. I wish nothing but the best for you, and hope we keep in touch!

Ashley,

Oh my! You are one of the funniest people I know (besides myself) *smiles! I have had so much fun on our little mini dates at epic burger! Your personality is golden. People will always love you, and find you to be a warm hearted person! I know you will be very successful one day! Thank you for all of the short time we have spent together. It’s funny because I actually do feel like I’ve known you for quite a while now! Keep being the person you are, and I’m sure it won’t be long before everyone knows your name! I’m hoping we stay in touch and become closer within our friendship!

Michelle,

You are the cutest thing! You have such a beautiful, charismatic smile! I always enjoyed coming into class seeing you because you just light up my day! You are such a happy, kind, and loving person. I hope you never change because that will take you far! I will honestly miss you! I hope you move closer to the city soon, because we have so got to hang out! I am always here for you whenever you need me. I look forward to seeing an amazing clothing line one day from you!

Jess,

Girl you have got “Fashion Mogul” written all over you! I hope you remember what I told you after I met you! I can honestly see you being someone huge one day! You are such a gorgeous person inside and out! I am glad I got to meet someone like you. I don’t think I’ve ever met a person and seen so much potential in them! Keep at it and I know you’ll make it. I will miss you very much; I wish we would’ve had the opportunity to hang out a little more! But, I’m sure we will someday hopefully!  

Austin,

I think you are so funny! You seem very talented and driven. I hope you have all that you dream of and more!

David,

You are hilarious! Your facial expressions are killer! I know you are a kind person, and I wish nothing but success for you!

Katlin,

Keep your head up girl!

Gary,

Hope you have all you’ve dreamed for!

Evan,

Keep at whatever it is you want and you will have it!

Sean,

You have a great personality. Keep your head up and stay motivated!

Javier,

You seem like a great person! And, you are sooo talented!

Professor Brad,

You are so funny! I really enjoyed being in your class. I think you were a great professor for us to have to introduce us to college! Thank you so much!

 Professor Caitlynn,

You are such a great person, so charismatic! I enjoyed hearing all of your advice every day! You were also an amazing professor to have for us to be introduced to college! Thank you so much!

I'm talking about you!...yes you! :)

                Wow! These 4-weeks flew! I’m glad that I attend this summer program because it gave me a better understanding on what college is like. Thanks to Brad and Catylin (I hope I spelled that right) on their kind patients on helping us, succeed with completing this program. I know a few of us didn’t make it but I’m glad for the people who did. I meet a lot of awesome new people, which without being here, I wouldn’t have gotten to known. Thanks to my lovely boyfriend David for always being quiet and agreeing with everything I say.  He’s weird for sure but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now with this being the last day, he surprised me with a new haircut. Thanks to my wonderful fabulous friend Ryan who I gain to know and respect everyday—we definitely became fast friends.  I’ll be seeing you around after this program is over. Thanks for Sommer who give me awesome hair/make-up tips! As I said before, you should go for that as well with being an actress. Thanks to Michelle aka mitchy! We had really good conversations and you’re nice enough to give me homework advice. Thanks to Sean for showing me a few Irish moves! I’ll be trying out for that one day! Well maybe more at home! I’m glad that you found a home in lovely expensive windy city Chicago. Austin thanks for becoming my new friend, and I’m glad that you want to try that delicious burger! We should make it in the UC THIS FALL!! Jessica I’m glad that you wanted to give Columbia a try, even though all of your other friends are at traditional college. I know you will find your place here. As far as Gary, I haven’t talked to you much, but you seem like you will do awesome things! I’ll look forward to interviewing one day for at the Oscars red carpet. Evan, well now I found a fellow journalist who I’ll be seeing around in the department. Javier thanks for telling awkward jokes, and your dry humor. Please don’t cut your hair! It’s awesome. Catylin, you’re a sweetheart! I know we’ll be working together one day! I’m that you took risks to come here, and I know you will do awesome things at the college.  Well this is the last day!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope to see you folks soon!

Aaaddddiiiooossss J

GOoooddddd bbyyyyeee my lovely classmates, I’ll see you around campus! Make sure your guys have awesome parties.

***Oh, how could I leave without talking about myself?! You guys all know my love for food! So if you guys make dinner in the dorms! make sure i'll be there! :)

We graduate today!

This is it. We finally made it here. We are the people who put in the extra effort and time to get here today. It is August 16, the last day of this bridge program. As happy as I am to finally be done with this and get the last week of my summer back, I am happy that this happened. It was a huge wakeup call that everyone needed. I cannot speak for everyone in the bridge program, but I know why I was in here and it was not taking school seriously. Getting awful grades is one thing, but to continue to get them and just not care is dumb. I have learned many things besides school skills, such as place and time really has an effect on what goes on in our lives. I also learned more about myself and why I have the models that I do. Actually, all the papers we had to write had huge values and lessons in it.

            The paper I found most beneficial was the one about risk, which ended up being my five page paper. I had always known what risk was, but never thought about how it drives us. We all have something in us that we are supposed to share with the world; we just need to overcome fear of rejection and looking stupid. We need to learn to just not care about what people think and just do what we think is best. That is what my final project is based on. I had written a song awhile before I had the band I am in now, but was never really sure about it. I doubt myself a lot with my guitar playing, and I just didn’t know if it was any good or not. One day I decided to just do it and see what would happen, not caring if I looked dumb to my new band or not. They ended up loving it, and it became one of the first songs we recorded.

            As much fun as sleeping in and staying up all night is, coming to Chicago these last four weeks was actually kind of fun. Sure, taking the train every day sucks, but I learned a lot in here. Not so much math or science, but about being a better writer and really buckling down with all the work that came with it. I also want to thank everyone in the bridge program, from the students to the teachers to the lectures. You all made this program fun and interesting, and overall just a good time.