Columbia Universitys student body is incredibly diverse.

The infinite halls and

emerald lawns teem with aspiring diplomats, writers, engineers, historians, and biologists
from every imaginable background. Even though most urban universities offer such
eclecticism, what excites me about Columbia is the quality that unifies its motley
assortment of students. Surprisingly, in an era where elite college undergraduates are
increasingly characterized by uber-competitiveness and careerism, I found Columbians to
be, essentially, playful.
Employing a core curriculum that teaches the fundamental precepts of thought,
Columbia nurtures vigorously analytical minds. Consequently it captures kindred spirits
who subsist on the pure joy of learning. Here I met those who would be willing to sit in
the fading glow of a dining hall until 3 AM eagerly trying to touch every possible idea
from every possible perspective. I met those who would never tire of tackling the serious
and the trivial, the physical and the metaphysical. Lions are more than successful
students. They are zealous scholars who embrace the abstract with boisterous intensity.
To satisfy my desire to understand the mysteries of the external world, I
continuously seek to understand the world within. Whether Im at the dinner table, in
church, or even in bed, I continuously try to climb higher on the philosophical ladder.
Although there are many differing perspectives on the value of such endeavors, I wish to
go where the thinkers game is enthusiastically played by all. I wish to go where people
bubble with the Hows? and Whys? and are never satiated by Whats? alone. I
wish to go where, in the light of vivacious curiosity, I can pursue the light of truth.