Summer Encounters: A Fairy Tale Memory of Columbia University

My first encounter with Columbia University was marred by a series of unfortunate circumstances. It was tainted by the disappointment of missing out on my dream program, a tinge of derisive scorn, and a veil of bitter resentment. 

Leaving Columbia, however, was a poignant experience filled with tears and reluctance. It was marked by a profound sense of separation from the friends with whom I had shared countless moments, and a yearning to once again be entwined with every flower, every tree, and every brick and tile on campus.

In the span of three weeks, this dream-like, enchanting campus became a fairy tale where boundaries were transcended, reality’s pressures were mitigated, and worldly concerns were left behind. 

With its invisible but palpable aura of love and acceptance, Columbia connected us – people from all corners of the globe – closely together, renewing our perception of New York City and enriching each day with boundless knowledge and enjoyment.

My Day——Morning

Each morning at seven, roused by my alarm, I was greeted by the gentle light of dawn, spilling its warmth and promise through the window. As I washed up in a bathroom overlooking a century-old church and observed the bustling streets below, the city’s vibrancy and potential infused me with inspiration and boundless energy.

After freshening up, I met friends at a coffee shop just across the street. Enveloped by the rich aromas of coffee and fresh-baked bread, greeted by the friendly and patient staff, and observing the diverse patrons enjoying their coffee and conversations, I was reminded that New York is not only a hub of intense professional competition but also a place where one can savor life’s simple pleasures and embrace a relaxed philosophy.

Mid-morning

Entering the imposing and grandiose Butler Library, I would ascend the tiled steps flanked by murals and breathe in the centuries-old air of history.

Arriving at the Main Hall, beneath the crystal chandeliers and surrounded by professors – some elderly and devoted to their academic pursuits – I felt the enduring value of knowledge. It became clear that knowledge is the sustenance upon which we depend, the immortal treasure amidst the relentless march of time. Engaging with it continually allows one to transcend the harsh constraints of age, preserving the vigor of youth in spirit.

Inspired, my own learning efficiency surged forward like a runaway horse.

Noon

During lunch breaks, we would often stroll along the street in front of the university. The array of eateries – Japanese, pizza, salad, and French – provided a delightful respite from our studies, while the chefs, with their varied culinary offerings, nurtured our palates. We would pause to admire a cute dog, generously compliment its owner, and receive warm responses in return. 

Stylish passersby would elicit genuine admiration and friendly comments, leading to reciprocated praise and cheerful farewells. Encountering fellow program participants, we would engage in spirited conversations, sharing interests and backgrounds. This street was free from prejudice and barriers, marked only by polite interactions with locals, and the ever-present warmth and kindness of the city.

Afternoon

After the second class of the day, I would join my dorm mates, each from a different region of China, with whom I shared a profound bond akin to that of old friends. We would gather on Columbia’s iconic stone steps at dawn, marveling at the endless blue sky, the pristine white clouds, and the bright sun. At dusk, we would watch the lake bathed in ochre hues and the sky blushing with pink. 

In the evening, we would see the campus illuminated by stars and lights, the crystal chandeliers sparkling, and students burning the midnight oil. Whether lounging in the dorm, discussing our moments of speechlessness and sudden heart-throbs, dreaming about life’s goals, working out vigorously, or dancing and singing at parties, we seemed to forget the pressures of reality. Instead, we embraced the pure courage and sincerity that bound us together, creating a summer memory as fragrant and enduring as the season itself.

Epilogue

My summer memories of New York began under a canopy of clouds and concluded with clear blue skies. Leaving behind the drizzling rain, it felt as though even the sky was moved by our reluctance to part. 

We held our coats above our heads and walked through the rain, bidding farewell to this enchanting, fairy-tale-like paradise surrounded by verdant lawns, to the city’s vibrant, humanistic glow, and to the academic splendor of its historic charm. We then set forth on a new journey.