What is the Bridge Program to me, Staci Lyn.

When I applied for Columbia I was a senior in high school and wasn’t sure about my grades at that point. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get into the school of my dreams. I didn’t know about the bridge program and neither did most students at Columbia. After graduation I still didn’t hear any word back from Columbia so I decided to attend a community college by my house that everyone in my area goes to. I was a little embarrassed to go there because I knew that I was smarter than what my grades reflected. I knew I had to do what I needed to do and post pone my dreams of attending Columbia. I wasn’t happy at the community college. I pretty much hated every day there. During my winter break I received a letter saying that I had another chance at Columbia, but I would have to complete the bridge program. Right at that moment I was extremely excited about the chance that Columbia was giving me. Once I attended the bridge preview I was having second thoughts. I thought I was too old for the experience. I spoke to one of the counselors and explained to her that I was already a sophomore in college and I didn’t think I needed the program to transfer to Columbia.

I thought for a long time about my decision. I could transfer my grades from my old school or take my chance with the bridge program. I wasn’t sure of my grades in my old school so I decided to do the bridge program. The two main reasons I wanted to do the bridge program were because I could move in early and take college level math. I knew my intentions of moving in early weren’t the highest priority, but I wanted to get out to the city faster. Most of my friends went off to school a year earlier and I felt left behind when they left. I didn’t take college level math for a while because I was afraid that I wouldn’t pass. I knew that I would benefit from the math class in the bridge program. I didn’t want to take the chance of taking the class at my community college, failing, and having to stay another year because of my failing grade. I know I shouldn’t think that way, but I didn’t feel like I could succeed.

Once I started class in the bridge program I felt like it was too good to be true. Before coming to Columbia I was an English and math tutor for elementary school kids. Most of the things we are reviewing in class are almost identical to the lesson plans I made for my students. For a while I felt that it was way too easy and I didn’t need the bridge program. I couldn’t believe that they would put me in such a low level. I was a bit angry for a couple days because I felt insulted. After having a conversation with my father about the program he told me that it was a blessing in disguise because I have the best chance at passing and being accepted into Columbia. I decided to change my mind set about the bridge program and look at it as a good transition into staying away from home and living on my own. I needed to discipline myself by living on my own and making better priorities for myself. As easy as I think the work is, I'm still benefiting from the fact that I can go through school on my own. I don’t need my parents asking me every day if I did my work or not. I can be more independent and do it on my own.