Amber Ilisie

Acting BA '23

“Your achievements will feel infinitely more gratifying if you slow down, make connections, and just enjoy yourself,” says the recent Acting graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?

Success is not linear. In an extremely competitive industry, it is easy to desire quick results and even easier to stumble and be discouraged from trying again. Your achievements will feel infinitely more gratifying if you slow down, make connections, and just enjoy yourself.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating?

I'm eternally thankful for Wendi Weber, Michael Brown, and Brian Shaw. They helped me navigate classes and prepared me for the on-stage and behind-the-scenes work that comes with the acting industry.

I plan to start auditioning.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

It was nerve-wracking but a lot of fun!