Anessa Rivera

Music BA, Minor in Music Business '23

“I just went to Columbia knowing what the school could potentially teach me,” says recent Music graduate Anessa Rivera. “But I didn't expect the opportunities, relationships, shows, and music I would end up making here.”

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

The most surprising thing I learned at Columbia is the importance of networking. In both the Music and Music Business departments, they highlighted how important it is to befriend your peers and put yourself out there in hopes of getting more opportunities.

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

I would definitely say the Advising Center, specifically Kelci Kosen. She is the absolute best and really wants her students to succeed. She was so helpful to me, especially being a transfer student. I can't forget my amazing vocal instructor, Typhanie Coller. I really don't know if I would have made it through the last two semesters without her. She's made me a better vocalist, musician, and woman in this crazy music world; I'm honored to have learned from her these last three years.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Like every senior, I would love a suitable job in my industry, but I'm a performer, so I want to jump full force into my music. I want to perform around Chicago as a recording and performing artist, make more connections, release more music and content, create a team, and travel to different cities. I've already been doing this, but it's going to be on a whole other level when I graduate. I'll be dedicating all the work and time I put towards school to my music once I graduate. It's a little scary, but that's the plan, and I feel prepared.

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

My experience at Columbia was all around unexpected. I just went to Columbia knowing what the school could potentially teach me, but I didn't expect the opportunities, relationships, shows, and music I would end up making here. That's not really one sentence, but I'm just really grateful, and it's definitely bittersweet that it's over but as I said, I feel prepared.