Grace Bloom

Cultural Studies BA '23

“Going to Columbia allowed me to capitalize on the pedagogy of place and connect with the city and like-minded creatives,” says the recent Cultural Studies graduate.

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

The most surprising thing I learned through my experience at Columbia was how I need to connect with my art. I took many classes in the Film and Audio departments, but I stayed with Cultural Studies because I realized that being an artist was not enough; I have to critically engage with and challenge the institutions of these art forms in order to feel comfortable pursuing them.

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

I really appreciated the help of Associate Professor Rob Watkins, Associate Professor Sean Andrews, and former Assistant Professor Khalid Long. Their classes were so engaging that they led me to switch into the Cultural Studies program. Adjunct Claudette Roper pushed me in a way no other teacher has and encouraged me to tell my own story and advocate for my own experiences.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Right after graduating, I am going on tour around the US and Canada playing keys with a band and opening with my own act for some dates. I plan to continue releasing music, touring, and playing shows around Chicago.

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