Olivia Covey

Journalism BA, Concentration in Magazine Journalism '23

“Coming to Columbia and being surrounded by my peers and professors has given me the confidence to do what I want to do, not what I thought I had to do,” says Olivia Covey, a recent Journalism graduate.

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

I am not where I thought I would be when I was applying to college five years ago. Coming to Columbia and being surrounded by my peers and professors has given me the confidence to do what I want to do, not what I thought I had to do.

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

The people I’ve met at Columbia have made my experience not only enjoyable but fulfilling.  I met my best friend, Cyera, on my first day of classes my freshman year, and she has been encouraging me ever since. I got to learn from and work with Betsy Edgerton, who has been such an encouraging mentor. She led me during my time with Echo Magazine and recommended me for FRANK and ChicagoTalks, all three of those experiences have been amazing for my growth. My boss at the Advising Center, Maria Marzano, and the rest of the advising team have cheered me on since my first day in the office, and they never fail to tell me how proud they are of me.
 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’m heading back home to Michigan for a few months to be with my family and friends while I look for a job. I’m hoping to be with a magazine or website that I love by 2024.

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

I found myself at Columbia, and I don’t think I could have done that anywhere else.