Manifest

Transcript

Here’s senior music business major, Tangi, AKA T Star Verse, and Alejandra, a junior majoring in social media and digital strategy to explain how Manifest comes together.

– Thanks Alex. Hey, what’s y’all, it’s your girl Tandrea Hawkins, AKA T Star Verse, and I have the pleasure of experiencing Manifest both as a performer and a song competition winner.

– Alejandra Marroquin, I was the program making for student activities, which helps plan and produce the entire Manifest festival. How did you first learn about Manifest, Tangi?

– I discovered Manifest at freshman orientation. That’s also where I heard about the song competition. And once I arrived on campus as an eager freshmen, I literally started manifesting, no pun intended, that I would one day achieve just that. Fun fact, I was the first freshmen in Manifest history to perform on the main stage. But it didn’t all just happen because I manifested it. I got there by hosting and performing at open mics and student showcases all throughout the year. Those events give students the opportunity to network and showcase their talents to hundreds of students and faculty at a time.

– It would not be Manifest without the incredible performers like you. For me, there were many components that came with program making festival, from choosing the creative team to see how the weather was like the day of the festival. But the most important part of all of this, is that Manifest is entirely student produced. My job on the Manifest team was to figure out how to get students engaged through Manifest week. It can be a challenge to create and produce a student run festival, but I love being able to get my perspective of what Manifest should have. We all worked together to make sure that the chosen Manifest team extends to every facet of the event. This year, I was able to produce Manifests PR boxes, which were sent to students who signed up to the Manifest ambassadors, kinda like influencers. Their job was to promote Manifest and get others excited to participate and attend. Manifest brings out the best in student work. It’s a huge public platform to showcase your self, however you want. You’ll hear so many stories about the way students contribute to Manifest. I know T Star Verse got her moment in the Manifest spotlight.

– And lemme tell you being in that spotlight was everything. By the time I was a senior, I knew I wanted to create the winning Manifest song, and my submission won. The school wanted to use my song “Levitate”, off of my debut album, “Balance”. And since we couldn’t create an in-person concert, I created a virtual concert video featuring some of my other songs as well. The opportunity was huge for me. I was able to have full creative control in the process, but we only have one week to put it all together. So I called on a lot of my friends from Columbia across their music, fashion, dance, and film departments to help me bring my vision to life. That’s why having friends with students across different majors is crucial, you never know when you’ll need them. Our team of staff, students and alumni helped me put together a beautiful masterpiece that will forever stand out in my portfolio. Alejandra, your Manifest work is a beautiful addition to your portfolio too. What’s better than students taken over an arts festival, getting experience while doing it, and making it their own. Thank you for listening. What’s next, Alex?

– I am absolutely speechless. Columbia students sure know how to deliver. I’m manifesting my invitation to the next one so I can see it for myself. That was awesome. Okay, everyone, I wanna thank these students for showing us around and giving the inside scoop on Columbia College, Chicago. This place is amazing. The distinctive urban environment, the unique people and the infinite inspirations waiting around every corner. Columbia students jump at the chance to own their craft, big deeper into their career and pursue their passions, all within a supportive community that gives them the human connections they need to thrive. If you’re looking for a school in a world-class city full of grit, color, and plenty of interesting people, be sure to add Columbia College, Chicago, to your list. That’s it for me. I’ll pass it off to Colombia’s President, Dr. Kwang‑Wu Kim to sign off on this episode. Thanks again, everybody. Take care.