The Value of Creativity

Transcript

– Hello everyone, and welcome to Columbia College, Chicago. Founded in 1890, this is a private nonprofit college situated right next to Lake Michigan and Grant Park. This school offers a one of a kind curriculum that blends fine performing and media arts communications, liberal arts, and sciences, business, and technology. The community here celebrates all ways of being and deeply values the intersecting differences amongst students, faculty, and staff. Students here see the world through a creative lens. They’re working in their chosen industries before graduation, and they’ve paid pathways for careers that might not yet exist. Columbia train students for what employers expect, but also prepares them to adapt to the unexpected. So get ready, you’ll be hearing from some outstanding Columbia students about how they got here and what it’s like pursuing a career in the creative industries. Once again, welcome to Columbia College, Chicago, this is the college tour. Creativity is Columbia’s heartbeat. It drives the academic experience. Columbia knows creativity is a facet of being a learner and a citizen. Plus it’s a sought after professional skill that gives students a competitive edge in the job market. We’re kicking things off with Jory. He’s a sophomore, acting major, who’s gonna tell us more about the value of creativity. It’s all you Jory.

– Thank you, Alex. What’s up, everyone. Growing up with the educators as parents, college was never a choice, but a requirement. When I started my senior year, I felt like I was ready to take the next step toward college, but I didn’t really feel like any school fit me and all of my passions. But one day a Columbia representative came and spoke to my senior class about this gem in Downtown Chicago. Columbia offered me everything I needed for my growth, not only as an artist, but as a person as well. I love creativity at Columbia. To me, creativity is more than just having a good idea, it’s the way you lead your life. Whether it’s the clothes you wear, the way you style your hair or your overall demeanor, it is your guide. Most schools and arts programs do value creativity, but they value their own style of creativity. However, Columbia allows you to spread your wings and fly. Here I’m an acting major, but I also have some interest in music business. Columbia made sure there was extra space in my schedule to take some of those extra interests as electives. That’s what I love about Columbia. This school is always on your side ready to make it work for you as best as they can. And outside of Columbia, creativity is essential to my existence. As an African-American man, there’s day-to-day pressures in my life, creativity is often the only place where I can release and express myself freely without being judged. It’s these little things that helped me break through barriers and live authentically. This past school year was challenging for all of us. And I struggled with my own lack of inspiration in my acting. Usually when I have these dry spouts, I turn to music or classic films, but this time I wanted to push myself a little bit further. So I sat down in my dorm and I taught myself how to DJ. DJing is the perfect creative outlet, because it allows me to still take some time off while keeping my brain inspired. College is more than about just learning or developing a job skill, it’s about learning life. Since moving away, I’m learned and discover things about myself that I never knew before. I’ve taken time to examine what I want and who I want to be. And now, I get to design my life however I want to. It’s like being thrown in the ocean and told to swim, but luckily I have my Columbia life that’s there encouraging me to keep paddling. Back to you, Alex.

– Jory, thanks for that. It’s truly remarkable to hear the ways Columbia encourages students like you to pursue your passions. Clearly you’ve got great things waiting for you. Thanks again. Chicago is part of Columbia’s name for a reason. From the south new campus, students can access museums, theaters, music venues, galleries, and connect to internships and other professional opportunities.