Thank you very much for that incredibly warm Columbia welcome. It's an incredible it's an incredible privilege to welcome the students, families and friends of the class of 20, 20, 20 72Colombia. Like you, I'm also new to this campus, having started as Colombia's 20 of the president in July. And I say, as someone who has experienced bit of change once or twice in my life, beginnings are exciting and hard. And everything in between. They introduced to new people and ideas. They challenges to adapt to new situations, and they open our eyes to new ways of thinking about the world, in our place, in it, to the parents and caregivers and loved ones who are hear, I share your pain. I have two University age children, and I know what it's like to feel proud, wasteful and a bit mournful, all at the same time to wonder why they're not calling home enough, why you aren't getting any insight into what they're learning. And your your hunch right now is absolutely correct. Everything really has changed. They've packed up their rooms, they've packed their belongings and they've unpacked them in a space and moved into a new home. And it can all feel a bit bewilder wildering. My advice to you is, have faith in the process to all of your students. This is a right of passage, a moment in your life that will be an important milestone. You are surrounded by many of the brightest and most inspiring faculty on the planet, whose mission it is to train you in the art of thinking, take advantage of the breadth of the opportunities offered here, invest in friendships, build relationships with your professors, and delve deeply into the world of ideas. And by the way, it wouldn't be the worst idea to call your parents and loved ones from time to time. To let them know how you're getting on and to continue to ask for their advice when you need it or even if you don't really need it, it will make them happy. Trust me. I want to see if you working as are the parents, applying as you might expect. I want to say a few words about choosing Columbia, a class of 20, 20, 27. We made an identical decision over the past year. We considered the many polls that our lives could take, and we chose the Colombia path. And some of what makes the Colombia special is very obvious. This is a world class research University. It is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. We have 17 schools spread over four campuses and eleven global centres. 90Colombians have won Nobel prizes. For centuries, our alumni have ranked among the most celebrated individuals in government, the arch's business, technology, media, academia and almost every area of human achievement. Their numbers include not only four American presidents, but also five members of the National Baseball hold the fame. Colombians are multitalented as, of course we all know. We also have the core, which has been mentioned several times to date, a distinctive undergraduate experience that connect students across Columbia College, Columbia engineering and the Columbia School of general studies and the courses of the court, engaged with the work of the western cannon and with the cultures of Africa, the America's Asia and the Middle East. They will introduce you to influential books and ideas and literature, philosophy, science, history, art and music. They will demand that you think critically and consider new perspectives and wrestle with profound questions about the human experience that have bedeviled the brightest minds throughout history. And importantly, you will engage with this material together. And in so doing, you will prepare for a life as an engaged global citizen, someone who acquires knowledge and debates with others to inform the role that you want to play in today's world. You're here to experience an extraordinary intellectual awakening, to stand on the shoulders of giants, to learn from their mistakes and to make your own contributions. Look to your right and to your left. You are students from all 50 states represented by the flags on my ride, and from over 100 countries represented by the flies on my left. You are now all part of the Columbia story. You are now partners with all of us in creating what comes next. Let me see if you were about the role of the University. Universities and institutions of higher learning have existed for millennia, stretching back to the schools of ancient places like China, Egypt, Greece and India. There's something special, even magical, about the tradition of students and scholars coming together to create these unique environments of learning. The challenge for universities has always been to stay rooted in these traditions while adapting and reinventing to fit the demands of the new era. In the late nineteenth and early 22000 years century, it was the humble Li model named for the precision philosophy Williams N humbled that shaped the research universities of the United States, and the central principle of the model was the union of teaching and research in the work of the individual scholar or scientist. And the idea was that teaching should be based on the disinterested search for the truth, and students should participate at however humble a level in this endeavor, they should not be, and you should not be merely recipients of knowledge. You should join in its creation. And we find, in this classic view that the University was meant to be a community of scholars and students engaged in this common task. And as we stand here in the 20 first century, universities are reorienting themselves for yet another new era. It used to be that the primary mission of the University was to educate Young people and create new knowledge in the form of scholarship and research. And the work was done when the student graduated or when the professor was research got published today. The critical questions we ask include, what are you going to do with the training that you've required? And how are you going to use the research you conducted for the betterment of society? Look behind me. Spit dark now at the inscription on Low Library, which says, we want to be an institution that is cherished by generation after generation for the advancement of the public good. Now I don't need to remind you about all the challenges that the world is facing at the moment, challenges like climate change, poverty, conflict and disease. At Columbia. We do our work with these global problems very much in our minds. And while you're here, you will have the chance to develop the skills to translate the life of the mind into real life. This is a place where you'll have the chance to pursue your own diverse interest, and you'll be able to engage with the artists and writers who populate our faculty to conduct independent research alongside our longside scientists in their labs to cure diseases or to save our planet. You'll have the opportunity to see that work up close. And once you do that, it will change you forever. You begin to see things differently and imagine the role you could play in advancing knowledge. So as you begin you're undergraduate journey inexpensively, about the kinds of experiences you want to have here, about the interest you want to pursue and the scholar and researchers with whom you want to engage, and a way, think long and hard about what you're going to do with these experiences when you graduate and how you how you'll bring your skills and your knowledge to bear on the major of problems facing society. And don't be afraid to revise your thinking as your path evolves. Now this is a lot for you're all taken, and I want to stress that it's okay to feel a little overwhelmed. Right now, many of you are used to being at the top of your class. In fact, I know that 95% of you are. But if you find that you're struggling, that's okay. That's to be expected. Make sure that you reach out and ask for the support that you need from your friends, your teachers, your families, your advisers and the staff, all of who are here to support you. You're about to experience a lot of first. For me, as a girl who grew up in southern climates, college was the first time I saw snow. And it took me a very long time to accept the necessity of a downed jacket and proper boots. I had one roommate who introduced me to Johnny Mitchell啊，and another who didn't believe in owning a lot of clothes and strong a line for doing her daily laundry across our room. It's mind opening, meeting people who are different from you, who think differently from the way you do, who've been brought up in a different context and have different views. And you should expect to be challenged by these new perspectives to debate ideas with which you disagree and be willing to revise your beliefs in the face of new evidence. And at times this may feel awkward and uncomfortable, and that is as it should be. That is what it feels like to be part of a culture that values intellectual inquiry and the free exchange of ideas. And that's what it feels like to be at the frontier. And it's how humanity has made progress over a millennia. So over the past two months, I've been getting to no Colombia by meeting with people who work across our campuses, schools and departments. And I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite quotes to give you a sense of what awaits you. Here's one quote, I am better because I mat Colombia. If you can imagine it, there's a high probability you can make it happen at Columbia. What I love about Columbia is its independent spirit. It's lack of snowberry y. It's warm, it's scrappy. It's New York City. And finally, Columbia is located in the richest city in the world in every sense. Those quotes underscore the point on which I'd like to end. When we chose to come to this institution, we chose to come to Columbia University in the city of New York. And like our campuses, New York is much more than a collection of buildings. It's a rich and diverse community of people, the most extraordinary collection of people you'll find anywhere. And we are all New Yorkers now. To quote our neighbor, Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical. The creator of the musical about that other famous Colombian Alexander Hamilton. Look around, look around. History is happening in Manhattan, and we just happen to be in the greatest city in the world. Welcome to New York. Welcome to Colombia. Thank you.
**Columbia University Student Guide: Navigating Your Academic Journey**

Embarking on your college journey at Columbia University is an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time on campus.

**Campus Life**
Columbia's campus is a vibrant hub of activity. With 17 schools spread across four campuses and eleven global centres, there's always something going on. You'll have the opportunity to engage with students from all over the world, creating a diverse and enriching community.

**Academic Excellence**
Prepare to be challenged by some of the brightest minds in the world. The faculty at Columbia is dedicated to teaching and research, providing you with a top-notch education. Take advantage of the breadth of opportunities offered, from cutting-edge research projects to engaging in discussions with renowned professors.

**Building Relationships**
Invest in friendships and build strong relationships with your professors. These connections will not only enhance your learning experience but also open doors to future opportunities. The core curriculum, a distinctive undergraduate experience, will connect you with students across different disciplines, fostering a well-rounded education.

**Global Perspective**
Columbia's location in New York City exposes you to a rich and diverse community. Immerse yourself in the city's culture, engage with global issues, and develop the skills to become an engaged global citizen. Participate in internships, study abroad programs, or volunteer opportunities to gain real-world experience.

**Personal Growth**
Expect to be challenged and grow both academically and personally. Embrace new perspectives, debate ideas, and be willing to revise your beliefs. The intellectual environment at Columbia will stimulate your thinking and help you develop critical thinking skills.

**Support System**
Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Whether it's from friends, teachers, family, advisers, or staff, everyone is here to help you succeed. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times; we all go through it.

Make the most of your time at Columbia University. Explore new interests, pursue your passions, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Columbia University, students, families, friends, campus, education, opportunities, challenges, New York, community
[Q]：What makes Columbia University special?
[A]：Columbia is a world class research University, the oldest in New York and fifth oldest in the US. It has 17 schools, 90 Nobel laureates, and a diverse alumni network.
[Q]：How can students make the most of their time at Columbia?
[A]：Take advantage of the opportunities for learning, build relationships with faculty and peers, and engage in the diverse campus community.
[Q]：What should parents expect during their child's time at Columbia?
[A]：Their child will experience growth, change, and new challenges. Encourage communication and offer support when needed.
[Q]：How does Columbia prepare students for a global role?
[A]：Through its global centres, diverse student body, and focus on global issues in academics and research.
[Q]：What is the core curriculum like at Columbia?
[A]：It's a distinctive undergraduate experience connecting students across different schools and disciplines, engaging with various cultures and ideas.
[Q]：How can students deal with the challenges of starting college?
[A]：Have faith in the process, reach out for support from others, and be open to new experiences and perspectives.
[Q]：What role does New York City play in the Columbia experience?
[A]：It provides a rich and diverse community, exposure to different cultures, and numerous opportunities for internships and engagement.
[Q]：How can students contribute to the Columbia community?
[A]：By participating in academic activities, building relationships, and engaging in initiatives that benefit the campus and society.