Antonia Forika, University Life
What is your role?
I advise student clubs, work with our incredibly helpful student ambassadors, plan and host well-being events in collaboration with brilliant campus partners, supervise two amazing student employees, dabble in finance work, and support my equally-supportive colleagues in their work creating diverse programs for all students, at all schools, on all campuses here at Columbia!
While in my position, I also had the opportunity to attend the Higher and Postsecondary Education Program at Teachers College (Class of 2022!) and was able to gain a different perspective from my experience as a part-time student and full-time staff member. I gained insight into the capacity of graduate students balancing full-time responsibilities and lived the topics covered in my classes such as sense of belonging, engagement, and leadership development. It felt very meta to be in college working at a college while studying college; clearly I am passionate about higher education.
During this time, I also learned that I was considered a first generation student, as my parents did not attend higher education institutions in this country. I also learned that crying is an acceptable response to the overwhelming feeling that deep in your being, you know education is liberation. I am grateful to have gained this perspective and this education, and encourage everyone to take advantage of the greatest product of this institution.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment at Columbia?
My greatest accomplishments at Columbia are little moments. When a student approached my desk in Philosophy Hall a few years ago, he mentioned that he had been feeling down and his advisor recommended visiting our office. I listened, empathized, and pointed out an event we were hosting a few days later. I told him I would be working the event and that I hoped to see him there. When he showed up at the check-in table at the event, it felt like a win.
When students are overheard at the well-being events I host such as Art After Five or other study breaks saying "this is a real stress-buster!" it warms my heart.
When a room full of students making crafts let out a collective "Nooo!" after I announced the event was wrapping up soon, I also wished we could have continued.
I am most proud of the small moments of joy that we have the choice to create for students and each other on a daily basis. Whether in passing giving directions in Kent Hall, or as an adviser making sure a club can bring the president of a country to the University for their event, I have had many small moments of accomplishment and, I hope impact, on the student experience here. I am also grateful for the relationships I have built with colleagues in my office and beyond, and I am glad to be part of a small group of thoughtful, committed people.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career here?
The best advice I have received in my professional career is about receiving feedback: "take the present, throw out the wrapping paper." I learned that feedback is a gift; someone is trying to help you become better in some way. No matter how it was delivered to you, disregard the method of delivery (especially in those cases where it may sting at first) and take the gift of feedback in order to propel yourself to become even better.
Other important pieces that have bounced around in my mind since hearing them have been:
- An attitude of gratitude goes a long way!
- A piece of advice given by a graduate student on a panel for new students said, "You will be juggling a lot. You have to figure out which balls are glass and which are rubber." I have not forgotten this line about prioritizing, and it has helped me visualize tasks in a new way.
- "Take a walk and get some sunshine on your face!" was said to me often by a dear colleague that has given me many gifts, including this necessary aspect of maintaining personal well-being.