Tasnim Azman (Class of 2019)
Majoring in Political Science and minoring in Linguistics at Columbia University
Hi Tasnim! Can you share with us your experiences at university so far?
Studying at Columbia has really opened up many doors for me to grow, both academically and as a person. On campus, I am heavily involved in acappella singing: my group, the Columbia Clefhangers, rehearses for six hours a week! I’m also the group’s Publicity and a key member of their executive board. I am responsible for maintaining our social media presence and for organizing group bonding activities. Beyond rehearsals and performances, the members of the Columbia Clefhangers have truly become an essential part of my social life here at Columbia.
On top of this hobby-turned-community, I am also a member of both the Undergraduate and Global Recruitment Committees here at Columbia — meaning that I am a campus tour guide, and also in the committee responsible for branching out to students internationally.
Being at Columbia itself is already such a privilege, but even more so when I am able to be in the heart of New York City! Being in New York has allowed me to further my passion for activism and human rights. Here, by attending protests and engaging in political discussions with my peers, I have become part of a movement challenging injustices in New York and, more broadly, the world.
Living in New York has been a humbling experience for me, as I am often confronted with the harsh realities of the world. It really makes me realise that I am so lucky to be where I am today. I feel truly grateful for the privilege I have had, and all the help I have had along the way from people who have pushed me to challenge myself.
How did GIS prepare you for University life?
GIS truly was an essential stepping stone to where I am today!
I first grew an interest in Political Science through the school’s Model UN programme, and through studying Sociology for my iGCSEs. I was truly able to expand my horizons beyond just those of Malaysia by being surrounded by GIS’ internationally diverse student body. I also found an interest in linguistics through hearing a plethora of languages being spoken around me in the canteen! I manifested this curiosity for other cultures in my own way, when I found a love for learning and speaking Spanish.
GIS was also where I found comfort in being myself. I had always loved singing, but it was when I was jamming out in the Music Department in Year 7 with a dear friend of mine – the almost terrifyingly-talented Ryan Lum – that I was encouraged to really explore my love for music. My band (through Years 8 to 11) was an important part of my life at GIS — and the opportunity to perform at GIS’ annual Battle of the Bands four years in a row really allowed me to grow both as a musician and as a person.
Moreover, I was always motivated and supported by my peers and my teachers at GIS. I was inspired by how hard my friends worked, and moved by the immense support we had for each other, both academically and emotionally. Whether this meant sending resources via WhatsApp group chats or teaching each other how to work through certain problems, I knew that we could rely on each other. The teachers at GIS were also very committed and patient, offering after-school sessions and ensuring that every student was on track with their understanding.
Overall, I would not be the person I am today without having undergone all the experiences at GIS. I developed a real sense of duty to my school community – which I still feel today here at Columbia – and was able to develop self-esteem and passions, thanks to the extensive support and resources at GIS.