Take Five with Kristin Simmons ’12

Kristin Simmons ’12 is a painter, printmaker and silkscreen artist. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Orra White Hitchcock and National Endowment of the Arts Award. Her work can be seen at kristinsimmonsart.com.

What were you like when you arrived at Columbia?

I was extremely curious, motivated and social. I felt free after so many years in boarding school! As a born and bred New Yorker, I was thrilled to return to my “roots” and felt like I had a bit of an advantage since I was on my home turf. However, I was nervous as I did not know what to expect and worried that I might not be able to keep up with the academic demands of the College.

What do you remember about your first-year living situation?

My roommate and I were the only people in Carman with a private bathroom, which is obviously a game changer for women. I also remember NEVER being in my room —I really tried to take advantage of the city and get out as much as possible.

What class do you most remember and why?

Lit Hum. I am still in touch with my professor, Jon Kenneth Williams GSAS’09. He had a way of humanizing everything and making the archaic relevant in a translatable and engaging way. I am so grateful for the Core Curriculum; it’s much easier to speak or raise your hand in a smaller setting than in a group of 200-plus!

Did you have a favorite spot on campus, and what did you like about it?

Riverside Park, which I guess is both on- and off-campus. It’s a place I would go to meditate, read and sit with my thoughts. Sometimes I would go for a run if the weather held up. I would vote Oren’s as a close second, for obvious reasons. Coffee and Columbia are not mutually exclusive — if anyone reading this was never a caffeine drinker and managed to complete all their coursework on time, please contact me immediately.

What, if anything, about your College experience would you do over?

I almost wish I hadn’t done ALL the reading and homework. Instead, I wish I gotten more involved with on-campus groups and College activity. I had amazing, close friends, but as an artist it’s very easy to isolate yourself unwittingly and study relentlessly.

Kristin Simmons ’12 is a painter, printmaker and silkscreen artist. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Orra White Hitchcock and National Endowment of the Arts Award. Her work can be seen at kristinsimmonsart.com.

What were you like when you arrived at Columbia?

I was extremely curious, motivated and social. I felt free after so many years in boarding school! As a born and bred New Yorker, I was thrilled to return to my “roots” and felt like I had a bit of an advantage since I was on my home turf. However, I was nervous as I did not know what to expect and worried that I might not be able to keep up with the academic demands of the College.

What do you remember about your first-year living situation?

My roommate and I were the only people in Carman with a private bathroom, which is obviously a game changer for women. I also remember NEVER being in my room —I really tried to take advantage of the city and get out as much as possible.

What class do you most remember and why?

Lit Hum. I am still in touch with my professor, Jon Kenneth Williams GSAS’09. He had a way of humanizing everything and making the archaic relevant in a translatable and engaging way. I am so grateful for the Core Curriculum; it’s much easier to speak or raise your hand in a smaller setting than in a group of 200-plus!

Did you have a favorite spot on campus, and what did you like about it?

Riverside Park, which I guess is both on- and off-campus. It’s a place I would go to meditate, read and sit with my thoughts. Sometimes I would go for a run if the weather held up. I would vote Oren’s as a close second, for obvious reasons. Coffee and Columbia are not mutually exclusive — if anyone reading this was never a caffeine drinker and managed to complete all their coursework on time, please contact me immediately.

What, if anything, about your College experience would you do over?

I almost wish I hadn’t done ALL the reading and homework. Instead, I wish I gotten more involved with on-campus groups and College activity. I had amazing, close friends, but as an artist it’s very easy to isolate yourself unwittingly and study relentlessly.