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The CCRA blog is authored by Columbia undergraduate researchers, who are invited to reflect on all aspects of the research process and their own undergraduate research experiences, beginning (but not ending) with the Core.
Author Archives: Cecilia Guan
Sincerely, Columbia Seniors
We made it! My last Rose blog post before graduation. These past four years have been an unconventional journey due to the COVID-19 pandemic (to say the least), and as a result, the transition onwards from here may feel more … Continue reading
Posted in postgraduation plans, Uncategorized
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Self-Reflection as a Form of Research
For all the writing, analysis, and problem-solving we do on a daily basis in college, I feel that we do not often consider self-reflection as a way to strengthen our research processes or as a kind of research in and … Continue reading
Posted in courses, major research, Uncategorized
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The Global Core: Exploring the World from the Classroom
One of my favorite parts about Columbia has been the freedom to intertwine my academic interests with the exploration of my Asian American identity. The primary route I have chosen to do so is through the Global Core requirement. The … Continue reading
Posted in The Core, Uncategorized
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Using Psychology To Foster Beginner’s Mind
“Beginner’s Mind: the idea of engaging the world without preconceptions, as if you’re seeing everything for the very first time.” – Dean Valentini We make millions and millions of decisions each day. And with the many, many priorities we … Continue reading
Posted in courses, major research, Uncategorized
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Demystifying Office Hours
Welcome to the start of a new semester! I am in a bit of disbelief that this is the last one of my undergraduate Columbia experiences. I thought I would start off my posts this new year by unpacking possibly … Continue reading
Posted in courses, COVID-19, Faculty Mentors, major research, postgraduation plans, Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research
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A ‘Not To-Do’ Guide from Machiavelli: Being a Successful Columbia Student Leader
Throughout your year in Contemporary Civilizations (CC), you are exposed to, amongst other topics, perspectives on what ‘good’ civil society looks like, what ‘good’ government looks like, and what ‘good’ leaders look like. One of the main reasons why I … Continue reading
Posted in New York City, The Core, Uncategorized
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Putting It All Together: Tools for an Organized Project
So your research project is finally underway: now what? For me, the natural next step is to get organized. I have compiled some of my favorite tips and tools for managing any type of project. For context, I am a … Continue reading
Posted in Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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The Age-Old Question of Crafting A Research Question
So, it’s the first day of the semester, and your professor is going over the course syllabus with your class. You flip to the assignments section and see, ‘30 PAGE RESEARCH PAPER DUE’ on the last day of the course. … Continue reading
Posted in courses, Faculty Mentors, Uncategorized
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Where Philosophy Ends and Individual Inquiry Begins
One of my favorite shows of all time is The Good Place. If you haven’t watched it yet… What are you waiting for? If you already have, you’ll know how central the exploration of different philosophies is to the show. … Continue reading
Posted in courses, The Core, Uncategorized
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