Katie Blue, '21SPS, Strategic Communication, recently moved from her home base of Chesapeake, Virginia back to New York to complete her final term at Columbia SPS. Blue, who is an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard Officer along with her husband, says the HyFlex learning model gives her the freedom and flexibility to save time and learn from practically anywhere.
Why did you enroll in the program? Why Columbia SPS, specifically?
Their approach to learning [which] blends research and practical application. The curriculum goes beyond theory to challenge assumptions, pose new questions and create innovative solutions and strategies that can be used in this ever-evolving field.
What’s the community like?
I am absolutely in awe of the motivation, experiences and talent that is in the strategic communication program! Everyone comes from different backgrounds and perspectives and they have really pushed me to become a better communicator, innovator and leader. I’ve really cherished the friendships that I’ve cultivated.... Together, we have survived a pandemic, the racial unrest and, of course, the assignments and loads of readings! Together, I think we’ll be able to navigate the ever-evolving marketplace.
Tell us about the freedom and flexibility of Columbia SPS.
I’ve gained a little bit of additional time to spend with my husband and our two dogs Sailor and Lily. And while my walking commute [to Columbia] wasn’t that long, it was about 20 minutes; it starts to add up over time and so I’ve really enjoyed getting some of that freedom and flexibility in my schedule back. I also enjoy the freedom to go anywhere as long as I have my computer and good WiFi.
How will Columbia keep you moving forward?
Throughout my 11+ year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, I’ve been a part of several missions that have fundamentally shifted my perspective on life. I was on a Cutter that was one of the first assets on the scene following the 2010 Haitian earthquake as well as Hurricanes Irma and Maria. When I think back to those experiences, there’s always this common thread of searching for opportunities amidst the rubble to provide a sense of certainty; that’s kind of like where we are now! There’s a lot of uncertainty but I like to try to find those glimmers of hope or try to find those rewarding experiences that can make me more forward-looking instead of dwelling on the things that have gone not so well this year.
