On my last morning at Columbia, just hours after my most grueling 'blue book' exam, I sat on a bench watching the sun make its final ascent. Veil after veil of dusky fabric was lifted as forms and colors of campus features were restored to remake Low Library in its unique pattern. Reflecting on my stay with gratitude, I tried to reconcile my experiences with my dreams for the future.
Stepping into Columbia, a visitor from Copenhagen, I felt like a wide-eyed tourist lost in a city of towering intellect. It wasn't just a university; it was an intellectual amusement. And there I was, clutching my ticket, ready to take the ride. Choosing classes? Imagine a kid let loose in a candy store; that was me in the course catalogue, my eyes popping at the array of disciplines that spanned from the familiar to the fascinatingly alien. In classes, instead of being spectators, we were partners in an intellectual tango, led by professors who weren't just scholars but also passionate mentors. Their infectious energy swept me into a whirl of thoughts and ideas, both humbling and enlightening. As for campus life, it felt like walking into a family reunion. Strangers became friends, conversations became memories, and very soon, Columbia felt less like a prestigious institution, and more like a home away from home. The diverse ethnic, social, and cultural student body; the activist spirit; the community's conviction in advocating and leading social change. Columbia’s community is loud and proud, embodying the ethos of the lion that represents it. Here, amidst the hum of diverse cultures, I found my place and my voice.
One of my lecturers, Cody Smith, had a massive impact on my personal and professional development. In his class Negotiation for Everyday Use (NECR 5109), in the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program, he employed varied, innovative teaching methods in designing a phenomenal course that pushed me to apply its concepts in my every day and professional life. I recall his case discussions sparking heated debate. Like a conductor to an orchestra, Smith would unveil layers of information and guide the discussions to new levels of insight. These sessions often led to guest lecturers and case protagonists speaking sessions that informed our analytical findings with personal accounts of how the cases were solved. Smith's genuine passion for teaching, paired with his depth of scholarship, was truly inspirational. His personalized, detailed feedback and mentorship in continuously following up on my development helped me internalize the learnings and improve my academic writing skills. I benefitted immensely from his advice when engaged in professional negotiations and career decisions outside the classroom. Moreover, Smith earned the respect of the class by modeling an inclusive and equitable environment where different perspectives were valued and respected. I couldn't ask for a better teacher; he pushed me to become the best version of myself and instilled a motivation to fully exploit the incredible resources at Columbia. With coursework led by Lecturers Young Mi Park and Michael McGuire Jr., my exchange semester served as invaluable preparation to pursue a Master of International Affairs at SIPA. For that and everything else, I think the world of them and will remain grateful.
On that bench, I felt free from the gravitation that binds to heavy human problems of the world. Wellesley noted that “only a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle lost”: confronting the inherent contradiction between rejoicing new friendships and memories tempered the sentiments of having to let them go. It made me think about how much I'd grown over the course of just a few months. Little did I know it was the beginning.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to analyze the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to transform disputes through reasoned and resourceful interventions. The program focuses on developing self-awareness, tenacity, and interpersonal competency; building common ground; opening lines of communication; ensuring representation and recognition, and building sustainable possibilities for resolution.
About the Author
Rasmus Edelmann is an incoming Master of International Affairs (MIA) student at Columbia SIPA who joined the community as a visiting student in the fall of 2022. He has previously worked in Mumbai and London and volunteered in Nairobi. Rasmus is a black belt in karate and competed for four years on the Danish National Team. Currently, he works in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry and recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration & Management from Copenhagen Business School.