By Franco Alvarenga, Visiting Post-Baccalaureate Student, Wall Street Prep Focus Area
I came to Columbia University because of my interest in graduate studies. Having majored in English back home in Florida, I hoped Columbia’s educational approach would help my growing interest in economics. While I hoped to make friends and experience summertime in New York City, the experience exceeded my expectations, thanks to the meaningful friendships I formed and the education I received over those six weeks.
I enrolled in two Session A courses: History of Capitalism and International Political Economy. Based on their course descriptions, they were in line with what I wanted: foundational economic philosophy and theory. Additionally, I wanted to understand how scholars approached trade, inequality and market dynamics so I could be better equipped to analyze economic relations. Simply put, I wanted to learn how the sausage was made.
Both courses, taught respectively by professors Wennerlind and Spiro, offered the historical context necessary for me to build my own economic philosophy. Their courses also showed me how today's conventional wisdom and common sense were constructed over centuries. In this way, Columbia's seminar-style discussions were very fulfilling and familiar for me coming from the humanities. Topics such as colonialism, wealth inequality, classism, the role of government and the intersection of politics and economics were concepts I had been introduced to through literature; now I was being shown how to analyze them through a macroeconomic lens.
My time as part of the School of Professional Studies Post-Baccalaureate program didn’t just fuel my desire to continue exploring these subjects; it also profoundly shaped my evolution as a thinker. Now, with detailed lecture notes and color-highlighted PDF files, I have come away with much food for thought. While I could have stayed in Florida and self-studied, I could not have replicated what I received in those six weeks. As I write this, I feel more confident in foundational economic philosophy.
I saw my six weeks as a boot camp for familiarizing myself with all of the titans in political and economic thought. With the help of my professors, I was able to cross important figures off my intellectual bucket list. From Rousseau and David Hume to John Maynard Keynes, Karl Marx and Milton Friedman, Professor Wennerlind was able to tell a fascinating historical narrative, and the learning experience was bolstered by the fact that our cohort always arrived ready to engage with the day’s reading. You could learn so much by simply being a fly on the wall. Similarly, studying under Professor Spiro was a privilege, as he has taught International Political Economy since the 1980s. Possessing decades of field experience, he had an insightful real-world story for everything, making each lesson unforgettable.
Further, living in a state very different from mine was enlightening for me. I wanted to learn firsthand why they call NYC one of the greatest cities in the world. Visiting in the summer certainly cast the city in a special, vibrant light.
When the plans finally make it out the group chat: Together with the American Language Program students and visiting undergrads and postbaccalaureates, we dined and then went to Chelsea Market.
Although the coursework was reading-intensive, I spent my downtime exploring the wide array of food just outside River Hall. From banh mi, gelato, Korean BBQ, bagels, pizza upon pizza — you name it — not only is it here, but the sheer quality of New York’s culinary scene is obvious — you just have to do a little research to find it. Admittedly, getting my readings completed with ample time to visit places from my restaurant itinerary was a source of motivation. Finishing my assignments meant I could reward myself by trying another restaurant.
Fellow SPS visiting student Yigit Akan and I. We took the train together and then traded facts on what we knew about baseball with one another.
Serving as a student ambassador added a rewarding layer to my summer. It put me into a leadership position with the responsibility of documenting my journey, but it also inspired me to share the joy of discovering the city with my peers. We created a group chat, and whenever we all had free time, we hopped on the subway to our destinations. Whether we were getting our steps in, swapping restaurant recommendations, or discussing our passions and goals, we became bonded by the academic boat we boarded together — or more accurately, by the restaurants we happened to dine at on any given night. These six weeks will stay with me for years to come.
About the Program
Each summer, Columbia University offers hundreds of courses for Columbia students and visiting students from other domestic and international institutions. Summer Session offers the opportunity to study with Columbia’s esteemed faculty, pursue academic interests, and advance studies or prepare for graduate school. Focus areas include Culture and History in New York City, Foundations in Pre-Medicine, Public Affairs and Sustainable Futures, and Wall Street Prep: Economics, Finance & Analytics. Learn more about Summer Session at Columbia University.
