Why I Left Columbia University

So many thoughts in my head. I had to get it out so I made a video about it. Thanks for making my dreams a possibility.
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If you want to follow my journey, feel free to add me on IG: @thomasyeum

[@areebshah4983]

I transferred out of Vanderbilt University after my sophomore year after reflecting on similar things you spoke about in chapter 1. I got sucked into the top college hype my senior year of high school without thinking about what I wanted from my education and what was best for me and my family. And I never had the space to reflect at Vandy-as you said, it’s just go go go and distraction after distraction. I moved back home to recenter and transferred to a “lesser known” college. I battled with many self-worth issues, but over time, it was clear I made the best decision for myself. I rekindled relationships with my family, faith, and friends. I rediscovered my passions. While it was tough, I don't regret it for a second. And neither will you. Taking a leave of absence takes a lot of courage, and I respect you for it. I think you have the right intentions, and with it, your time off will be transformative. Thanks for the video bro. P.S. your editing is sick and I loved the aesthetic

[@Toemas]

YES its so hard to get out of the rat race once you buy into that perpetual grind mindset. thanks for sharing your story it makes me even more confident that what I'm doing is the right move :)

[@atihanalawragga2091]

I'm a junior at columbia and have been thinking about so many of the same things... thank you so much for posting this, I really appreciate it

[@diddylimm]

this video is gonna blow up

[@Toemas]

one day one day

[@katewexell]

I sent you a message on Instagram as well if you ever want to chat, but I completely understand the sentiments of this video and want to say that you are not alone in this journey. I was supposed to attend Northwestern University this fall, but ended up staying at my state school online, moving to San Francisco, and living in a community with students from a completely nontraditional university. Your college does not define you, nor do the constructs that other people have placed around your life for what determines success. I am so proud of you for making this decision, despite not knowing you, and if you ever need support from the other people who don't quite follow the rules for the linear pathways of our lives, feel free to reach out.

[@kylemccormick3450]

It blows my mind that this video doesn't have more views; it is literally one of the best edited, highest quality videos I've seen in a long time. I think you will do exceptionally well as a filmmaker! Coincidentally, I too want to become a filmmaker someday and I fear that my parents won't understand my vision, as they expect me to do something in computer science or engineering. I don't really have the courage to tell them otherwise. I have an interview with a Columbia alumni tomorrow, and so I watched your video to learn a little more about the idiosyncrasies of the culture. I've definitely felt that perpetual grind mindset before, and it's good to step back and take a deep breath. Beautiful video! P.S. The grind mindset and loss of your sense-of-self is a common trait among many students at top universities. The shallow and uber competitive nature is what makes many students feel this way; it's not uncommon. I wish you the best in your respite!

[@devy8473]

seeing how great your works are and the sacrifices you've made, makes me believe that you can truly do it! and that i can do it myself too. this video is really inspiring.

[@Toemas]

:) appreciate you--I got this and you got this too :)

[@user-gz8lu5mt4x]

this video was so beautifully made. it's true, everyone just needs to do a little bit of soul-searching. I'm excited to see more of the content you product!!

[@tysonbarker4130]

Take a year. I did. From Columbia in 2003. One of the best decisions of my life. You are doing exactly the right thing.

[@ruiqiqiu8661]

It really takes a lot of courage to make the decision. Love your work as always! You will definitely find the answers you are looking for

[@Justbeyou27]

Absolutely brilliant video! So wholesome and peaceful. Your words were precisely what I needed to hear in this moment! Go ‘all in’ for ONE year. Just one year! Tell yourself that for ‘one year only’ you are going to give it all your all ; apply for any work opportunities ; save your money ; become psychically fit (whatever your goals may be). Just try and see what happens… and think, if it doesn’t work out then you can always go back and return to what you were doing before. However, there is a high chance that you will be so transformed that you will never return!

[@Toemas]

THIS!! I completely agree with you. Succeed or fail, our efforts shape the type of person we become so we gotta take that first step toward our goals

[@cool74184]

I love this video and everything you’ve said it’s amazingly made, but honestly it makes me feel scared to go to college. I applied to Columbia and if I got in I’d consider going, but really just college in general, this made me feel like I need to rethink what I want in life but also idk I feel like I can’t not go to college. Wonder if anyone else feels the same 🤷

[@victorlopez-fe7mb]

GREAT VIDEO!!! So proud of your decision, hope u the best during this new process, mate!

[@GarrettLawrence]

excited to tag along for your journey! your editing skills are really awesome!

[@hanky.9476]

Good for you. In the greater scheme of life, 4 years of college is just a short episode that flies by. Better to take a break and find out what energizes you than jump on the bandwagon of other's /corporation's expectations.

[@fleapsy]

#1 fan since day one, keep it up bro :)

[@Toemas]

you fr a day one thanks man :)

[@remembyr]

you’re really great at this. beautiful video 🫶

[@Toemas]

THANKS EMBYR!

[@johnadamsss7202]

Lord have mercy on my soul Thomas this was incredible

[@Toemas]

:)) i appreciate it so much hahaha

[@itstonycia]

I searched ‘leave of absence Columbia University’ and saw this as the 1st video. Great video btw, I can kinda relate

[@angelinasouaidan2341]

i love how much importance you’re giving to prioritizing yourself, your mind, and your soul. and i’m glad you took time off to figure things out! but i do have a question for you about a small detail you mention in this video. would there even be a “you” without “everything else”? who are you if it weren’t for your hobbies, your ways of thinking, your belief system, your aspirations, your culture, etc. if you remove all of these factors, there would be nothing left. if you peel off all of the layers of an onion, is the onion still there? my answer: i don’t think so! anyway, that’s just how i view things. i could get all nerdy about it and talk from a psychology or a philosophy standpoint, i would love to do that if you’d like, but i wish you the best on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. i hope this comment ends up helping you in a way or another.

[@dianaalvarado1074]

Loved this video Thomas, you're such an inspiration! Wishing you luck on the next part of your journey :)

[@Toemas]

thank you diannaaaaaa :)))

[@EverthingHer]

This is extremely thoughtful and this video was well put together. We all could use a master reset every now and again. I have faith that you will be extremely successful and have deep insight on yourself. I strongly believe we are learning ourselves on a daily basis it’s a never ending process. Thank you for sharing and peace and blessings ✨

[@tonyma2947]

this was art. i hope you achieve your dreams!

[@Toemas]

thank you you too!!!

[@HistoryHurts2]

Sometimes life’s uncertainty will come to you as a surprise. But you will persevere if you maintain your healthy attitude. Before you know it, you’ll find peace.

[@gnuym2895]

You’re actually an inspiration man

[@Toemas]

love ya my guy

[@andrewyeum5176]

i took your extra yoda keychains that were on your desk and i have it on my backpack TOO THATS CRAZY

[@draterdiputs]

this is like one of those low-key channels with insanely high quality videos that's going to go viral as soon as someone clips it on TikTok

[@koger2261]

absolutely beautiful man, hope you find what you're looking for!

[@pablozamora1534]

hope you find what you're looking for thomas🙏🏼 go do ur thing, i'm rooting for u

[@Toemas]

I appreciate it pablo :):)

[@kristinenesslar3319]

I'm decades older than you. What a great thing you are doing. Courage!

[@ImagineAshley]

This is art! Good luck!!!!

[@yashaklebanov]

You’re killing it! Love to see you uploading

[@Toemas]

AYOO yasha thank you my guy

[@sophiaisabelle01]

Somehow I think you’re a pretty relatable person. Wishing you well on your journey. As they all say, life happens, but that’s just part of the process. A lot of us don’t even know what the f*ck we’re doing with our own lives. I mean, perfection all just a blur to me now.

[@leopark0321]

holy this straight fire

[@carolinesbpark]

you’re an inspiration to many toemas, always rooting for you c:

[@Toemas]

AYO ME TOO you're crzy with the twitch grind fr 7 hrs GOODNESS

[@aryaf2759]

Glad you’re posting again!

[@jinpark796]

LETS GOOOOO WE GOIN OFF COURSE BABYYYYY LETS GO TOEMASSSS

[@carlosmagdaleno761]

FINALLY GOT THE CHANCE TO WATCH THIS SO GOOD

[@carlosmagdaleno761]

always rooting for you Thomas 🫡

[@Toemas]

i appreciate you carlos :)

[@Metronade1]

SO EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE 👀

[@Soonerducky]

gawd dayum you’re talented

[@MaxReisinger]

Incredible video

[@Toemas]

appreciate it my guy :))

[@danyalfarooq9332]

good luck on ur journey bro

[@dorothysmith2319]

It has been 1 year, since u posted this video, I just want to ask… r u okay? It is my last year at university, im feeling the same way, literally lost

[@John-ne8uo]

To chasing our dreams in our 20’s 🍺.

[@williamlomax8172]

thank you for this

[@andiecyc]

Dudeeeee this is amazing!

[@Toemas]

hope amazons going welll

[@michaelhadley2092]

This is absolutely beatiful

[@JosephPotesta]

this is really well done

[@thechummyshow7211]

this was amazing thomas wth

[@Soonerducky]

this just hit me in the soul

[@Toemas]

bruh samme

[@LifeUnscriptedPod]

1 more week till I graduate college then I’m off to Wyoming to work for the forest service

[@EvMilan]

wow. i'm speechless.

[@aparna-rajesh]

brought tears to my eyes!🥹 best of luck on your journey, thomas. we’re all cheering you on!

[@Toemas]

I MISS YOU AND BIANCA AND JEREMY :')

[@sdub88]

what is the necklace around your neck? is it a frequency necklace?

[@justanotherabdullah.]

art.

[@andrewyeum5176]

BRO ADDED MY TIKTOK 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davidlin7955]

well said big toe

[@sirorchunga5760]

Toemas is awesome!!!! Imma miss u bro

[@Toemas]

i miss you bro :')

[@jamesl6839]

wow

[@GHOSTRIDER4EVER]

It blew up now

[@jordannaidus]

This is awesome

[@silkfish6953]

this video gives me studio ghibli vibes tbh

[@waiify7]

When she is too good to be true #ImposterSyndrome

[@sdub88]

[@vinaygautam6233]

bro will do everything but graduate

[@Toemas]

LMAO

[@Meyerc-yv2bi]

I am a disabled student who was forced to take two years off from Columbia after being harassed by another student. The administration, which is indeed reprehensible, protected my harasser, because his father was a prominent alumni of the college. After a lengthly legal battle with Columbia's henchmen, I begrudgingly returned two years later and managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude. I am particularly ashamed of Dean Peter Awn, an abominable administrator, who threatened disciplinary action should I pursue my legitimate complaint and attempts to remedy through proper channels. Awn passed from a hit and run accident a few years ago. Karma. Equally shameful is Marsha Wagner from the Ombuds Office. Wagner failed to resolve conflict, promote civility or mutual respect. Her unethical behavior and purposeful bias is as breathtaking as it is chilling. Perhaps most disingenuous was Columbia's theatrical farce in "mediating". The school hired an ostensible third party arbitrator, who in reality was an attorney hired to shroud my harasser with legal protection. The school was unconcerned with the fact my harasser maintained a low GPA, whereas I had a 4.0. Nor did Columbia regard the fact he cheated on tests (yes the writing on your hands was obvious) and plagiarized assignments. Moreover, the university was indifferent to the fact he was a known tormentor, who pestered another student to the point where her distress compelled her to move out of her dorm room. Fast forward twelve years after graduating from this "prestigious" Ivy League school and the tortuous experience still haunts. Not only was Columbia the worst experience of my life, the "prestigious" degree did nothing for my career. My "education" was a complete waste of time, money and effort, albeit I had a front row seat to academic corruption and superficial ethics. I am angered Columbia willfully attempted to harass and silence me. I am outraged Columbia purposely engendered an atmosphere of intolerance not conducive to education. And I am infuriated Columbia intentionally coddled and protected a delinquent student who, by the school's own metrics, should have been arrested and expelled. Accordingly I will continue to speak out against Columbia, a poor excuse of an institution of so called higher learning.

[@AndrewCha]

This is beautiful 🥹 can’t wait to see what’s to come!