And How Hard Were Your College Apps?

We know that almost all of us had to overcome something to get to Columbia, but let’s be honest: some had to overcome more than others.

As the first example of this, the New York Times presents Carrie Montgomery, a new member of the class of 2013, and one of twelve Times scholars this year. Despite growing up in the South Bronxwith 9 siblings and an ailing single mom, Montgomery maintained a 95.6 average in four years at the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice, and now joins a group of 12 that will recieve $30,000, a laptop, and (perhaps just as precious in this economy) a guaranteed internship at the Times.

The Times reports that Carrie wants to be a lawyer, and hopes to write an autobiography some day to encourage young people like herself to work hard and succeed despite their backgrounds. We’d say she’s off to a good start. (photo via the Times)


  • right on.Posted from campus

    warms my heart.

  • agreedPosted from campus

    touching stories all — it’s good to be reminded of what a fucking gift going to this place really is … I am deeply humbled by some of these kids and will do my best not to squander my (fleeting) time at this place

  • The girl

    The girl living on $10 a month is outstanding. They’re all outstanding. Mind blown.

  • these kidsPosted from campus

    are badasses. congrats to all.

  • dddPosted from campus

    affirmative action :(

  • averagecolumbianPosted from campus

    we need more kids like these who knows the value of education. unlike the toolbag above me.

  • ???Posted from campus

    Why would anyone want to come here?

  • DominiquePosted from campus

    She seems awesome, and is representing the Boogie-down!

  • yea

    bravo to these kids. their stories always sound like life was no fucking picnic whatsoever. i hope that the rest of the ridiculously high price of college gets covered by financial aid.

  • hmmmPosted from campus

    doesn’t sound like the typical Columbia kid…i come from one of the richest counties (highest median income) and i feel poor here

    congrats and hope the mom gets better

  • 2010Posted from campus

    holy goodness. that is so crazy… jesus I feel like a tool now when i complain about my highschool experience. CONGRATS!!! our Columbia bubble helps us forget that people have legitimate hardships. I’m really proud we’re going to have a winner at our school!

  • congratsPosted from campus

    to these kids, who have gotten here against the odds, and who will appreciate the value of a Columbia education more than most kids here.

    And congratulations to the NYT, who to their credit aren’t letting nationality precede merit, unlike Congress and the Senate.

  • Dear BwogPosted from campus

    I love you, I do. But please learn how to spell “receive”. Thank you

  • amazedPosted from campus

    Reading this article makes me feel ashamed about my own life; it is hard to imagine that these students were able to put themselves through such hardships and succeed in the end astounds me. My heart goes out to them; they truly deserved to get this scholarship. Bravo!

60 °F, Light Rain

Contact Us

It's Bwog, not BWOG.

Follow us on Twitter!

Questions or concerns?

Bwog is always looking for new writing talent. to inquire about contributing.

Housing

Subscribe

Archives

Have Your Say

Which summer plans will you zealously make and then subsequently abandon to watch TV online?

View Results

Comment Policy

Favorite Comments

Recent Comments

Bwogroll

Paying the Bills

NYC Jobs for Columbians

FreshGrad is building software that matches Columbians with Fortune 500‘s. Complete our private beta in 15 min and get $10.

Advertise with Us

Inquire at ads@bwog.com

Upcoming Events

  • View the calendar of campus events!

  • View the Bucket List

  • View Where Art Thou

Lost and Found

  • Lost: Ray-Bans (May 21 2012)

    I lost some matte green Ray-Ban sunglasses during the last night of Senior Week revelry outside EC. If anyone finds them, take pity because they were the only thing that fools people into thinking that I’m cool. One delicious burrito dinner reward for their safe return. Email tips@bwog.com if you know anything.

  • Lost: Columbia ID (May 11 2012)

    Name: Emily Selinger, lost 5/10 somewhere at Senior Ball, gaslight, or 1020. ess2168@columbia.edu

  • Found: Blue iPod Nano (May 08 2012)

    Found in one of the couches in the Wallach Sky Lounge. Returned to Hartley Hospitality Desk.

  • Lost: Jacket and Scarf (May 03 2012)

    Dark blue-green plaid Old Navy jacket and green scarf. Misplaced in EC on April 30. If found, please email abc2160@columbia.edu. Thank you!

  • Lost: Phone Charger (Apr 28 2012)

    PointMobl Black Retractable Micro USB AC Phone Charger. Lost it in Hartley lounge. E-mail: nnamdi.nwaezeapu@gmail.com

  • Lost: Black High Sierra Backpack (Apr 26 2012)

    Lost a Black High Sierra backpack containing a white binder and a red pencil bag in Ferris Booth Dining Hall on Wednesday, April 25th, around 7:30 to 8pm. It was left on a chair in the second floor in a table around the middle of the room close to the staircase. If spotted someone taking it or found, please call immediately at 208-964-6780 or email rm2999@columbia.edu

  • Lost: Vis a Vis French Textbook (Apr 23 2012)

    Light blue, hardcover. Beginning Level. Lost last Tuesday in the Barnard 2nd floor women’s bathroom.

    If found, please contact jac2295@columbia.edu

  • Lost: Blackberry (Apr 22 2012)

    Lost a Blackberry Bold from Verizon Wireless at ADP on Saturday night. If found please email rsf2121@columbia.edu or call 601-994-3697. There will be a $$ reward!!

  • Lost: Flower Earrings & Mood Ring (Apr 18 2012)

    These were lost potentially on philosophy lawn on the evening of April 17th. The earrings are large silver flower cutouts and the mood ring is a blue band with small flowers inset. Both are old with a lot of sentimental value attached. Would greatly appreciate their return if found. Please contact on2139@columbia.edu/

    646-496-3613, will reward with home baked goods and eternal gratitude.

  • Lost: Droid Phone (Apr 18 2012)

    Droid II Phone without any particular markings. Possibly left at the street fair or in Math. Contact cw2453.

  • Send us your notices of lost or found items!