Academic growth is about more than classes and textbooks—it's an experience that opens doors to new perspectives and possibilities. Lev Kushnir, an international student passionate about economics, is an excellent example of how Columbia College's academic program offers structure and flexibility, enabling students to explore diverse fields while discovering their passions.
Lev's academic journey began in a unique place. Originally from Russia and having lived in Belarus for seven years before coming to Canada, Lev initially enrolled in the College's English Preparation Program to improve his language skills. This foundational step led him to major in mathematics. Lev explained, "I considered math the king and starting point of all sciences, and it felt like the right choice." However, it wasn't long before he was drawn to economics through an elective course.
Lev reflects on the moment he shared that he "was fascinated by the instructor and the content covered in class." That interest grew over time, and eventually, he decided to shift his major from math to economics, completing an Associate Degree in Economics. Lev shares, "Economics uses math not just for abstract concepts but for practical applications."
One of the key elements of Columbia College's academic program is the balance it provides between depth and exploration. As Lev puts it, the College offers "structured flexibility," allowing students to dive deep into their chosen field while encouraging them to step outside their academic comfort zones. For Lev, this meant exploring philosophy and political science, which he describes as "great additions" to his academic journey.
One instructor, Paul Geddes, made a lasting impact on Lev's studies. Lev refers to him as a "living encyclopedia" of economics. He explains how Paul's office hours became important to his learning experience, where discussions often extended beyond class material. "Paul always provided sophisticated, many-sided answers to my questions and gave me more questions to think about," Lev shares. These interactions and opportunities to attend economics-related events outside of the College allowed Lev to engage deeply with the subject.
Beyond the classroom, Lev found tremendous value in Columbia College's strong support network. He credits the library's expansive resources, which helped him with research, analyzing, and citing sources. The Academic Advisors were also valuable, as they helped Lev navigate the complexities of Canada's educational, career, and immigration systems. "The help from my academic, career, and immigration advisors has been immeasurable," Lev emphasizes.
Lev took advantage of the College's free workshops, such as LinkedIn Learning, where various courses are practical for academic and everyday life. He also found tremendous value in the Learning Centre, where tutors offered additional perspectives on challenging material. Whether refining his math problem-solving techniques or structuring his English writing, the Learning Centre provided the extra support he needed.
Moving to Canada for the first time was exciting and intimidating for Lev. Living alone in a new country with a different language was a challenge. However, Columbia College's supportive community helped him adjust. Lev lived with a host family through the Homestay Program, which he describes as "open and friendly." He also found that someone at Columbia College could always assist with non-academic questions, such as navigating healthcare or understanding working laws.
Looking ahead, Lev's time at Columbia College has set the stage for his next big academic move—transferring to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Thanks to the guidance of his academic advisor, Jason Nozick, and the tutors at the Learning Centre, Lev feels well-prepared for this transition. "The courses I've taken have helped me understand the fields I want to approach in the future," he explains. With many of his credits transferable to other universities, Lev is excited about what's next.
When asked what advice to give future and current students, Lev encourages them to step out of their comfort zones and "never be shy or afraid to participate in any activity that interests you. Only by trying it will you know if it's right for you. And always be honest with your instructors about any difficulties you're having—they are here to help."
Lev's story reflects the heart of Columbia College's academic program—where exploration, support, and discovery combine to help each student find their unique voice.