Enrolled at Columbia University in the fall of 1981

Barack Obama enrolled at Columbia University in the fall of 1981, marking a pivotal moment in his academic and personal journey. Transferring from Occidental College in Los Angeles, Obama sought a more rigorous academic environment and a broader intellectual experience that he believed Columbia, located in the heart of New York City, could provide. The Decision to Transfer Before enrolling at Columbia, Obama spent his first two years of college at Occidental College, a small liberal arts college in Los Angeles. During his time at Occidental, Obama began to develop a deeper interest in social and political issues, becoming more engaged in student activism and political discussions. However, he felt a growing desire for a more challenging academic environment and a city that offered greater diversity and opportunities for personal growth. Obama chose Columbia University, an Ivy League institution known for its academic excellence, located in New York City. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and its status as a global hub for politics, business, and media appealed to Obama, who was eager to broaden his horizons and immerse himself in a more dynamic and stimulating environment. Academic Focus at Columbia At Columbia, Obama majored in political science with a specialization in international relations. His coursework allowed him to explore complex global issues, including nuclear disarmament, international conflict, and economic development. These subjects aligned with his growing interest in understanding how political systems and global power dynamics influenced social justice and human rights. While at Columbia, Obama led a relatively low-profile and introspective life, focusing intensely on his studies. He spent much of his time reading, writing, and reflecting on the issues that mattered to him, often spending hours in the university’s libraries. This period was one of intellectual growth for Obama, as he grappled with questions about his identity, purpose, and the role he wanted to play in the world. Obama’s time at Columbia also deepened his understanding of racial and economic inequalities, both in the United States and globally. Living in New York City exposed him to the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, power and disenfranchisement, further fueling his commitment to addressing these issues in his future career. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife #BarackObama #ColumbiaUniversity #AmericanHistory #Education #Leadership