Olivia Ruble

Olivia Ruble, RTA, Columbia College ‘25

Date Interviewed: August 3, 2023

Introduce yourself!

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Major: Ancient Studies & Visual Arts

What drew you to work at F&C?

When I came to Columbia, I really struggled with feeling like I had just gotten lucky or slipped in somehow. At the same time as I was applying to F&C, I was also trying to read most of these texts for the first time in class. So when I found it difficult to read and analyze these texts, this only made me feel more unqualified. I think if I had been able to participate in a program like this, I would have felt more confident coming into college. I was really excited to get to do that work with you guys now so that you could hopefully take your next step feeling as qualified and competent as you all really, truly are!

What is your favorite part of the program?

I love hearing you all discuss the readings. During the school year, it’s easy to get sucked into the same discussions over again and over again. But when I spoke with you guys, whether in reading and writing hours or more casually, I always felt like I learned something new about the readings. I am also looking forward to college mentorship!

What is your favorite reading in the program and why?

“Pericles’ Funeral Oration,” but mostly for sentimental reasons! It was one of the first readings I did during my freshman year and have had to read it a lot since then (there are only so many ancient funeral orations!). I have loved seeing it be interpreted and reinterpreted since my first reading back in Art Humanities.

What is one piece of advice that you would like to give to F&C students?

Please make sure to relax! You all work so hard and deserve to take a break when you can.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have three siblings from Ukraine!