Creating Impact Through Collaboration: Anesa Nevzadi’s Journey with Sessions @33

At Columbia College Chicago, creativity thrives through collaboration—and nowhere is that more evident than in Sessions @33. This student-driven series offers hands-on experience in filming, editing, audio engineering, fashion, social media, and more. Since its launch just 2.5 years ago, it’s become a launchpad for students to build professional portfolios and connect with creative peers across majors. Now in its eighth season, one standout voice behind the project is Anesa Nevzadi, a junior Film & Television major who has grown into a leadership role—mentoring fellow students while continuing to sharpen her skills behind the camera.

From Joliet to Columbia: Finding Creative Roots

Anesa hails from Joliet, Illinois, and graduated from Plainfield High School, but her story starts long before that. “Though my family is originally from Kosovo and came here during the Yugoslav wars, being Albanian and a first-generation student is a huge part of who I am,” she shares.

Her path to Columbia was inspired by a relative: “My aunt Linda actually graduated from Columbia and always talked about the incredible experience she had. She’s now working as a producer in LA with companies like Disney and Mitu. She was the spark that got me thinking seriously about this place.”

Discovering Unexpected Talents

Originally aiming for a BFA in Post-Production, Anesa expected to spend most of her college years focused on editing. But Columbia opened more doors than she imagined.

“I thought editing would be my only lane,” she says. “But I’ve now worked as a sound designer, actor, director of photography, and line producer. I never imagined doing any of those things, but now I can’t picture myself doing anything else.”

Jumping In with Sessions @33

Anesa’s involvement with Sessions @33 began modestly—she thought she’d be helping with video editing. But when she showed up to her first session, something unexpected happened. “I ended up with a camera in my hand, filming a session with a band called Hemlocke. I’d never done camera work before—I didn’t think I had the skills. But that experience pushed me out of my comfort zone. I fell in love with what Sessions @33 was producing.”

She quickly became a regular camera operator, and later, a Director of Photography. Yet for Anesa, the technical side was only part of the magic. “What I really love is the people—the artists and the crew. As a Film major, you’re often stuck in the film building unless you have gen-eds. Sessions @33 helped me connect with audio students, marketing students, fashion students, photo students… That kind of collaboration is so rare and so valuable.”

Why Students Should Get Involved

With over 25+ performances to her name, Anesa is a passionate advocate for Sessions @33.

“Get involved! Whether it’s to gain more experience in your field or to explore something new, you’ll find a community of incredibly supportive, caring people. And the music—we’re lucky to hear some truly brilliant, diverse artistry every week. Even if you can only make one session a semester, that’s enough. Just come.”

Looking Ahead, Staying Present

Ask Anesa about her future plans, and she’ll smile.“My family always gets frustrated when I don’t have a set plan. But the truth is, I just want to be happy, healthy, and secure. I’ve learned that life flips your plans on their head. So I focus on saying yes to opportunities, growing my skills, and keeping myself open to what comes next.”

🎥 Interested in getting involved with Sessions @33?

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions, volunteer opportunities, and behind-the-scenes content from some of Columbia’s most talented creators. Email me at: tjoyce@colum.edu