Raph, living the life

Raph, living the life

Up next for a Senior Wisdom, we have another of Bwog’s own: Raphaëlle Debenedetti, mastermind behind one-thousand-and-twenty.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Raph(aëlle) Deben(edetti), Columbia College, Philosophy & Political Theory. Go to answer since Fall 2010: “I’m a French-American from London.”

Claim to fame: (Failed to have) Made One Thousand and Twenty (1,020) a thing. If the 1(,0)20th Varsity Show has a line about it, that counts as a thing, right?

Where are you going? Right now, to Hamdel to get coconut water and ask Saoul for a Lewinsky. Later, to relocate in another Columbia (DC) and work in anti-corruption law. Much later, wherever my feet take me.

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2018?

It’s hard not to be cheesy for this one (that’s what she said…when she answered the “oral sex or cheese” question!)

1) Life is like a game of Chess.

You win some, you lose some. And if you aren’t loosing, you need a new opponent. Learn from your defeats as much as from your victories. With time you will know how to make each move count. Speaking of which, go talk to Ademar and Moise, the two incredible human beings who play chess in front of Orens. I promise you, it’s worth it.

2) Change is good.

And not just because some venues are cash only. Things aren’t always going to turn out the way you planned them: but that’s okay. More than okay, it’s wonderful. And if embracing these changes is more difficult than you expected, don’t hesitate to reach out: there’s no shame in calling on a friend or CPS when you need it.

3) Smile your smile (Morningsiders)

Pessimism and cynicism are for the weak. It takes a lot more to lead with a smile and enthusiasm than to mumble something snarky in the (dark) corner of the room. Say hi to everyone you know. Take the few extra minutes to help the student whose moving bin is stuck on the sidewalk. Use exclamation points! Nobody’s too busy to be nice, it’s just a question of motivation. Learn and teach others how to play.

“Back in my day…” People used to trip over Lerner’s turnstiles more often. I thought seniors looked really old. Also, It was 1020…now it should be is 1,020.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: I have great taste in friends.

Write your most memorable note from the field: The one where there was a snow storm my first year and I skied down low steps.

Would you rather give up oral cheese or sex? Let’s agree to diss-a-brie.

One thing to do before graduating: Get to know the people who help run Columbia. Whether it’s Pericles at EC’s security desk (live there your senior year), Professor Achille Varzi from Metaphysics (take this class), or Elisabeth Tschurtschenthaler from Hartley hospitality desk (a.k.a. mom), mix it up a little bit.

Any regrets? Not telling you that I love you when I had the chance…

JK. I wanted to be dramatic, but non rien de rien, non je ne regrette rien (Edith Piath’s words, not mine).

Well in all honesty, don’t we all have regrets? I probably do, but I don’t mind them because ultimately, I’m happier than I could ever imagine!!!!