Name, school: Annie Tan, CC’11

Claim to Fame: resident edu/policy amateur buff (& always down for a convo about public education); whistler of ‘Winter Wonderland’ and other medlies; “that (embarrassing) person” who always screams operatically/dances 2x as hardcore as everyone else in a crowd/dance/party. Been involved with the Asian American Alliance and the IRC for 3yrs; CC Council this yr, just for kicks. And if not for any of these things, I’ll forever be famous for being where it’s A.T.

Where are you going? After a long education-related road, I’m going to put theory into practice, move to Chicago, and pursue my childhood dream of being an elementary/special ed school teacher. For real =)

Three things you learned at Columbia:

1. ‘Out of the crooked timber of humanity, nothing entirely straight can be built.’ -Immanuel Kant. This is how I read this- one person’s idea of ‘progress’ isn’t everyone’s, but everyone is trying to build toward something, whether it’s paying off loans, paying for the injustices society has created, or paying for a hot dress/suit. Don’t judge immediately. Instead, know what you want to build in the world, and see what others want/think/believe. Find ways to work with people that might have no idea what you’re talking about or disagree. (e.g. At Columbia we’re all students and thus fallible to free food, hugs, massages, and late-night convos!)

2. The small things build up and matter to people. Smile, say “hello, friend!” or “salutations, *insert last name here*! And listen; have heart to hearts. People remember these things, and believe you me, that will work out for you one day.

3. Spread out commitments and prioritize. I’m only one person and can’t do everything, regardless of how much I want to do. I sure got into positions where everything competed for my time; that sucked, especially as I couldn’t give my all to any of those things.

“Back in my day…” James Franco was around campus with an army-colored jacket, big backpack, blue hat, and big sunglasses, and I would STILL recognize him by his jawline alone. I once filmed something sophomore year in Lerner next to him for 5 hours and didn’t say a word…fail, Annie Tan.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: My mom’s maiden name is Wu. My dad’s last name is Tan. Whatever my future justifications for existence, I’ll always be a member of the Wu-Tan Clan.

Is the War on Fun over? Who won? Any war stories? The War on Fun most certainly is on, but as long as you’re discreet about it no one will harm you. Don’t leave your door open for blaring music and empty beer bottle to be heard/seen (my rookie Carman mistake). I’ve had the best late nights on Low Steps: no one’s really eyeing you as long as you’re not belligerent or yelling.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I’m going to try to reference ‘Glee’, but I know this will fail- I appreciate ‘Aural Intensity’ to the utmost, but I like to have ‘New Directions’ in my life. I mean, there are hundreds of varieties of cheese! How many varieties of oral sex are there/could there be? (Education is my goal in life, after all- enlighten me!)

Advice for the class of 2015:

· With some of your floormates, steal furniture from the floor below/above you. It’ll create floor pride while making your lounge more furnished and give room to your floormates to sit and watch TV. I mean, if that floor’s not using the couches, why don’t you/r floor?

· Go to different club’s events. Chances are they’ll be so overjoyed that you came for the free food/what they had to say that it won’t matter what race/gender/class/dialect you speak. People are mad welcoming if you show the slightest interest in what they do. And free food is good, too.

· Same goes with friends: they love when you take an interest in what you do. And you just might learn something =). Share your interests, too! (I saw a girl today in front of Carman wearing a “What the FRAK” shirt, and I immediately shared my love for Battlestar Galactica!) It’s just human nature.

· It’s not necessary to read everything for Lit Hum: it’s nice and all, but I don’t think I know one person who actually did it all. Same goes with every other humanities class you’ll ever take at Columbia.

· Play CU Assassins at least once. You’ll pay 5 bucks and put your back against every wall for days/weeks, but the war stories will be sooo worth it.

· Figure out exactly who you are and what you want to do. As students, you have 4 years to explore what you want. There are plenty of groups on campus for that (you’re paying student life fees, so do itt!)!

Any regrets? I recently told a friend that as long as you make the best decision that’s in front of you at the time, you won’t regret the decision hardcore later. However, I wish I tacked on at least a few things- touched Prezbo’s hair in this situation; taken free voice lessons here. Oh, and I should have taken a public speaking course- I’m too wordy (I am Annie Tan-gent after all- ah? Ah? No.).