Even if you’ve been up all night studying for the first round of finals, we’re sure you’ve still got some room for some more wisdom. Our next Senior Wisdom is from Olivia Harris, who does wonders for our self-esteem.

-1

Olivia Harris

Name, Hometown, School, Major: Olivia Harris, Brooklyn, NY, Columbia College, Music

Claim to fame: The one RA you really can’t trust (at least on stage). Alternatively, I have never walked from 116 to 110 without running into someone I know.

Where are you going? To be quite honest, like most of us in this world, I’m not sure. But I’m excited to be there no matter where I end up! I know that I’ll be making a nice pit stop back with the folks.

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

1. (Don’t Keep Calm) Don’t be afraid to be passionate and commit to something. Disinterest is in itself disinteresting; you can only be blasé for so long. The sincerity of your convictions will be what people remember, and even if that makes you dorky or weird, you’ll never be lost. Unlike high school, you actually don’t need to do a million extracurriculars, pick a couple and really make that time worthwhile. Your smaller communities at Columbia will appreciate you sharing yourself and will actually be better communities for it. Commit to yourself too! PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

2. (Keep it Real) Don’t be afraid to be honest. There are so many things about my past four years that I would have never known if I hadn’t been super clear that I had no idea what was going on. It may not seem like it at the time, but being upfront will save you so much grief with classes, with family and friends, and lovers (haha, isn’t that quaint). If you really feel strongly about a person, let them know. If you just can’t even anymore, be honest with yourself and let that go.

3. (Keep it Kind) Don’t be afraid to be kind. Everyone around you, whether you relish or deplore their company, is just trying to figure themselves out. Don’t be hard on them. Don’t be hard on yourself. Yes, you can have standards, but when they’re not met, remember that we’re all human, and there’s always tomorrow to try again. The added bonus of kindness is that people will remember you for it and strive to be kind to you. I know it sometimes feels like you’re competing to be the best at something, but once I got to sophomore spring, it was clear to me that the only person I was competing with was me. There is only one person who can be you, so you damn sure better be good at it! You’re the best person for the job.

“Back in my day…” Buildings didn’t have helpful signs telling you where things were. You had three options: phone a friend, 50/50 or ask the security guard. Otherwise, stay lost. Also Columbia Dining didn’t give you Surf ‘n Turf during NSOP, you had to earn it!

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer. Good or bad, I loved every moment and I want you all to do the same.

Write your most memorable note from the field: Can I say two if they have the same theme and are really short? Okay, rooftops. Folks, you are just not stealthy at all! Junior year fall semester: school hasn’t even begun. The RAs are having their meeting in the Broadway Sky Lounge and there are just two people going out to chill on the roof of Broadway. Literally 40 RAs and our bosses are looking at you. Get off the roof dude! Absolutely absurd. In the same vein, I once got a call from a friend who shall remain unnamed who said to me “Dude, I just got caught on the roof of McBain, what’s gonna happen to me?” I don’t know man, I’m an RA, not the judicial board? #cmonbro

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Not even a question, as I haven’t had cheese in years. No regrets.

One thing to do before graduating: Move some of your things out early, because if not, you’ll end up like I did freshman year, moving all your things to storage via blue bin.

Any regrets? It is my sincerest goal to never have any. So far, so good.