Is that tie Pantone 292?

Next up in our series of Senior Wisdoms is Ankit Shah, who got through high school and college in a combined 6.5 years. At this rate, he’ll be able to retire before he’s 30!

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Ankit Shah, SEAS, IEOR, Biloxi, Mississippi.

Claim to fame: The senior who couldn’t get into senior night.

Where are you going? Taking the road less traveled i.e. finance.

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the class of 2020?

1. Everyone has a story. Don’t be afraid to talk to the person next to you in class or at the party. I love meeting people and learning about why they are the way they are.

2. When someone talks about something, oftentimes (and I’m guilty of this) they don’t know what they’re talking about.

3. Be open to new ideas, even if they go against your own. How can you really know what you believe in if you haven’t challenged them?

“Back in my day…” Getting to Bacchanal wasn’t like going through airport security.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: The nerdiest frat boy you’ll ever meet.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Game Theoretic Models of Operation by Professor Jay Sethuraman.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Have you tried burrata?

One thing to do before graduating: See the sun rise while sitting on Low Steps.

Any regrets? I wish I had been less shy when I was younger.

Photo via Ankit Shah