Surely not even Trump can kick someone this gorgeous out of the US?

What’s cooler than being cool? Being a multi-cultural badass with a thing for parties and politics. Ariella dishes some dope advice and interesting personal tidbits in the process. Read on!

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Ariella G. Hohl, GS, Middle Eastern Studies, São Paulo, Brazil

Claim to fame: The girl who left campus one summer as a member of the Jewish Orthodox community and co-chair J Street CU and did a 180 – moved to a refugee camp in Palestine and Jordan for 10 months and then came back a member of SJP. On a less a political note -I also helped reestablish the Brazilian Student Society and threw some mean parties during my spare time.

Where are you going? I am both Arab and Latina – do I even have a chance to stay in the US under Trump at this point? Wish me luck (and a visa)!

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2020?

1. Your voice matters. We might get caught up in the wave of op-eds and protests that are constantly going on in our school, but this campus and our students have an enormous impact that goes beyond just that. We have shaped the national discourse on issues that range from climate justice, gender norms, sexual assault and incarceration. I have had the chance to see all of this unfold in less than 4 years and if you chose to do so, you can take part in change as well.

2. This goes out to all the incoming international students – moving to the US and New York can be tougher that you expect, both culturally and logistically. But if you come across the right group of friends you will find ways to build your own family here and that’s what will get you through the next 4 years. Find the people that really matter to you and invest time in them.

3. Live off campus. Or work off campus. Just make sure you find constant opportunities to get out of the Boringside Heights bubble and engage with the city.

“Back in my day…” Havana Central, Deluxe, and Ollie’s (RIP) were a thing

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: Let’s have a chill night (comes back at 2 pm the next day after 3 after parties)

What was your favorite class at Columbia? “History of the Modern Middle East” with Professor Rashid Khalidi. It changed my life.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I am Swiss and Brazilian, I feel like choosing over one or the other means renouncing one of my identities.

One thing to do before graduating: Make a list of the people that made a mark on me the past four years and give them each a big hug and a thank you for getting me through life at CU.

Any regrets? I think deep down my parents were truly investing in my potential of finding a husband at the Law School by sending me off to college in America. Sorry to disappoint you guys =/

Photo via Ariella Hohl