Here to share what she’s learned in the three months she’s been here, staff writer Elle Ferguson writes about the newfound wisdom she’s gained in her first semester of college. 

Name, School, Major, Hometown

A baby smile, taken before subject encountered finals season.

Elle Ferguson, Barnard, Undeclared but probably American Studies, Princeton, NJ

Claim to fame:

Rode scooter in Milstein until I was told to stop by security.

Where are you going?

To Newark to see my mom.

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2022?

  1. Don’t be the person who takes the elevator from the first floor to the second floor.
  2. Everyone’s dorm smells weird, and in a different way.
  3. Your friends from high school will still love and support you — give them a call when things get lonely.

“Back in my day…” I tried to convince myself that I loved going to parties with people I barely knew.

Justify your existence: I will share my ramen with you.

What was your favorite class at Barnard/Columbia? My seminar! I love my professor and the girls I’m with are so smart and interesting.

Who would you like to thank? My roommate, for always being expressive and understanding and for cleaning my side of the room that one time.

One thing to do before graduating: turn 21.

Any regrets? The month of October.