Connor Moore teaches us the valuable lesson of “How are you?” and lets us know that there really is a sauna in Dodge.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Connor Moore, Columbia College, Major in Environmental Biology, Newark, Delaware

Claim to fame: Was maybe your ROP leader or CBA teacher, but more likely you would know me from being cut off in the John Jay ‘egg’ line

Where are you going? Into the woods for the summer, then forward

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2023?

1. Never answer “How are you?” with how many things you have to get done. This is always my #1 advice to my COÖP babies, and I think it’s so so important. We’re social beings, and the tone of our presence can really affect the welfare of other people. When you’re stressed, and you ignore a basic social question to push your stress on another person, you affect them negatively and create a norm of pushing emotional labor on others instead of sharing yourself with them. Not disingenuous, but mindful – you are a powerful being!

2. I don’t deserve to go here. Nobody does, but we’re lucky enough to have the opportunity! Don’t squander it by studying so much you forget to grow and change and try new things.

3. There is a sauna in Dodge. The secret’s out.

“Back in my day…” Green Monday was Meatless Monday, but now it’s changed so no one actually has to eat anything different. This is one of the most liberal universities in the country and we can’t restrict meat intake for A DAY. But thank God they sometimes turn off the lights in the dining hall (???)

Favorite Columbia controversy? ‘Controversy’ is maybe not the right word, but I really appreciated being around/supporting the grad workers union, specifically at the end of last semester. It was cool to be asked to critically engage with our own institution and support the grad workers who make the university great.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: …

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Forest Ecology with Matt Palmer! Amazing professor, cool structure. Field trip every Friday to a different forest, from the Catskills to Southern NJ. Matt is also the most amazing teacher, so accessible but also he’s incredibly knowledgeable and pushes you to learn more.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese?  Lactose intolerant lol

Whom would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my roomie, my suite, my parents, my regular lunch crew, and certainly not the center for student advising.

One thing to do before graduating: Dining hall root beer float: an underutilized possibility

Any regrets? Definitely