Nicola Kirpatrick BC ’19 tells you how to succeed.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Nicola Kirkpatrick, Barnard, Political Science, Rolling Hills, CA

Claim to fame: Being Barnard SGA President while also constantly mocking the position of Barnard SGA President.

Where are you going? Downtown! But not yet employed . . .

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

  1. Skip class to watch the water bottle flipping guy on Low make it into the trash can.
  2. You rarely regret the things you do—it’s the things you don’t do. It took me 4 years to learn that homework and grades aren’t enough to make me happy and keep me satisfied. Get an internship, move off campus if you can, and give yourself opportunities to enjoy Barnard/Columbia, NYC and the quirky/eccentric people that live here.
  3. Everyone has forgotten about the spiral staircase in Ferris, so it’s less trafficked and thus a far better staircase

“Back in my day…” Senior night was for seniors.

Favorite Columbia controversy? Will Senior Gala release more tickets? (too soon?)

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: “Hi Nic its Mom. Why won’t you call me back? How did your interview go? Do you have a job yet?” —a transcribed voicemail from my mom.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Civil Rights and Civil Liberties with Paula Franzese. Never before have I wanted to read every page of every reading! Also, Prof Franzese is a great lecturer and I always left class excited about politics rather than depressed as per usual.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? If it’s from a Columbia guy, I’d give up oral sex—sorry, but please work on it!

Whom would you like to thank? The Bayit, my past and present Apt. 4C roommates, Professor Katherine Krimmel, Oren’s iced coffee in December, my SGA Executive Board, the green chairs in Milstein Lobby, Surf & Turf, and Wednesday nights.

One thing to do before graduating: Learn the names of the staff members that actually help you every day. They will be your biggest supporters on this campus, I guarantee it.

Any regrets? Meeting people too late, not pass/failing COMS W1004.