Pranav Balan is strong proponent of Chinatown coconuts.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Pranav Balan, CC, Economics-Mathematics, Great Falls, VA

Claim to fame: Having a 26-person groupchat dedicated to pictures of me eating.

Where are you going? Traveling in Asia for a bit, maybe Russia to visit my sister, then back to the city to start adulting. Follow @kingpbalan on Instagram for more detailed content.

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2023?
1. The most exciting part about Columbia for me has been meeting new people everyday. It’s incredible to see how many different stories, backgrounds, and passions you can find within this 6 block rectangle. Get to know as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to try new things. Embrace the adventure!

2. Don’t wait until spring semester of Senior year to start your language requirement. (Sorry, Prof. Franklin)

3. If you’re ever in need of a tropical pick-me-up, you can find some of the best coconuts for $2.50 on Canal St in Chinatown.

“Back in my day…” Are you saying it’s not my day anymore?

Favorite Columbia controversy? East Campus this year. If by favorite, you mean most personally aggrieving.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: Sounds like something I learned in CC, but I probably wasn’t paying attention. Besides, I don’t need to answer if you can’t unjustify my existence in 30 words or fewer.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Behavioral Economics with Mark Dean changed the way I think. It taught me to think about how other people think, codify patterns of thinking into decision theories, and apply them mathematically to extend conventional utility-maximizing models of thinking. For example, right now there’s a 99% chance you’re thinking that if Pranav uses “think” one more time you might decide to kill him.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I’m already vegetarian—please don’t take away my cheese.

Whom would you like to thank? Friends, family, and everyone that I’ve met on this journey. And a mild dose of stress culture does wonders for productivity. But seriously from the bottom of my heart, thank you guys.

One thing to do before graduating: I’m not saying that I’m going to, but what’s the point of tunnels and roofs if not for exploring?

Any regrets? Nah never. Well maybe some of my answers to these questions…