Watch out Columbia greenhouses. Camille is coming back for you!

Name, School, Major, Hometown:
Camille, CC, Creative Writing, Minneapolis(ish), MN

Claim to fame:
Most likely you know me from the back of Hungarian Pastry shop talking to myself. Trinity Lester and I directed Latenite’s “Beep” last fall (We wrote two more with Nick Erichson this semester that hopefully the world will see some day). DKA sometimes. Or maybe Twitter? I don’t know, I’m around.

Where are you going?
Please hire me!

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2024?

  1. You will regret not doing any of the Lit Hum reading, especially when you try to be a writing major later. Just do your homework, it’s randomly funner that way. I’m the one person in the senior wisdoms who will tell you to actually do work, which is important slacker representation.
  2. Not to backtrack on my previous statement, but don’t forget that experiences are as valuable as your education. Evaluate honestly what is worth your time, and that might not be school! Go to a concert on a Monday, skip class to see Seth Meyers, buy a ticket to see Timothee Chalamet giving a talk in Brooklyn months in advance without knowing at all what your schedule will actually be like. All totally, nonspecific examples. Do what you have to do.
  3. Go off campus. I got a lot of good exploring in by going to coffee shops in different neighborhoods and studying there. Also a great way to get some good eavesdropping in. Once I sat between the actress who played Shosh on Girls and a guy planning a cock fight over WhatsApp on the 1 train.

“Back in my day…” 
Amigos unlimited quesadillas and margs on Tuesdays. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience to be hungover at your 8:10 (wince) Lit Hum on Wednesday mornings. Also, John JJ’s? That was fun.

Favorite Columbia controversy?
How much avocado do we really think is in that “avocado” mush in Ferris?

What was your favorite class at Columbia?
Eccentrics and Outsiders with David Wallace. It was like a book club but only books about or by weirdos, which is so fun. Also, New Media Art with Rob King. It really changed the way I think about the technology I use and the media I consume on a daily basis and it’s creative opportunities.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese?
I’m obsessed with cheese so. Sorry, boys.

Whom would you like to thank?
Every barista at Joe’s. I’m in love with you all, so please reach out. Also obviously my friends, family, and various amazing roommates who have put up with my messiness.

One thing to do before graduating:
I always wanted to sneak into one of the campus greenhouses. Maybe some day I’ll come back and wreak the havoc I missed out on.

Any regrets?
Literally so many, which actually I think will lead to some pretty fun (read: chaotic) early twenties

Camille Ramos via Camille