Danielle Resheff has a whole lot of love for Ferris and a whole lot of wisdom for you.

Name, School, Major, Hometown:
Danielle Resheff, Columbia College, American Studies, New York

Claim to fame:
Eating at Ferris three meals per day sophomore year. Making extremely elaborate meals for myself in Ferris and just generally spending a lot of time there. Knowing how to create a full meal of free samples in the area surrounding campus and spreading the gospel. University Senator for the past two years. Oh and hopefully this has been forgotten, but knocking on every member of John Jay’s door freshman year for elections (sry).

Where are you going?
Rude question on all accounts.

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

1. Ask for help. This was a really hard lesson-learned. I know there aren’t a lot of people necessarily reaching out and offering, but you will be so much better for it (mentally, physically, as a friend, etc…). Ask for extensions. Call your mom. Talk to your friends. All of it!
2. Let your guard down. This almost never goes poorly and usually goes well! On my worst days at Columbia (my “why did I elect to come here” days), I can immediately find solace in knowing that I’ve gotten to know some of the kindest, funniest, most interesting people here.
3. I have a lot to say about stress-culture at Columbia. To take matters into your own hands, dedicate some effort to finding your happy places (or people) on campus. And stay away from places (or people) that cause you stress. Please, please find somewhere to work that does not cause you stress. I swear I did not enter Butler other than to get books I needed after sophomore year.

“Back in my day…” 
John JJ’s was the hottest and coziest club in NY for a fat minute. Amigos unlimited Tuesdays existed (rip).

Favorite Columbia controversy?
Tie between 1) when SGA spent student activities fees to buy themselves custom-made Patagonias and 2) someone being stuck in the EC shaft for an alarming amount of time. I feel like every year since I hear additional first-and-second-hand details of this event.

What was your favorite class at Columbia?
Paula Frenzese’s Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Equity in Higher Education with Roger Lehecka and Andrew Delbanco

War and Society since 1945 with Paul Chamberlin

US Era of Civil War and Reconstruction with Stephanie McCurry

Art Hum with Huffa Frobes-Cross.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese?
All I know is that the lengths I have walked to and from West Side in inclement weather for cheese far surpass what I have walked for the former.

Whom would you like to thank?
Every person who worked the desks in John Jay, Furnald, Ruggles, EC, and Butler. My Lit Hum prof Zachary Roberts and CC prof Jason Resnikoff. The kind adult who bought me a sandwich in Brownies freshman year because I didn’t realize Brownies doesn’t take dining dollars. All the custodians who noticed I was having a bad day and said something (especially the one who let me take stuff from the open vending machines one morning when I had a midterm. I was slightly offended I looked so obviously crusty, but his kindness made up for it). My friends, especially those I’ve lived with or near. Grant for speaking in “publizity” voices with me for a full two weeks straight. John Jay 9. SDT seniors! Tom’s milkshakes for being generic milkshakes but also the best milkshakes in the world. My disabilities coordinator who has saved my chronically ill self from disaster just so many times. The amazing lighting in Furnald bathrooms. All the new women friends I have made in the 1020 men’s restroom. My mom for everything. My siblings for being the best friends I’ll ever have. Columbia Dining, especially Ferris (Ferris forever!). The walk I took down Amsterdam to Hungarian probably thousands of times in which I always had the warmest thoughts. Full disclosure, I’m crying now!

One thing to do before graduating:
I simply cannot name anything except all the second-semester senior stuff, irl commencement, grad pics, senior week… :(

Any regrets?
Tons. That every single year I forgot to apply to be an NSOP leader. That I waited so long to finish my language requirement (that was a painful lesson learned). Waiting until the second semester of senior year to do bucket list stuff and reach out to old friends… Not sure if I would have felt this in other circumstances. Don’t wait to do things people!!! But also we’re all doing our best out here; don’t sweat it.

Danielle Resheff via Danielle