This Senior may be in the lead for most all-nighters, but at least they know how to use Barnard resources to their fullest!

Name, School, Major, Hometown:
Persis, Barnard, Sociology and Human Rights, Princeton, New Jersey

Claim to fame:
I’m pretty sure I hold the record for most all-nighters in a single semester and have carefully documented these hellish experiences on my Instagram stories. If I don’t hold the record, I’d like to ask the person that beat me….are you ok?

Where are you going?
Columbia Journalism School…but like…am I?

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

1. Get your Gen-ed requirements out of the way early. I came in as an English and Theater major and then I took a course in Human Rights. Point is, you never know what classes you’ll come across and you don’t want it to be too late when you do. Plus, taking only fun interesting classes your Senior year is GOOD ENERGY.
2. USE. THE. CAREER. OFFICE. Beyond Barnard has some of the kindest most wonderful people I’ve met here and I’m sad I didn’t meet them until my senior year. They are great for advice and so are Barnard alums! Find a mentor! Also, keep track of when career fairs are and don’t be nervous to go to them! Remember the recruiters behind the table are just people and they’re happy to be there to meet you!
3. Delete all social media during finals. Seriously. Oof.

“Back in my day…” 
Barnard didn’t have a real library. Please take care of my sweet baby Milstein. She’s beauty, she’s grace, she has floor to ceiling windows.

Favorite Columbia controversy?
Columbia???? Involved in a controversy???? No wayyyyy!!!

What was your favorite class at Columbia?
Advanced Film Production Practice. You want a squad? That’s how you find a squad.

Also Victorian Novel with Professor Cregan. Back when I thought I was gonna be an ~English Major~.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese?
*sigh*

Whom would you like to thank?
KCST and all of my roommates – thanks for being stupid and crazy with me <3

Also my advisors – thanks for not being stupid and crazy.

One thing to do before graduating:
Join a performing arts group. Even if it’s just for a semester. Just do it.

Any regrets?
*stares angrily at my freshman fall*

Persis Rao via Persis