Let yourself be embarrassed and let yourself be surprised.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Kayla Koffler, Barnard College, English, Yonkers, NY

Claim to fame: Shortest-lived coxswain of the men’s lightweight rowing team

Where are you going? Back to yonkers bb

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2025?

Let yourself be surprised by things and just go with it! Even if you come into college with a really formed idea of what you want to study, activities you want to do, internships you want, etc. the best things you’ll do or people you meet may come as a surprise so keep yourself open!

Embarrass yourself frequently and be vulnerable. I’m always labeled as an oversharer but rather that than the alternative imo

This is stolen from Ariana Nakhla but you’ll never regret time spent supporting your friends or moving your body

“Back in my day…” Barnard’s campus was just one long tunnel 

Favorite Columbia controversy? All the Facebook beef over the years but particularly the arguments around automated pass fail for COVID 

What was your favorite class at Columbia? American Literature Since 1945 with Professor Vandenburg, The Big Ambitious Novel with Professor Robbins, and Organic Chemistry II with Professor Rojas

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Considering I grew up on American cheese I’ll have to go with the former

Whom would you like to thank?

My roommates from the past year for being with me through some tumultuous times, you all mean the world to me and I am so lucky to have you in my life. The same message gets extended to all my friends, even those I haven’t seen in a year. The classes I took do not compare to the growth I experienced from getting to know you all and I am forever grateful. 

I want to thank Nightline (specifically Chana, I’ll cherish everything you taught me forever) for teaching me how to listen to people and for existing to help ease the burden school puts on all of us. Please call if you ever feel lonely and need someone to talk to.

Thank you to all the Columbia shuttle drivers: Linton you made this year bearable. 

One thing to do before graduating: an unrealistic one for sure but do the whole subway party, skinny dipping, and everything.

Any regrets? Not getting to play the lips in Rocky Horror Picture Show at Barnard with Sam Sheldon

Shortest-lived coxswain via Kayla’s Images