Literally rush SGA.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Emily N.; Barnard; Sociology & Educational Studies; Dallas, TX

Claim to fame: Soliciting you with cookies or stickers for you to vote in something SGA related. #rushSGA

Where are you going? Onwards and upwards, babes! But also, home for a bit then off to working in Boston! 

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2026?

  1. Commit yourself to the things you care about and care about the things you are committed to. So much of this campus is made miserable because of general apathy or because tasks are done without intention. Don’t make a bad thing worse, if you can’t even pretend to care about something, just don’t do it! And if you’re doing something, do it in full. 
  2. Time is indeed a colonial construct. Ask for extensions, take all the time you need, don’t try and cram everything at once, and move at the pace that works best for you. The fun of college is that it’s one of the few times in life where you can explore without consequence and there’s no need to speed through that.  
  3. It’s corny, but it’s also very true: the moments with your friends are what you will cherish the most. Allow yourself to find your community and all the fun and joy will follow. 

“Back in my day…” There was no swipe access at Barnard, just the freedom of unlocked doors, awkward double-checks of ID card photos, and good ole’ pen and paper sign-in sheets. 

Favorite Columbia controversy? Big fan of any outrageous Columbia Confessions post or the email leak about forcing faculty to teach in-person (shoutout Bwog), and a few more I’ll share after this lil’ degree is conferred. 

What was your favorite class at Columbia? 

  • Gender & Sexuality in Africa with Professor Stephens
  • Suburbs, Racism, and the United States Opportunity Structure with Professor Simms 
  • Sociology of Work & Gender with Professor Sharpe 
  • Race, Place, & Urban Schools with Professor Miranda

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? One of these brings me joy, the other brings me a tummy ache. 

Whom would you like to thank? My sister! My friends on and off-campus! All of Rep Council! My professors! My mentors! Everyone who has believed in me and shown me kindness! 

One thing to do before graduating? Attend an event that’s completely out of your element and get a smoothie from Oasis Juice Bar. 

Any regrets? Not taking enough naps, living in the past a little too much, and not trying Hewitt’s pasta bar while it was still around! 

Portrait via Emily