Eva wants you to remember the value of staying true to what you believe in.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Eva Sher, Barnard College, Psychology major & Biology minor, North Miami

Claim to fame: Running this site, being nicknamed Egg by Bagel, writing about empathy and rats for my thesis, might have been your TA.

Where are you going? To continue sciencing. 

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

1. Don’t study in your dorm room— take advantage of the many libraries and study spaces on campus. If there’s anything that we’ve learned throughout this pandemic, it’s the importance of a separation between work and home. When I was a first-year, I tried to study in my room to no avail. It just didn’t work for me. There are so many wonderful study spots on campus that will not only allow you to keep your dorm room a place of solace, but you will likely generally be more efficient in a library surrounded by other students. And don’t be afraid to explore. I’ve spent many hours studying in C.V. Starr and the Engineering Library having never taken related classes. 
2. PLEASE get out of the Morningside Heights bubble. It’s definitely easy to get wrapped up in campus life, but you’re in New York City of all places! Be enthralled by the magic of the city, the communities here, and all of the art. And get involved in communities outside of Columbia too. We’re only here for four years (or less), and it’s great to have and be involved in this community during our college years. But it’s also incredible to be involved in something outside of school too. 
3. If you can, write a thesis!! I wasn’t required to write a thesis but did anyways, and I’m so thankful I did. To have the academic and institutional backing that Columbia and Barnard have are incredible, so take advantage of that and write something you’ll be proud of. 
4. I know I’ve passed three, but I’m going to keep going. You can’t control what other people do, but you can control how you respond. Keep that in mind and stay true to what you believe in.

“Back in my day…” JJ’s mozzarella sticks didn’t have seasoning, Diana lunch was points only, FYS/FYW were not Pass/Fail, Milstein green chairs were brand new, you didn’t need to be signed into other Barnard dorms, PawPrint printers weren’t contactless, and tents on campus and Zoom weren’t a thing.

Favorite Columbia controversy? The great plate shrinkening of Hewitt Food Hall

What was your favorite class at Columbia?

Everyone else breaks the ‘one class’ expectation, so who am I to not do the same? 

1. Developmental Psychology Lecture & Lab: These classes completely influenced the rest of my course of study throughout college. Understanding why kids do what they do, or not do what they can’t, is so deeply enriching and interesting. And then actually getting to apply that knowledge at the Toddler Center is an experience like no other.
2. US Lesbian & Gay History: Take this class. Seriously. Go register for it right now. This class changed my life and sparked a passion in me for history that I never knew possible. I cried and/or laughed every lecture and genuinely looked forward to every session. 
3. Fundamentals of Global Health: I took this class as an elective my senior spring, and I’m so glad I did. Healthcare and access are tools of oppression, and understanding the many facets of global health will make you a better and informed global citizen.

Whom would you like to thank? Well, to start, thank you to my family for all the support and for picking up my Facetime calls to see my dog, Teddy. To Brigid Cromwell, for being my other brain cell. To Sarah Braner, for all the laughs and JJ’s runs. To Owen Fitzgerald-Diaz, for being such a rock. To Rania Borgani, for so elegantly taking the reins of Bwog. To Bwog Staff, for the ride. To Subs Conscious, Apple Tree, and the Halal Cart on 120th & Broadway for keeping me nourished. And to all of my professors who inspired me and broadened my worldview. Oh, and the Altschul elevators for keeping my life interesting.

One thing to do before graduating: Go down to Rockaway Beach or Coney Island with your best friends. The train ride itself is an hour and a half from campus, so spend that time giggling and appreciating each other’s presence despite any judgment from fellow riders. Make that glorious walk to the shore from the subway and admire the duality of the city. Enjoy the sun and tranquility with your friends. You’ll never get this time back, so bask in each other’s company now. 

Any regrets? Never getting to take a pic with Millie the Dancing Bear :(

Portait of Eva via Priscilla Kong (@capturedbypriscilla)