If only one word comes to mind after reading Krishna’s Senior Wisdom, let it be “slay.”

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Krishna Menon, CC, Statistics-Political Science and African-American Studies, Tampa, FL 

Claim to fame: CCSC VP for the last two years (because I love being second best + channeled my inner Kamala Harris). I wrote the CCSC Pass/Fail Proposal for the last 4 semesters. I threw up in JJ’s at 4 AM my first week at Columbia. I am also the sexiest transfer student on campus. Known for slaying intensely and for prolonged periods of time. 

Where are you going? Hell! 

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

1. In order to maximize the intensity of your slay at Columbia, it is crucial that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things. I came to Columbia as a transfer student my sophomore year and felt so lost and uncertain about the things I wanted to do or the person I wanted to be. Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone was the best thing I ever did for myself, and opened me up to so many opportunities and amazing people. For example, I ran for Student Council vice president my sophomore spring with absolutely no CCSC experience, and I have had the distinct honor of serving alongside the best people I know for the last two years. Student Council gave me a voice on campus, let me do some really important work during my time here, and is also where I met my best friends. Likewise, I almost didn’t audition for a cappella groups because I was convinced I wouldn’t get into any, and Columbia SHARP has been an incredible creative outlet and family during my time at Columbia that I couldn’t imagine my time here without. To make a long story short, I’m telling you to suck it up and pursue that thing you’re too afraid to try, because chances are you will slay. 
2. The thing that makes Columbia really special is the quality of people here. Break outside your comfort zone, introduce yourself to people you don’t know, make friends in your classes and outside of your classes. I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for my incredible support network, and I cannot imagine what my life would look like without all of the friends I’ve made throughout my time here. I think a lot of people here constrain themselves to one friend group or limit themselves to being friends with one “type” of person – the beauty of Columbia is how incredibly different all of us are, and how we come together in spite of those differences. The people you choose to surround yourself with will define your time here, so putting effort into your friendships and relationships will go a really long way. 
3. Just a general academic tip for the class of 2026 – PLEASE go to your office hours. Faculty, teachers assistants, and graders are really just here to help you, and office hours are an incredible way to get help on homework assignments, figure out what your professors are looking for in a project or paper, and just generally get to know the people who are investing so many hours into teaching you about something. It also doesn’t hurt to become buddies with the people who are grading your work. 

“Back in my day…” Bacchanal was on campus, JJ’s was open 22/7, there were actually parties in EC, and there were no tents on campus. Back in my day, you could make out with a stranger at a party and not have to worry about catching anything but mono. 

Favorite Columbia controversy? The thumbtack in Ferris potatoes!

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Religion and Hip-Hop with Josef Sorett, because I got to write a 10 page paper about the queen of music, Nicki Minaj (who outsold both Beethoven and Mozart, for the record.) Also because Professor Sorett is one of my favorite professors and people at Columbia. 

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I am allergic to dairy ;)  

Whom would you like to thank? To Rads, thank you for being the president Columbia College deserved and a better best friend than I could have possibly ever deserved – I can’t imagine doing any of this without you by my side. Thank you for being my bestie <3 

To Emme and Addison, my pieces of home in the city – thank you for your endless friendship, support, and love for the past eight years. Your successes, intelligence, and determination inspire me every day, and I wouldn’t be here without you guys – thank you for giving me your hearts, and you will always have mine. I can’t wait to see the rest of our lives together :) 

To Maram and Soleil, my first friends at Columbia, and my besties for the rest of my life – you have been the most definitive and positive influences during my time here. I owe you endlessly – here’s to all of the lovely memories we have made together (shoutout to the grilled cheese), and here’s to making many, many, more together. 

To Elsa, you are such an incredible ray of sunshine and source of joy in this world. Thank you for the energy, love, and support you continue to radiate out into the world every day. My #1 gossip buddy and the apple of my eye, you are truly the future of CCSC and I cannot wait to watch you take on the world and accomplish everything, my love. Thank you for bringing light, life, and laughs into the darkest parts of my life. 

To Sarah Lily Braka, thank you for being an incredible shoulder to cry on in times of need and an incredible source of laughter in times of joy. The love and loyalty you show your friends is truly unparalleled.

To Columbia Sharp, thank you for your incredible friendship, music, and memes for the last three years. I can’t imagine what my time at Columbia would look like without you all. 

To Mo, Steven, Adam – long live the Gay Gaggle. Thank you all for making this year everything that it was – thank you for the gossip sessions, the laughs, the music, and the bomb selfies I will love you forever <3 

To Gigi, thank you for your constant feminism. Susan B Anthony would be proud. 

To CCSC – thank you so much for your tireless work these last few years. Thank you for all the friendship and smiles :) 

To Jaine, thank you for the constant love, friendship, and food. I wouldn’t choose to have literally anyone else by my side in a physical brawl. Becoming closer to you was honestly a true highlight of my time at Columbia <3 

To Colby, you are the literal best. By far the most underappreciated person at Columbia, so proud of you and your constant serves + money moves. Love you!!!

To Karina Feng, thank you for saving my ass in every Applied Stats class and taking the BEST grad photos. 

My dearest thanks to the haters for reminding me to constantly slay <3 <3 <3 

One thing to do before graduating: Illicit Tryst in the Stacks

Any regrets? There are a million people on this campus that are so cool that I wish I knew better or hung out with more who I really wish I’d just taken initiative with and befriended. Also, I wish I hadn’t majored in Stats, it would’ve saved me so many tears. Not having the chance to study abroad because of COVID. My digital footprint.

Portrait via Krishna