She’s a native New Yorker!

Name, School, Major, Hometown: SM, BC, Psychology, NYC

Claim to fame: Being a transfer student? Being from NYC (my high school was mentioned in Gossip Girl). I also am the Columbia University Dance Team’s first-ever social media manager that is also a team member, so that’s pretty cool.

Where are you going? Unsure of the specifics, but I will likely be working in a psychology lab in NYC for one or two years before applying to Psychology Ph.D. programs (yay for more school!!!)

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

  1. It’s okay to say no and stay in, sometimes. Everyone needs a break, and in all honestly, what are you really missing out on? There will be plenty more chances to spend time with friends and make lasting memories. 
  2. Make time for self-care!! Get enough sleep, meditate, journal, and spend time in the limited amount of nature we have here in NYC. You will be a better, kinder, and healthier person because of it.
  3. Do literally anything and everything. Try out for that dance group, apply for that job or internship you don’t think you’re qualified for, tell that person you like them (because 9 times out of 10 they like you too). It’s better to have the answers than to forever think about the ‘what-ifs’—xoxo, an overthinker.

“Back in my day…” Diana made the sushi right in front of you. The graduate students weren’t always on strike. Swiping into buildings wasn’t a thing. It wasn’t a crime to cough or sneeze in public. 

Favorite Columbia controversy? Columbia’s Marching Band…Need I say more?

What was your favorite class at Columbia?

  • ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR WITH E’METT MCCASKILL. I don’t care if you are a Psychology major or not, you absolutely need to take this class.
  • The Toddler Center Seminar. The highlight of my week was being a student teacher in Barnard’s pre-school where I learned so much about toddler development. I truly cannot say enough good things about this class.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Considering I consume cheese on the daily…

Whom would you like to thank? My family (thx for providing me with endless love and support during the last few years), my friends, my dog (#emotionalsupportanimal), my teammates and my coach, my sorority (you caused me a lot of pain, but brought the best people into my life), my professors, my advisors, and most importantly, Barnard College for accepting me as a transfer back in 2019!

One thing to do before graduating: 

  • Sit on that little platform edge at the top of Low at night in the rain, turn on your favorite song, and take in the view. You will never again exist as you do in the present moment so take it all in and enjoy.
  • Also, for crying out loud, go to a sports game. Live out your state school dreams. Columbia basketball games are my personal favorite. Always high-energy and extremely fun, especially when our teams are winning.

Any regrets?

  • Not finding a rich husband at this school so that I can be a stay-at-home Mom. KIDDING. Sorry Mom. You did, in fact, raise an independent woman.
  • But in all honestly, maybe not considering Barnard as a senior in high school. I was so set on wanting to leave the city that I didn’t realize the best school for me was right here, at home. Seriously, Barnard has given me all that I could ever want in a college experience AND MORE. I am extremely and eternally grateful :)

The Diana Center via Bwog Archives