Varsity show and CMTS legend, extraordinary “economist,” and proud Vermont resident. Congratulations Malcolm!

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Malcolm Toleno, Columbia College, “Economics,” Brattleboro, Vermont

Claim to fame: Composer of the 129th Annual Varsity Show, proud wearer of a Vermont Dad sweatshirt. Can usually be found in a practice room, one of the theatres on campus, or JJ’s. Often in that order. 

Where are you going? Hopefully, somewhere meaningful in the long term! First, though, home to Vermont for a few months, then settling back in New York. 

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2027? 

1. Never say no to the chance to hang out with friends, especially if you don’t know them well yet. I spent far too much time wishing I had reached out to that person, and not enough time actually doing the thing. 
2. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to spend time getting to know yourself and understand yourself—alone. Go on walks, long ones, and let yourself explore. Nietzche’s best quote, and the only one I remember, rings true: “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” 
3. I know it’s hard, but please try to get a consistent sleep schedule. Everything goes better when you do. Literally everything. 

“Back in my day…” It snowed in the winter! What happened there??? Also, JJ’s would welcome you with open arms at 5 am. Have fun next year, you sick bastards. 

Favorite Columbia controversy? GabNYC’s illegal birthday party Tiktok? I guess to some degree, Michael Thaddeus’s exposé, because without that I don’t know what the plot of the Varsity Show would have been. 

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Can I list two? They have sent me down the path of my two passions: urbanism and theatre. Economics of New York City with Don Davis and History & Practice of Producing with Steven Chaikelson and Erica Rotstein. 

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I would be betraying my upbringing in a dairy state if I gave up cheese. 

Whom would you like to thank?

The list is endless, but I’ll do my best:

My family, for supporting me the whole way. Nonseq, for providing my first home on campus. CMTS, for providing my second home. The Varsity Show past and present, for trusting me to create a world with them. Russell, Jalen, Alqaim, Adelina, Josie, Emma Elizabeth, Kyle, Andrew, Peter, Jackson, Wesley, and a thousand more I could list for hours. I would not be a tenth of who I am today had I not been supported, nurtured, and challenged by the people I’m lucky enough to call my friends. 

One thing to do before graduating: Throw away your cares for an evening and sit in the sun on Low Steps or on any of the lawns, and talk with friends long past sunset. Seriously, your life will be better for it. 

Any regrets? Not saying yes enough, and not putting myself out there earlier. I had the best time at Columbia when I stopped being afraid of being authentically me. That’s what got you here, so don’t throw it away once you step through the gates. Come here to live your dreams, not hide from them.

Malcolm via Olivia Kuan-Romano