Maris would survive the zombie apocalypse.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Maris, General Studies, Sustainable Development, Salinas, CA 

Claim to fame: Connoisseur of objectively useful skills (like, in a zombie apocalypse) that are objectively useless in New York City (cutting trees, knitting socks, whatever)

Where are you going? Home, to pet my dogs. Then hopefully to the mountains, to think some things over. Then to do climate work, to do my best! 

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2027?

1. There are few things that an Absolute bagel, a slice of Mama’s Too, or a walk in the park can’t make right.
2. New York isn’t for everyone, but it is for you right now. Loving the city takes practice. Remember joy is a muscle and you can flex it.
3. To have community, you have to cultivate it. Love your friends dearly, tell them you love them, and tell them why.

“Back in my day…” Chat GPT didn’t exist to write all our code for us :’) but I’m glad it does for you!

Favorite Columbia controversy? The Thaddeus ranking scandal, sorry but literally who cares?

What was your favorite class at Columbia?  Forest Ecology in EEEB. Field ecology classes are a super easy way to get out of the city (for free! Besides tuition lol) and it’s just tons of fun. We went kayaking, hiking, camping, and spent a ton of time just chatting about trees. 

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Cheese, easily, forever, no question

Whom would you like to thank? My housemates, Sarah and Najwa, for letting me grind my coffee every morning & loving me anyway. And Columbia rock climbing club!! Climb on pals, <3 you forever 

One thing to do before graduating: Figure out how to get on the roof of whatever building you like best, because it’s worth it. 

Any regrets? Not getting out of the campus bubble more often. New York City will always be there, but this New York, with these people, won’t. Go meet them! 

Portrait via Maris