Keep an eye on those phone chargers.

Name, School, Major Hometown: Olivia Cull, Barnard College, Urban Studies (specialization in Anthropology), Portland, Oregon. 

Claim to fame: Provost Mary C. Boyce in the 128th Varsity Show, Barnard Bacchantae, forgetting my phone charger in almost every building on campus 

Where are you going? Taking the 1 train five stops uptown to Columbia School of Public Health, studying Population and Family Health with a focus on Forced Migration. Also, auditioning for musicals and serving your elaborate orders at Hungarian Pastry Shop. 

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2028? 

1) You are wonderful as you are, and you belong here. Know that your stories are worth telling and your passions are worth pursuing, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Working to accept and love all yourself, while difficult at times, will lead you to find people who accept and love all of you, too. 

2) Befriend people who work on campus!

3) Try out a random club every semester, just to see if you’ll discover a new and intriguing interest. Over the past four years, I’ve dabbled in kayaking, circus, environmental education, improv, intramural basketball, tap… it’s fun to be spontaneous and to do it for the plot while unlocking so many opportunities for growth. Also, ask your peers as many questions as you can- the people at this school are truly incredible. 

“Back in my day…” We played Among Us during NSOP and Chat GPT meant nothing to me. 

Favorite Columbia lore? Chef Mike’s Grandma (I need to meet this woman and thank her for her culinary mastery) 

What was your favorite class at Columbia?

• Fundamentals of Global Health with Rachel Moresky 
• Singing Sondheim with Mana Allen 
• Voice lessons with Coralie Gallet 
• Tap 1 with Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards 
• Any class taught by Paige West or Gisela Cardenas

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Sorry, Koronet’s. I’ll miss you- it’s not you, it’s me. 

Whom would you like to thank? All the dining hall staff, the Sulzberger practice rooms, the Milstein green chairs (obviously), the view from IAB’s 15th floor, CUPAL, Bacchantae, and my wonderful family, friends, and professors. 

One thing to do before graduating? Go to the Barnard Greenhouse and the Pupin Observatory, Citi Bike down the Hudson River Pier, and wait in the SNL standby line. 

Any regrets? Not taking more acting and dance classes, especially tap with Dormeshia- she’s phenomenal! Also, not knowing about Zotero or Barnard Connect for too long.

Editor’s note: This post was updated to correct and clarify a statement.

Olivia via Olivia