Two years later and he is graduating.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Luken Sloan, Columbia College, English, Arcadia, Oklahoma.

Claim to fame: Junior transfer student; Board Games Club yapper and social deduction game non-enjoyer(most of the time); Bwog lineup king.

Where are you going? For three weeks, I am going back home, and then I fly back here for a summer internship until August. After that, wherever my future job takes me! Hopefully, I will remain here or get a taste of California! If anyone is trying to take me to travel, though…

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2029?

1. Do not be afraid to use this time—this experience in New York City, of all places—to find out who you are. Try new things, for there are a plethora of them around, and live and learn. We only live once, so might as well make the best of it in your own skin, right?
2. You will find your people as long as you put yourself out there, so be proactive! Make sure you are willing to put in effort into your friendships, relationships, and connections. On that note, however, these are, or should be, two-way streets, so make sure you are getting the respect and attention you deserve!
3. You will not be good at everything—no one is! What matters most is knowing your strengths and being able to adapt, whether that be sticking to what you are best at, shoring up your weaknesses, or learning new things and methods!

P.S. Clubs and bars downtown are infinitely better than the ones nearby or EC parties.

“Back in my day…” Well, given that I was only here for two years, I fear I missed a lot of changes—and yet my first semester here was the beginning of a hectic amount of change! In this vein, then: there not being security guards everywhere and police on campus; one president for the academic year; and protests being allowed to a much greater extent.

Favorite Columbia lore? Buell Hall, home of La Maison Française, is the last surviving building of the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Too many to list just one: World’s End: 20th/21st Century Dystopian Fiction and Film; Early Horror; History of Horror; The Bildungsroman; Out of the Ordinary: Aesthetics, Power, Bodies; Volleyball (this was so much fun!).

Professor recommendations: (Queen/Mother/Goddess) Eleanor Johnson; Sharon Marcus; Jack Halberstam; Brent Edwards.

Whom would you like to thank? My family, for supporting me in my decision to come here and for always being there, no matter what; my friends, for being by my side through thick and thin, indulging me in the late late nights of us going out and talking, and keeping me sane while also pushing me to my limits; my professors and classmates, for pushing me to be my best and for exposing me to so many interesting, engaging, and critical perspectives and ideas—there is so much more, but I am not trying to write an essay; Columbia facilties and staff, for all the work you do to keep this campus running.

One thing to do before graduating? Sit on Low Steps late at night, when campus is lit up (bonus points if the trees are lit) and empty—a surreal feeling.

Any regrets? I wish that I had explored the city more and been more proactive in meeting people in my first year here! But, other than those, I regret nothing!

Luken Sloan via Luken Sloan