After studying abroad in the lovely country of Denmark, Staff Writer Gina Brown reflects on all the good—and bad—things about Columbia she missed.

1. A good old Barnard party. Every time I told my study abroad friends about the themed parties we would have, they stared at me in awe. What good is a party if you can’t dress up to match the theme? Last night was “Dress Like a Roommate” and all my friends got to show me how they perceive the way I dress!
2. John Jay Salad Station. After having no meal plan in Denmark, it was a real treat to experience the wonders of John Jay through new eyes. Despite the dubious cucumber salad giving me a tummy ache, it was wonderful.
3. Captain Bayonne. How could I have forgotten his familiar bottle-flipping presence?
4. The mineralogy classroom. If I get bored during mineralogy class, I can look at all the dazzling minerals!
5. 620 dorm. As much as I missed living with my friends, my senior year is sure to be dampened by the lack of stove and oven. Thanks Barnard ResLife!
6. Potlucks with friends. Another perk of living in 620 is the fact there are not enough chairs! Instead of sitting at a dining table, we had a potluck picnic on the floor of my suitemate’s room. Making the best of it!
7. Barnard dance classes. I am so very sore from my first ballet class I’ve taken since being in Denmark, but it feels amazing to be dancing again.
8. Performative males in seminar classes. My study abroad program consisted of mostly frat boys; I forgot how committed to the performative bit these men are. Mustaches galore.

Here’s to a great senior year! Despite all the silliness of Barnumbia, I am so glad to be back.

Columbia via Bwog Archives