Group study > individual.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Aishwarya Rao, Barnard College, Computational Biology, Princeton

Claim to fame: OG Sabrina Carpenter fan.

Where are you going? I’m doing my Master’s at Columbia next year so… nowhere yet!

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2030?

1. Put time and effort into self-discovery. Of course, study, awaken your inner academic weapon, do extracurriculars that give you more experience in the field you eventually want to enter. But, spend time dancing your heart out, audition to act in the 24 hour musical, play video games, try new foods and desserts, play rec sports, and so on. Give yourself the opportunity to grow in multiple different ways, rather than getting sucked into the mindset that everything you do has to be career-oriented. You will make so many fond memories, and develop much more as a person this way.
2. Resist the urge to compare yourself to the people around you, and instead learn to turn this competition into admiration. Pretty much everyone I have met at Barnard and at Columbia is highly motivated, intelligent, talented, and successful. And for a lot of people, especially those who have gotten accustomed to being in toxically competitive environments in high school, this feels threatening. But there is truly so much you can learn from the way other people push themselves to be their best, and from an admiration-based mindset you can apply those things to your own life and grow so much more. I know that some people thrive on competition, so if that’s you then go for it, but I think you can establish much closer friendships that help you become a better version of yourself if you adjust your perspective.
3. Side quest whenever you can (even if it means you go alone)! I was a huge fan of the Flash growing up, and I got to see Grant Gustin (the love of my life) act in the Broadway show Water for Elephants for free because I got a standby ticket through Barnard. I also recently got discounted AMC tickets from the Barnard Store and watched Project Hail Mary with my peer mentees (shout out Min Jee,
   Megan, and Nny’Je)! For a dance seminar I took in sophomore year, I had to get an NYPL library card and explored Lincoln Center & the Performing Arts Library. Also most museums are pay-as-you-wish for students – go visit the AMNH, the MET, MoMA, etc. I think my friends are honestly better at side questing than me, but take advantage of going to school in the city. It will be easier to romanticize college life & reduce burn out that way :)

“Back in my day…” The silver lining of having to isolate after you tested positive for COVID-19 in my freshman year was the ample amount of GrubHub credits we were given (led to many free delicious meals). Also, back then, Barnard still had Altschul (main science building), Playa Bowls had not yet graced the outskirts of our campus, and Wang Pavillion didn’t exist!

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Tissue Engineering with Professor Clark Hung.

Whom would you like to thank? My friends, family, and my professors! Especially the ones in Barnard’s Biology Department, as well as Professor Merrer, Professor Rojas, Professor Raymer, and Professor Youngren. I am also so grateful for Zyaijah Nadler at Being Barnard, The Wellness Spot, and the team at Access Barnard for the opportunity to get involved on campus and for providing me with so much support.

One thing to do before graduating? Hopefully find a day not taken up by senior activities to walk through all of Manhattan with friends!

Any regrets? Perhaps solo studying more than I should have. It was more efficient, but group studying allows you to spend more time with your friends and make more precious memories.

Aishwarya via Aishwarya