Bwog Senior Staff Writer Gina tells us not to be afraid to ask for what we want.

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Gina Brown, Barnard, Environmental Biology, Wrentham, Massachusetts

Claim to fame: Certified rock lover (climbing them and also doing science on them), Orchesis enthusiast, Housing Equity Project coordinator, birdwatcher, knitter, chronic Blundstones-wearer (wow I really am crunchy)

Where are you going? New York baby! Grad school was a flop (I hate you climate deniers) so I am back at my favorite place, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, as a research assistant where I will be hopefully trying to publish my thesis!

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

1. Do things you are not good at. I minored in Philosophy and probably got my worst grades in those classes LOL. Even though it was difficult for me as a STEMstress, where else would you get a chance to get really into 20th century European philosophy? I never understood it completely, but that’s not the point! Learning is a process, and by keeping up with something you’re not great at, but love, will make you stronger. You never know if you might surprise yourself, too!
2. Send that cold email. I got into earth science research all because I reached out to my favorite intro geology professor and asked to work in her lab. 3 years later and I still do research with her! And I did the big scary thing of applying to grad school! Never be afraid to ask for what you want.
3. Love loudly. Never in my life have I had friends like these. Barnard has shown me how wonderful it is to love and be loved by those around you. My friendships mean the world to me! Nurture them, build them, keep them strong. They are your rock!

“Back in my day…” We had Altschul. Gates were open. No LeFrak. Main political issue on campus was the Barnard RA Union… those were the days.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? First Year Writing AND First Year Seminar with Michael Shelichach, my GOAT. So nice I took it twice!

Whom would you like to thank? The Wet Cats, Ella Brown (little sis, BC ‘28!!!), Milstein first floor, Barnard Environmental Science Dept, Meade Anderson Philosophy Forum, HEP <3, Lamont turkeys, Bwog!

One thing to do before graduating? Give back to your community! Volunteer!

Any regrets? Tying my worth to my research projects…sigh. Spending every summer in NYC. Not leaving campus enough. Nothing is as serious as you think it is! Have some whimsy!

Gina via Gina