Ximena Aparicio, former Minister of Propaganda and Spirit Manager of the CUMB, resident goth, and future law school student, gives us advice about enjoying being alone, expressing love to our friends, and taking advantage of free things. And, no, despite popular belief, she is not a Barnard student. 

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Ximena Eloisa Aparicio, Columbia College, Political Science and Philosophy, Long Branch, NJ!

Claim to fame: Former Minister of Propaganda and Spirit Manager of the CUMB. Does some tweeting (@leatherlatina). It’s actually goth, not emo. Also not a phase. Also not actually a Barnard student.

Where are you going? Working on immigration justice over the summer. Then teaching English abroad. Then law school. Then the rest of my life!

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2023?

Learn to enjoy being alone. So much of our time alone is spent studying and stressing in our rooms. We rarely get to feel happiness alone and we rely on others too often for the feeling. Our relationship with others is important but cultivating a positive relationship with yourself is as well. You can’t wait for your friends to want to go out, you’ll limit your opportunities if you do that. Go see that exhibit, rock out at that concert, and see that movie. Evaluate what you enjoy separate from the interests and pressures of your friends. Enjoy being alone and getting to know yourself.

Don’t be afraid to express love towards your friends. We spend so much time with our college friends, but it’s difficult to cultivate the level of intimacy and affection we might have in our relationships back home. There have been many times where I felt I needed a closeness that I didn’t have. Be genuinely affectionate with your friends and spend time together beyond just studying and partying. If you can’t express that you love each other your friends are actually just mere acquaintances. Don’t be afraid to admit you love and need your friends.

Take advantage of free things. Over spring break I took a trip to Spain for a one credit class called “Gay Madrid”. It was an amazing experience and all paid for by Barnard’s global office. There are so many resources the University provides to students, please take advantage of it. Go to CPS and CCE. Sign up for free events and tickets and check out the different opportunities provided by your department. Collect all the free t-shirts from athletic events. Free stuff is great.

“Back in my day…” Amigo’s margarita Tuesday.

Favorite Columbia controversy? Columbia.

Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer: I can’t! And I won’t!

What was your favorite class at Columbia? Latin America in Revolt with Santiago Acosta and Analytic Philosophy with Achille Varzi. Also the class I took where one of the students was the bassist of my favorite band. Thank you Columbia University In The City of New York!

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Sometimes if you’re “lucky”, the oral sex comes with cheese.

Whom would you like to thank? My best friend and ex-roommate laura Salgado! Thank you for being the Fiona to my Shrek (and yes I forgive you for not putting me down on your senior scramble). Also my intern Christopher Mingo. Thanks for getting me through it.

One thing to do before graduating: Watch the sunrise over morningside park. A wonderful experience to share with your friends, if say, the party doesn’t end until 5:30 am because you’ve all decided to make a million eggs.

Any regrets?: Putting Laura down on my senior scramble!!!