Sorry, Ferris. Nik is a JJ’s fan now and forever.

Name, School, Major, Hometown:
Nikola Danev, Columbia College, Biology, Skopje

Claim to fame:
I’ve been told it’s less of a claim to fame and more of a claim to infamy, but I was behind the 2019 rebranding of CAVA to CUEMS. Other than that, I usually get recognized by people who’ve seen me on call for CUEMS because I spent pretty much my entire college career in uniform.

Where are you going?
I’ll be moving to Ithaca to pursue a PhD in Genetics at Cornell!

What are 3 things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2024?

1. Always sleep on a decision, and if you don’t have time to sleep on it, at least take an hour before you make an important decision, especially if there are emotions involved.
2. Value your friends and the connections that you forge, because you always think you’ll have time to rekindle friendships, grab lunch, hang out, but then life happens and you learn you might not. #ClassofCOVID19
3. School is NOT more important than your health! And mental health is health. Make time for yourself, enjoy your time with friends or alone, find a self-care routine, and then think about your schoolwork. I’ve skipped classes because I felt like I needed a day to myself, and I’ve found that whenever I’ve done that, I’ve performed better.

“Back in my day…” 
We had John JJ’s; JJ’s place had to close down for a couple of months, so at night John Jay would turn into JJ’s. Probably the best crossover episode at Columbia ever. (Converted me from #FerrisForever to #JJsFam)

Favorite Columbia controversy?
When Columbia Dining switched from Heinz to French’s.

What was your favorite class at Columbia?
It’s hard to pick one, but Professor Lowy’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Professor Mah’s Organizational Psychology at Barnard are up there. Both professors care about their students more than anything, so the class meetings are really versatile. Would highly recommend both!

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese?
I don’t think I can cook a single meal without cheese, but I could always learn…

Whom would you like to thank?
I don’t want to make this sound like an Oscar speech, but then again I’m a firm believer in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child (or in this case, to raise a graduate). Dr. Melanie Bernitz and the entire staff at Columbia Health, along with everyone at CUEMS, for always supporting me and helping me grow no matter what. Sigma Nu, for giving me a space to be myself, for teaching me the values of brotherhood and making me a better and more open-minded person. All the uniformed staff at the Department of Public Safety for turning my workplace into something like a home. Everyone who I’ve ever had the honor of calling my friend, as well as my family, for making me the person I am today.

One thing to do before graduating:
Actually have a Class Day and Commencement Ceremony. (jk rip)

Any regrets?
None that I can think of.