How did she manage?

Name, School, Major, Hometown: Alison, Barnard College, Sociology, Lima, Perú

Claim to fame: Managing Editor of Bwog during the infamous Spring 2024 semester, 12 hours at JJ’s survivor, have spent way too much time getting free merch or free food (or free anything), sad resting face (yes, I swear I’m okay, thanks for asking!).

Where are you going? I’m still a romantic, so wherever leads me towards my dreams, I hope. 

What are three things you learned at Columbia and would like to share with the Class of 2029?

1. Prioritize community: The best thing about Barnard and Columbia is the people. I’ve met some of the kindest, smartest, most passionate, and hard-working souls here, and I could not be more grateful to be part of such a community. It took me a while to understand that building meaningful relationships is what matters the most, what will stay with us way long after we leave this place, but now that I know better, I am immensely grateful to have found people I can call “home.”
2. Nobody cares: I spent too much of my limited time here worrying about what others would think of me, doing things I felt I should be doing, wasting time with people who, at the end of the day, never cared about me. It can be easy to try to fit what we think is the “mold,” but don’t be afraid to be your authentic self, and you will attract the right people (cheesy, right?) I promise you, nobody is watching, and you will be significantly happier.
3. Explore: I mean this in every sense of the word. Explore New York—visit Riverside and Central Park as often as you can, for there is nothing more magical than watching the seasons change; go to museums and attend cultural events; wander around the streets and take in your surroundings. Explore your academic interests—take that Dance or Religion class just for the sake of learning; get involved with the multiple offices on campus; attend the many events that happen weekly. Explore your passions—not everyone follows a linear path, and as we grow and change, our interests do as well; we don’t have to stick with what doesn’t resonate with us, and it is perfectly fine not to know (yet) what is meant to be for us.

“Back in my day…” Among the many things that have changed, the idea of a closed campus would baffle me. 

Favorite Columbia lore? The tunnels.

What was your favorite class at Columbia? So many Sociology courses (particularly Higher Education and Inequalities, which is a must-take class, especially when being a student at an institution like Columbia), but also all creative nonfiction workshops!

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? Dear future employer, I would give up both for the success of the organization. Now, that’s the kind of team player you want by your side.

Whom would you like to thank? Thank you to my family—my parents, my brother, my Abuelita. I would be nowhere without your support, guidance, and love. (Hola, papá. Más probable que no que hayas encontrado esto y a pesar de que me moleste, lo aprecio. Este logro y todo lo que consiga en esta vida es por y para ustedes. Los amo, a pesar de que nunca lo diga).

Thank you to my chosen family—my friends. For changing me for the better in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for teaching me what it means to show up, to move around the world with care and love, to be brave and fierce and bold, to allow oneself to be vulnerable and trusting, to be unapologetically yourself. Thank you for everything. My best parts are pieces of all of you. 

Thank you to everyone I ever shared a smile or laugh with—my peers, professors, staff workers, and everyone in between. 

And finally, thank you to younger me. Because you’ve made it this far, and I couldn’t be prouder.

One thing to do before graduating? Create an ultimate senior bucket list at the beginning of the year and commit to the bit with your best friends.

Any regrets? As a natural overthinker, I’m trying to change my patterns. So, for now, at least, let’s say no. 

Alison via Alison