The Class of 2024 Shares Their Advice for the Next Generation of Columbians

As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2024 during their school ceremonies, we've been hearing from students about some of the most meaningful parts of their Columbia experience through our graduation content submission form (please, share your story, graduates!). 

We've been struck by graduates' memories of their time at Columbia, no matter how long or short, including the books they've found most impactful while here, their favorite places on campus/around NYC, and Columbians who made an impact on them. 

We've also asked graduates to share what they will miss about Columbia and the one-sentence advice they would give to the next generation of Columbians. We've compiled some of those responses below.

Roar, Lion, Roar!

Nedira Mustefa (GS'24)

For Nedira Mustefa, a soon-to-be graduate of the School of General Studies "a warm sunny day on Low steps and lying on the lawn," constitutes her favorite place on campus, and she says that the best-kept secret reading spot on campus is the Columbia Law Library (where she enjoyed reading "A Man of Good Hope," by Jonny Steinberg). She would like to thank Amber Griffiths, associate dean of student affairs and well-being at the School of General Studies, for her "unwavering and impeccable support."

When asked what she will miss the most, Mustefa said: "All the special memories I’ve made throughout my Columbia journey."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Ariel Xie (SPS’23)

For Ariel Xie, a graduate of the School of Professional Studies, "Butler Library, for sure" is her favorite spot on campus.

When asked what she will miss the most, Xie said: "The week before finals everyone stays late in the library, is so encouraging, and the study vibe is good!!"

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Sean Stokes (TC'24)

For Sean Stokes, a soon-to-be graduate of Teachers College, his favorite place to study on Columbia's campuses was "The Forum on the Manhattanville campus. It wasn't too loud or too quiet, and it had a great energy and transient vibe with a mix of college students, Harlemites, and tourists."

He would like to thank Allison Branch, adjunct assistant professor at Teachers College, with whom he took a clinical geropsychology class:

"I want to thank Dr. Branch for creating an engaging classroom by sharing her experiences as a psychologist working with older adults and veterans," Stokes said. "It was through Dr. Branch's class that I learned about the inspiring Naomi Feil, who recently died at age 91. Through her validation therapy method, Feil promoted empathy and trained caregivers of people living with dementia. Thank you, Dr. Branch for your engaging lectures and stories and the passion you bring to the classroom and your work as a clinician."

As for the advice he'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Evita Griskenas (CC'24)

Evita Griskenas, a soon-to-be graduate of Columbia College, says her favorite spot on Columbia's campus is the light-post area on Low Steps "where you can sit on the edge and observe all of the campus bustling," which also happens to be her favorite place to read a book (in her case, her favorite "Proust Was A Neuroscientist"). She would also like to thank Alfredo Spagna, lecturer and director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience & Behavior: "I have taken every single class you had to offer and it still wasn't enough. You are a phenomenal professor and in addition to teaching me your craft, have taught me how to learn and how to use what I learn successfully."

When asked what she will miss the most, Griskenas said: "I will miss the atmosphere that is created by all of the academic side conversations that one overhears while walking around campus."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Ritika Pareek (BUS’24)

Ritika Pareek, a soon-to-be-graduate of Columbia Business School, says the book that had the most profound impact on her during her time at Columbia was Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow," which "challenged me to reconsider how I approached problems both in academia and beyond." In terms of where to read such a book? "Butler Library was a hidden gem, with its comfortable seating and quiet ambience it became my go-to spot to immerse myself in the complexities of behavioral economics while enjoying a serene vista of Columbia's campus below." 

She would like to thank Medini Singh, senior lecturer in discipline in business, Todd Jick, Reuben Mark Faculty Director of Organizational Character and Leadership, Suresh Sundareshan, Robert W. Lear Professor of Finance and Economics, and Paul Krugman; "I can't thank them enough for their teachings," Pareek said. 

When asked what she will miss the most, Pareek said: "Leaving behind this close-knit community feels like saying goodbye to a part of myself. It's the bittersweet realization that while the physical campus may fade from view, the memories and relationships forged here will endure as cherished treasures, etched into the very fabric of my being."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Daniel Gurniak (TC’24)

Daniel Gurniak, a soon-to-be graduate of Teachers College, says "anything and everything by Mark Twain" has had a profound impact on him during his time at Teachers College, and the outdoor tables by the Mathematics building are his favorite spot on campus. He would like to thank Sian Zelbo, lecturer and director of student teaching in secondary mathematics, who "has been instrumental in my success here at Columbia Teachers College."

When asked what he will miss the most, Gurniak said: "The library."

As for the advice he'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Aishwarya Singhal (SPS’24)

For Aishwarya Singhal, a soon-to-be graduate of the School of Professional Studies, the best spot to read "Pride and Prejudice," by Jane Austen, a book she found profoundly impactful during her time at Columbia, is the sixth level of Butler Library. When it comes to her favorite place, that would be the iconic New York City landmark of Times Square. She would like to thank Douglas Scherer, lecturer in strategic advocacy at the School of Professional Studies. 

When asked what she will miss the most, Singhal said: "The beautiful Butler Library."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Alberta Christina Pertiwi (GSAS’24)

Alberta Christina Pertiwi, a soon-to-be graduate of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, has found a great reading spot on Columbia's campus: "the digital room at Lerner." A book that had a profound impact on her during her time at Columbia? "Good Economics for Hard Times," by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. She would like to thank Kristy Kelly, assistant professor of International and Public Affairs, her thesis advisor.

When asked what she will miss the most, Singhal said: "Butler Library."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Iynul Rizwan (GS’24)

Iynul Rizwan, a soon-to-be graduate of the School of General Studies, would like to shout-out two books that made an impact on her during her time at Columbia: "The Dawn of Everything," by David Graeber and David Wengrow, and "48 Laws of Power," by Robert Greens. As for her favorite reading spot? "As a commuter student coming from NJ on the NJ Transit Train all reading happened on my journey."

One of her favorite places to enjoy on Columbia's campus are the side steps of Earl Hall. She would also like to extend a special thank you to her academic advisor, Dean Kristy Barbacane. "My time at Columbia would not have been possible without her guidance and help. Thank you Dean Barbacane for everything you have done for me."

One thing she'll miss? "Being among some of the smartest people in the world!"

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians:

Hyae Ryung Kim (SIPA’24)

Hyae Ryung Kim, a soon-to-be graduate of the School of International and Public Affairs, says the reading rooms on the upper floors of Butler Library "offer a serene atmosphere that is perfect for focused reading." A perfect spot to read "The Age of Sustainable Development" and "Economic Risks of Climate Change."

When asked her favorite spots in NYC during her time at Columbia? "I love spending time with my family at the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)."

She says "I am deeply grateful to my esteemed group of advisors, Geoffrey Heal, Caroline Flammer, and Jeffrey Schrader, who provided exceptional guidance and support throughout my academic journey. Thank you, John and Tomara for your helpful support."

When asked what she will miss the most, Kim said: "I will miss the vibrant intellectual atmosphere and the opportunities for learning and growth that Columbia provided. I will also miss the sense of community among students, faculty, and staff."

As for the advice she'd offer the next generation of Columbians: