School & class: Barnard College ‘19
Major: Urban studies/history concentration
Hometown: Pasadena, California
1. Tell me a little about yourself. Are you involved with anything on or off campus?
I study vocal jazz with the Columbia Music Performance Program and I’ve been practicing ballet for a little while now. I’m also a dog sitter, so I spend a lot of time with dogs. I think I have taken care of over 50 dogs at this point.
2. What do you think Her Campus Media stands for?
Women in college are at such a challenging age, and right now we have to navigate college and our personal lives at a particularly turbulent and confusing time in American history. Her Campus allows women in college to learn from each other and make their voices heard. College is a time when young women learn to advocate for themselves, and Her Campus gives us the space to do it.
3. What’s your patronus?
I think my patronus is a cat. Professor McGonagall’s patronus is a cat, and she is a strong woman with a sarcastic flair.
4. Why did you choose Barnard/Columbia?
I chose to transfer Barnard for several reasons. I wanted to experience life in New York after living in California my whole life. I was ready for a smaller campus after experiencing the big-school thing for two years. I love that Barnard is a women’s college. Also, I chose Barnard because I love that the Barnard/Columbia community takes jazz music and dance seriously. The resources I have here in the Columbia Music Performance Program are a dream come true.
5. What inspires you to write?
I am inspired to write by a lot of things; the books I read, my friends, music, art, and all the things I have experienced as a young adult. Words are so powerful and writing is such a direct creative outlet. I want to improve in my ability to write in a way that resonates with people meaningfully.
6. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about kids and education. I served as a mentor and tutor with third graders as an AmeriCorps member during my gap year, and I want to be a teacher for a little while after college. I also want to get involved with advocacy for children in the foster care system at some point. I think the foster care system is too frequently neglected in national political conversations. In my creative time I’m passionate about music and art.
7. As a junior, what positive changes do you want to see in the college/university?
I would really love to see a bigger community at the student level for mental health advocacy. I think there are some really important conversations happening on campus right now around mental health in college. While I recognize the urgency for adequate mental health support at the administrative level, I also want to see more organizing happening among students. I would love to be a part of student-led peer support groups or mental health advocacy clubs.
8. Who is your role model?
My role model is my mom. She has pursued two meaningful careers that aim to help people. She is highly intelligent and I have never heard her say a condescending thing to anyone in my entire life. My mom is respectful and caring toward everyone she meets. She’s just incredible.
9. If you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?
If I could only make one change, I think I would make it so that every child has a nurturing home and good school to grow up in. There are so many children who need advocates, and they go overlooked in society because they are minors and not as able to make their voices heard. I feel strongly that our society needs to dedicate more time and attention to looking after its children.
10. What are you most looking forward to during winter break?
I’m looking forward to seeing my siblings and my friends from home. I’ll make holiday food with my family and hug all of my pets. I have a few projects planned that I’m excited about. I want to spend some time learning how to use Adobe Illustrator so that I can get into graphic design. I also want to try to make some music before I come back to school.