“When I think about what I most appreciate from my time at the College I’m most grateful for the Core: It has taught me to evaluate both historical and contemporary works and issues through a multitude of perspectives. There is really no greater gift than critical thinking, and I employ it every day, whether in reading a news article or making a seemingly insignificant decision.

“This is LITERALLY one of the most unique classes in the history of the school, if not THE most! I’m grateful for every single person I met and I’m looking forward to keeping in touch.”

“Even though our class lost all the celebratory events — which are supposed to be important milestones — that isn’t what made my time at Columbia so incredible. It was the people and teammates who made me smile and laugh every day, who shared workouts and dinners with me, who stayed up studying late at night with me and who cheered me on during my races, that has made these 3.75 years so special.”

“The unforeseeable and swift end to my senior year made me realize how precious the time I had at campus really was. As you go through the day-to-day life of being a student you accumulate these little joys of campus life — like seeing your friends on College Walk, getting your favorite sandwich at Brownies, finding the perfect seat in Butler. I understood these joys to be built-in perks of being a College student but took for granted the ephemeral nature of their presence in my life; my abrupt departure from campus meant leaving them all behind.

“Since I arrived at Columbia, I’ve grown more compassionate as I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the issues our society is plagued with. I’ve learned to put less worth into what is thought of me than how I feel about myself. … My education taught me the value of learning for learning — for curiosity’s and your own sake. Getting ahead will happen when you’re passionate about what you’re doing or why you’re doing it and your passion leads you to work hard. Everything happens in its own time, and there’s nothing wrong with deviating from the path you thought you’d have.