Weather Update
Due to the storm, Barnard College closed at 4pm Friday, for non-essential personnel. “Essential personnel" include staff in Facilities, Public Safety and Residence Halls.
Friday evening and weekend classes are cancelled but events are going forward as planned unless otherwise noted. The Athena Film Festival programs are also scheduled to go forward as planned but please check http://athenafilmfestival.com/ for the latest information.
The Barnard Library and Archives closed at 4pm Friday and will remain closed on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Library will resume regular hours on Sunday opening at 10am.
Please be advised that due to the conditions, certain entrances to campus may be closed. The main gate at 117th Street & Broadway will remain open. For further updates on college operations, please check this website, call the College Emergency Information Line 212-854-1002 or check AM radio station 1010WINS.
3:12 PM 02/08/2013
| Jenny went to elementary, middle, and high school within the same 2-block radius in Seattle, Washington, decided enough was enough, and made for the Big City. Branded in her childhood as an "English kind of person" by teachers put off by her inability to do simple arithmetic, Jenny is a student of psychology with a strong interest in musical theater and writing. She recommends putting detergent in the washing machines (ran 3 loads before she figured out that the machine didn't just put it in your clothes for free) and seeing theater on campus. A sophomore, Jenny likes Harry Potter and Feelings. Jenny apologizes for the third person used in this bio, once she realized how it sounded it seemed too late to stop. |  |
| Evelyn is a senior at Barnard and majoring in economics. On campus she is involved with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) and is also part of two professional programs outside of campus called New York Needs You (NYNY) and Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). She loves working with FYF because the girls are super excited to be at Barnard but sometimes need help navigating the campus and the city. She enjoys helping her residents when they need it the most and resolving issues. This year she is looking forward to planning diverse events both on campus and in the city. 2012-2013 is going to be a great year! |  |
| Alena is part of Barnard's class of 2015. Although she has not declared yet, she plans on majoring in Political Science and Human Rights. She cannot wait to meet all of the bold, beautiful Barnard women in the class of 2016! Her advice: get excited for life in the Quad; it is such a fun, nurturing, and connected community and was without a doubt, the highlight of her own first year. Above all, don't forget to bring shower shoes! |  |
| Maame, a sophomore, is torn between studying Sustainable Development or Economics and Political Science. She comes from the sunny city of Accra, Ghana and throws on a sunny dress anytime the sun shows its head in the city! "AKWAABA!" (which translates into "Welcome!" in Maame's local dialect), is what she heartily says to you First Years! This year, she's beyond excited to share a significant Ghanaian trait of hospitality and friendliness with the incoming class of first-years! With the entire Res Life Team, she can't wait to meet her residents and bond over the numerous experiences that unfold from the intimate campus to the larger campus in New York City. Her advice: HAVE FUN! TONS AND TONS of it! |  |
| Meghin, class of 2015, is from South Orange County, California, and a pre-med student, but still undecided about her major. Some of her interests include human development and the study of human interactions. One reason she loved living in the quad last year was because she could just wave and say, "Hi!" to everyone from her window on the second floor. She also appreciated being so close to almost all of her classmates, and friends, so it was easy to hang out, study, and surprise people for their birthdays! She loves baking, and even more than that giving baked goods away; that being said, she cannot wait to get to know her residents this year over a cupcake or cookies! |  |
| Martha is from Oakland, California. She is double majoring in Spanish & Latin American Cultures and Psychology. Martha is currently a junior and very excited to have new students join the Barnard community! Words of wisdom that she can bestow upon her residents: you will have at least one roommate, so bring a sleeping mask and ear-plugs. It will help you avoid many conflicts! |  |
| Sarah is a sophomore from Boston, MA. Although currently undeclared, Sarah has an interest in Psychology, Women and Gender Studies, and Religion. Sarah believes that being a first-year is great because everything is so new. She is super excited to meet and get to know her residents. She can't wait to share all of her favorite things about New York and Barnard with them and watch them fall in love with their new home! |  |
| Andrea is a sophomore, class of 2015. She plans on having a joint major in Human Rights and Africana Studies. She love writing and hopes to be an international journalist one day. She is really excited to meet all her wonderful residents for the first time and hopes to make her residents' first year as great as hers was. Barnard instantly became home for her and hopefully it will be as warm and inviting to everyone else. |  |
| Ashleen is starting her junior year at Barnard, and as a Film major, English minor, and Athena Scholar, she's looking forward to all of her interesting and creative classes. But mostly, she's looking forward to meeting all of her residents! Looking back to her freshman year, she remembers the apprehension and confusion she had - would she make friends easily? Would she do well in her classes? She's sure those are things that are on her residents' minds - but don't worry! The great thing about living in the Quad is that everyone is pretty much asking the same thing - and, from personal experience, also eager to help their hall-mates as they find the answers. So throughout the year, never forget: you, out of all who applied, were accepted into Barnard. Keep your head high and your heart strong, and remember that someone out there knows that you belong here. And, obviously, know that you can talk to your RA about anything! That's actually something she wishes she had learned a lot sooner. |  |
| Olivia, a redhead from New Jersey, is a sophomore at the greatest place on Earth. Though still undecided about her major, she's leaning toward English Literature and Psychology. Other than directing her hall to the best shower, she hopes to guide them through their transition into college, give them a hall-community they can depend on, and help them make their first year great! |  |
| Jessica, Class of 2014, is a Theatre Major and returning FYF RA from Perth Amboy, NJ. Her biggest dream is to become a mermaid and she will eat anything with pistachios or goat cheese. Words of wisdom to first years at Barnard: don't rush into friendships because you're afraid to be alone. Not to say that you shouldn't try to make friends. Of course, you should! But don't commit yourself to a group of people right away just because you're scared of being a loner. The most challenging and rewarding experiences Jessica had her first year at Barnard happened when she decided to venture out on her own and make her own choices. |  |
| Greta is a junior from Lexington, Kentucky. She loves eating goldfish, playing volleyball, and spending way too much time on Netflix. She is majoring in Urban Studies and Economics, yet has absolutely no idea how that will play into her future career as a spy and/or pastry chef. When the weather is nice you will inevitably find her lounging on Low Steps or walking through Riverside Park. |  |
| Helenka is part of the class of 2014. She is majoring in anthropology and psychology and interested in studying cultures through their cuisines. For the fall 2012 semester she will be studying abroad in Vietnam, but will be back to work as an FYF RA in the spring of 2013. She loves planning programs like jewelry making and cooking demos. During her first year she was involved in a lot of different clubs, which was a great way to meet other students. Her first year advice: Take advantage of the city! Too many students get stuck in the "Barnard Bubble". Make sure to take time once a week to explore a new park, food truck, or museum. |  |
| Julia is a junior at Barnard College from West Hartford, Connecticut. She is a double major in biology and dance and hopes to pursue both science research and dancing. She will spend the Fall 2012 semester studying public health in India, China, and South Africa, after which she will return to her RA position. She is excited to meet all of her residents and see the friendships that have developed on her hall during the first semester. She knows she will be impressed by how accomplished her residents are already! She recalls that the best things about her freshman year at Barnard were starting with a clean slate, trying brand new activities and clubs, and being located so conveniently closed to the dining hall and the Barnard gym! The book "What to Do When College Is Not the Best Time of Your Life" saved her life when she was having a difficult time her freshman year. Pick up a copy at the CU bookstore! |  |
| Kate is an Urban Studies major with an Environmental Science concentration who has no idea what she'll be doing after she graduates in 2014. She has dabbled in a few clubs and organizations on both Barnard and Columbia classes, but especially the Columbia Daily Spectator. She misses Alabama most of the time, and her family all of the time, but she loves Barnard too much to leave. She thinks the most important thing Barnard first-years can remember is that Barnard chose each of them for a reason, and even though the first couple of weeks can be really intimidating, they need to remember that they're going to do well because Barnard picked them! |  |
| Erika is a Junior and Second Year FYF RA at Barnard College! She is a Psychology major, an Environmental Science and Spanish double minor, and an Athena Scholar. She was born and raised in New Hyde Park on Long Island where she thoroughly enjoys spending time with her little brother Matthew, her dog Simba, and trying different varieties of tea! She is looking forward to another wonderful year and cannot wait to meet her residents! |  |
| Adriana, class of 2015, is originally from Sacramento, California but went to high school in Brazil. Her academic pursuits are in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies & Human Rights. She is also interested in Africana Studies. She is so excited to be a part of First-Year Focus and get to know all of her residents! A little piece of advice: coming into a prestigious institution may seem intimidating, and you may find yourself wanting to stay on one track, but explore and try new things. Take a class that will provoke and challenge your ideas. Take advantage of all the opportunities on campus and off campus. Again, welcome to Barnard! |  |
| Cassie is a junior studying abroad in Paris for the fall semester! While on campus, she is a double major in theatre and religion, and loves getting involved in campus theatre and dance productions. She is also a co-president of the Columbia Lutherans and is always interested in interfaith events. Her favorite part of working on the FYF staff is the enthusiasm and energy of her fellow staff members and her residents, and the rewarding experience of helping new students through brand-new college and NYC adventures! She has two tips for first-year students: first, don't worry if things don't turn out exactly the way you think they will; you're NOT doing anything wrong; you're just getting used to being a college student! And second, buy a foam mattress top; it will change your bed for the better :) |  |
| Isamar loves Dance! A junior, Isamar hails from the bluebonnet state of Texas. When she is not taking dance and gymnastics classes around the city, she is constantly exploring the city. This will be her second year of being a First Year Focus RA. She loves meeting people, cultures, and languages. Living in the Quad is the best experience at Barnard because you get to meet the most amazing women that come from around the world or even from your hometown! Word of advice: do not be shy and be open-minded about the people you meet because they may turn into your new best friends. |  |
| Hana is a junior majoring in Ethnomusicology, minoring in Sociology and is a participant in the Athena Scholars Program. When not studying, Hana loves scouting out the best concerts, catching up on good and bad TV shows, walking through Central Park and exploring the city. As a music major in high school and with a love of music and community organization, Hana is interested in pursuing a career in the music business. While born and raised in sunnySanta Monica, California, she still has yet to decide which coast wins the title of "Best Coast." Hana has learned how to adapt to the lifestyle of both college student and New Yorker and is excited to help her first-years through the same transition. |  |
| Naomi, class of 2014, is majoring in Theatre, and minoring in German. She is returning to the RA position for the fall of 2012 before she goes abroad to Berlin in the spring. On and off campus Naomi pursues many aspects of the theatre. Her passions, aside from theatre, include (in no particular order) German, skirts, food, Mad Men, flute, and excursions out of the city (or at least to a park) to find some nature. |  |
| Aviva is a sophomore from Long Island and known for spreading the love bug to all who encounter her. She is 35% student, 25% sister, 25% daughter, 15% athlete, 73% friend, and 100% Barnard enthusiast. Caution: She may entice you with her hakuna-matata, worry-free way of living life. Also, she can recite any episode of Cake Boss. Do not challenge her. She is aggressively unfancy and loves to dance. During her freshman year she had a blast traveling with the Columbia University Mock-Trial team and playing prop for the Women's Rugby Football club. At school, stay true to your morals because it is easy to lose yourself in a crowd of people who are looking to find themselves. Most of all, she urges you to remember to be compassionate with yourself through all the adventures and obstacles of your freshmen year at Barnard. |  |
