Meet Our Tour Guides
Barnard Student Admissions Representatives (BSARs) are current Barnard students who lead campus tours and assist in the Office of Admissions. Find out more about them below!
Athena Abadilla ’20 (Head BSAR) “I love Barnard’s movement toward emphasizing the importance of developing one’s own identity within a diverse community.”
Hometown: Kekaha, Hawaii
High School: Waimea High School
Major: Religion Minor: Education Studies
Activities at Barnard: Athena Scholars Program, McAC Mosaic Committee, Liga Filipina (Vice President), Malama Hawaii (Treasurer), Matriculate Advising Fellow, Barnard Pre-College Program Resident Assistant & Staff Photographer, First-Year-Focus Resident Assistant
Fun Fact: I first discovered Barnard through Google searching my name, “Athena,” paired with “college leadership programs” and finding the Athena Center for Leadership Studies.
Kristen Akey ’20 “My favorite thing about Barnard is getting to live and learn with the most motivated and supportive women from all around the country and world.”
Hometown: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
High School: Interlochen Arts Academy
Major(s): Political Science, Religion
Activities at Barnard: Co-Chair of SGA’s Food Advisory Board, Athena Leadership Program, Barnard Bartending, Barnard Babysitting, Columbia Catholic Ministries, Divest Barnard for a Just Transition
Internships Held: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; criminal defense law firm
Fun Fact: My family and I used to breed and show Netherland Dwarf and Holland Lop rabbits.
Tirzah Anderson ’21 “I chose to attend Barnard because of its emphasis on empowering students within their own identities, ensuring that people can utilize and appreciate differences at Barnard and beyond.”
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
High School: Bartram Trail High School
Prospective Major(s): Political Science and Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters, Student Government Association: Inclusion and Equity, Policy, and Academic Affairs Committees, Bacchanal, Audre. , Black Students’ Organization, Young Storytellers
Fun fact: I grew up on a military base in southern Spain.
Gabriela Arredondo ’22 “I chose to attend Barnard because it was a place where I could see myself growing not only intellectually but personally.”
Hometown: Miami, Florida
High School: Jose Marti Mast 6-12 Academy
Prospective Major(s): Computer Science, Economics
Activities at Barnard: Latinx Professional and Educational Network, Jumpstarting Aspiring Developers and Entrepreneurs, Mujeres, ADI
Fun Fact: My best friend and I have known each other since we were 5, but we didn’t become best friends until we were 13.
Sam Azanza ’22 “The vibrant and intersectional community that makes me feel so comfortable and at ease every single day.”
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
High School: Saint Pedro Poveda College
Prospective Major(s): Architecture
Activities at Barnard: Ultimate Frisbee, Bwog
Fun Fact: I can beatbox pretty well!
Sarah Beck ’22 “No other school offers what Barnard does: a small liberal arts college dedicated to the advancement of women while connected to a major research university in New York City. Barnard exceeds all standards.”
Hometown: Highland Park, Illinois
High School: Highland Park High School
Prospective Major(s): Anthropology
Activities at Barnard: Orchesis, Hillel
Fun Fact: I took a gap year to backpack Southeast Asia and Europe and work for a women’s foundation in Tanzania.
Elizabeth Burton ’22 “I have loved the support from staff and students that have helped me succeed in spaces that were not originally meant for me.”
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
High School: Augusta Preparatory Day School
Prospective Major(s): Undeclared
Activities at Barnard: Student Government Association Committee on Inclusion and Equity, Young Storytellers, Columbia FLIP Executive Board, Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters
Fun Fact: I really love meerkats!
Samantha Chong ’21 “My favorite thing about Barnard is that it’s located in New York City. We can experience college life on a campus, but our location gives us opportunities to explore everything the city has to offer. Even our professors want us to take advantage of our location by assigning trips to museums as an extra learning resource. It’s never boring to live in the city, and there are so many places to see and so many different areas of the city to explore.”
Hometown: Ardsley, New York
High School: Ardsley High School
Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience and Behavior
Activities at Barnard: One-to-One Tutoring, McAC Action Committee
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I played violin for 14 years.
Cassandra Clifford ’21 “Barnard is a place where you don’t have to choose: you have the flexibility of being at a small women's liberal arts college and a large co-educational research university, being in a big city and a small neighborhood, and more.”
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
High School: Staten Island Academy
Prospective Major(s): History, Psychology
Activities at Barnard: Gosh Yarn It, Mujeres, Barnard Bookworms
Fun Fact: I have two cats named Millie and Maggie (which is short for Magnolia, not Margaret).
Maya Corral ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is learning from the wonderful women that surround me, whether that be my peers, professors, or alums.”
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
High School: South Eugene High School
Prospective Major(s): American Studies, French
Activities at Barnard: Peer Health Exchange, Barnard Babysitting, Take Back the Night, Housing Equity Project
Fun Fact: I’m fluent in French because I went to an immersion elementary school!
Emma Cunningham ’20 “My favorite thing about Barnard is how kind, interesting, and passionate about learning everyone I encounter is.”
Hometown: Scarsdale, New York
High School: Edgemont High School
Major(s): English
Activities at Barnard: McIntosh Activities Council, SGA Campus Life, Barnard Bulletin, Alpha Chi Omega
Fun Fact: I have been competitively Irish step dancing since I was five!
Estee Dechtman ’22 “Even when I am in an environment that I may be familiar with, my professors invite me to ask questions like “Why this reading, why this play, why this poem, why now?” The independence and boldness required of a Barnard student to constantly question the world around her is both an area that pushes me to grow and also the reason I fell in love with this school from the moment I stepped foot on campus.”
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
High School: Denver School of the Arts
Prospective Major(s): Human Rights, Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Barnard College Theatre Department, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Columbia University Democrats, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, The 125th Annual Varsity Show, Young Storytellers, and Greek Life (Sigma Delta Tau)
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love Barbra Streisand, and I am a die-hard fan of her work and activism!
Chana T. Fisch ’22 “The empowering atmosphere definitely drew me in, and the unparalleled resources, strong faculty-to-student ratio, and ubiquitous sense of community sealed the deal.”
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey
High School: Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School
Prospective Major(s): Psychology, Religion, Minor in Philosophy
Activities at Barnard: Hillel Interfaith club, Orthodox Community Leadership at Hillel, Limda Jewish Studies Journal, BSAR!
Fun Fact: I was an extra on Sesame Street at the age of 4!
Michaela Flum, ‘21 “I love the intensity with which people pursue their goals. I am consistently inspired by my peers' diverse passions and commitments - both professional and otherwise.”
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: The Northwest School
Prospective Major(s): History, Political Science
Activities at Barnard: CU Outdoors Club, BOAT, CU Rock Climbing, Jewish Voices for Peace, CU Democrats.
Fun Fact: I completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain during my gap year!
Erin Ergun ’21 “Barnard had exactly what I was looking for: a strong community of passionate and intelligent women within both a larger university and a city full of resources.”
Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia
High School: Tuscarora High School
Prospective Major(s): Anthropology
Activities at Barnard: Young Storytellers, NOMADS, CUPAL, BluePrint, and Orchesis
Fun Fact: A post of mine in Columbia Buy Sell Memes made it into a Buzzfeed article.
Pilar Ferreira, ’20 “I chose Barnard because I wanted to attend a place that would always encourage me to go one step beyond what is expected of me.”
Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil
High School: Leonardo da Vinci - Alfa
Major(s): Political Science and Economics
Activities at Barnard: Research for Political Science, Model United Nations
Favorite thing about Barnard: My favorite thing about Barnard is the love for academics that everyone here shares. I’m constantly impressed and inspired with what my peers are doing.
Tova Finkelstein ’20 “I chose Barnard because when I toured Barnard I fell in love with the academic program along with the overall goal of Barnard to empower women.”
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
High School: Allderdice High School
Major(s): Cell & Molecular Biology
Activities at Barnard: Hillel Kraft Shabbat Committee, Hillel First-Year Life Fellowship, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
Favorite thing about Barnard: The professors at Barnard are by far my favorite aspect of Barnard due to the fact that they are invested in Barnard students’ undergraduate experience.
Alexandra Haddad ’21 “I love being able to choose elements from both a small liberal arts college and a large research university. I’ve taken tiny seminars and 150-person lectures and gotten so much out of both!”
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
High School: Richard Montgomery High School
Prospective Major(s): Theatre
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Players, Barnard Theatre Department, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe, NOMADS, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I lived in London for four years!
Elizabeth Hodgson ’22 “I wanted a small college with a high faculty-to-student ratio, but I also wanted a vast diversity of experiences and perspectives in the student body. I also really liked Barnard’s Urban Teaching Program.”
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: Northern Secondary School
Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience and Behavior, Minor in Urban Teaching
Activities at Barnard: Dhoom: Columbia’s Bollywood fusion dance team, Columbia Community Impact’s college readiness program: Let’s Get Ready!, High school tutoring at Columbia’s Double Discovery Centre, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother!
Danielle Hopkins ’21 “I knew I wanted to go to school in New York City, and when I toured Barnard I knew I had found my new home.”
Hometown: Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
High School: Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
Prospective Major(s): History
Prospective Minor(s): Spanish
Activities at Barnard: Black Theatre Ensemble (treasurer), Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters, Speaking Fellows
Favorite thing about Barnard: The connections I have been able to make with my peers and professors
Alison Kahn ’21 “My favorite thing about Barnard is being surrounded by amazingly dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate people.”
Hometown: Chevy Chase, Maryland
High School: Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
Prospective Major(s): Political Science, Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: GlobeMed at Columbia University, Model United Nations/CIRCA, Manhattan School of Music cross-registration program, Columbia Music Performance Program, Orchesis, various student theatre
Fun Fact: I have a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do!
Julia Kelly ’20 “I chose Barnard because of its close-knit community complimented by the infinite opportunities of New York City.”
Hometown: Piedmont, California
High School: Piedmont High School
Major(s): English Track: Pre-Med
Activities at Barnard: Coordinator at Community Lunch Soup Kitchen, Barnard Network of Pre-Medical Students
Internships Held: Research Assistant at Columbia University Medical Center
Fun fact: I was born in Singapore.
Kayla LeGrand ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is that there is so much opportunity on and off campus; it is definitely hard to choose how I want to spend my free time!”
Hometown: Wilton, Maine
High School: Mount Blue High School
Prospective Major(s): Sociology
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters (BOSS), CU Art Society, Barnard Bulletin, BLUE Chats
Fun Fact: My identical twin sister and I both attend Seven Sister Colleges; she goes to Mount Holyoke College!
Jodi Lessner ’20 “I chose to attend Barnard because of its fantastic location, academics, and dedication to making you grow as a student and person.”
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
High School: Wilmington Friends School
Major(s): Political Science and Human Rights
Minor(s): History
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Daily Spectator, One-for-One Tutoring, Columbia Youth for Debate
Fun Fact: I have seen nearly 15 Broadway shows since I have been at Barnard; I’m an expert at finding cheap tickets!
Brooke Levy ’20 “My favorite thing about Barnard is how I am constantly learning from and inspired by both my professors and my peers. It’s really special to feel like my understanding of the world is being enriched not only in the classroom but also in the dorms, the dining halls, and the Diana Center!”
Hometown: Yardley, Pennsylvania
High School: George School
Major(s): Economics and Psychology
Activities at Barnard: Athena Scholars Program, Lab Manager & Research Assistant in Dept. of Psychology, Athena Pre-Law Society, TA for Intro Biology Lab, Alpha Omicron Pi, Barnard Bartending Agency
Internships Held: Environmental Crimes Intern at NJ Office of the Attorney General, Community Health Intern at Susan G. Komen Foundation, Volunteer Teaching Fellow at Firls Health Ed
Fun Fact: I have a collection of small succulents and cacti that I love very dearly! They sit in my windowsill in little decorated pots (it’s very “Pinterest-esque”), and all have their own names.
Allie Lipshutz ’22 “Every student brings a new perspective to the table, and my professors have pushed me to think in ways in I did not know I was capable of thinking; in this incredible community, I feel comfortable smiling at everyone I walk by, whether I know them or not!”
Hometown: Philadelphia
High School: Germantown Friends School
Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience and Behavior (Cellular Concentration)
Activities at Barnard: Student Health Outreach, Columbia/Barnard Hillel
Fun Fact: I take circus classes, specializing in aerials (rope, fabric, trapeze) and acrobatics (tumbling, handstands), but I also do some contortion. Bonus: I have managed to find two circus schools where I can practice within a 45-minute commute from Barnard!
Solace Mensah-Narh ’21 “I chose Barnard because I wanted a school that would support me as a woman and as a curious mind. The community at Barnard is uplifting, inspiring, and unparalleled.”
Hometown: North Brunswick, New Jersey
High School: Milton Academy
Prospective Major(s): Economics and Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Venom Step Team, SGA Commitee on Inclusion and Equity, Ijoya African Dance Team, and Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters
Fun Fact: I have been to five continents (and plan to go to all seven by graduation)!
Anya Murphy ’22 “I chose to attend Barnard because I wanted to be challenged to think critically while focusing on my immediate impact on my community.”
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: Bishop Strachan School
Prospective Major(s): Undeclared
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Bhangra, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Student Government Association, American Medical Student Association
Fun Fact: I have five names!
Sara Morales ’21 “I chose to attend Barnard because I wanted to be a part of a community that would specifically recognize and help foster the particularities that come with being a woman in different worlds, professional and personal.”
Hometown: Hialeah, Florida
High School: Mater Academy Charter High School
Prospective Major(s): American Studies, Education Studies
Activities at Barnard: Meet Me at the Museum, SGA, BOSS, Mujeres
Fun Fact: I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.
Ramisa Murshed ’21 “I chose Barnard because I wanted to study STEM in a nonintimidating environment: an environment where women just like me can work together without any barriers.”
Hometown: Lilburn, Georgia
High School: Parkview High School
Major(s): Neuroscience
Minor(s): Computer Science
Acitvities at Barnard: Bwog, Rare Candy, Athena Digital Design Agency, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I have a small collection of museum brochures in Korean.
Isabel Ocampo ’22 “I primarily chose Barnard because of its dedication to supporting the success of women and gender minorities. It provides so many resources to its students in and outside of the classroom, and the access to New York City provides a multitude of opportunities for volunteering, internships, and fun!”
Hometown: Mukwonago, Wisconsin
High School: Mukwonago High School
Prospective Major(s): Political Science, Minors in Spanish and Latin American Cultures
Activities at Barnard: Mujeres, CoLab Performing Arts Collective, Student Government Association
Fun Fact: I consider myself a true vegetarian because I have never eaten a hamburger!
Cleo Payne ’21 “From my amazing friends and roommate, to my brilliant classmates, to even the people I have conversations with in the hallway, my favorite thing about Barnard is undoubtedly the people--the students I'm surrounded by constantly inspire me to be the best possible version of myself.”
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
High School: Desert Mountain High School
Prospective Major(s): Archaeology
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Space Initiative, Matriculate
What do you like to do for fun? I love exploring the city with my friends, but my favorite place to go for fun is probably Hex & Co., the board game cafe on Broadway.
Gianna Raimo ’21 “I am consistently inspired by the ambitious and intelligent women around me. The students and faculty at Barnard push me to be the best version of myself!”
Hometown: Chappaqua, New York
High School: Horace Greeley High School
Major(s): Economics and English
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Orchesis: A Dance Group, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Columbia Women's Business Society
Fun Fact: I love beatboxing and eating almond butter, but never at the same time.
Annie Renas ’21 “I love being surrounded by strong and accomplished women who inspire me to be the best version of myself.”
Hometown: San Diego, California
High School: Point Loma High School
Major(s): Undeclared
Activities at Barnard: Gamma Phi Beta, Columbia International Relations Council and Association, McAC Wellness Committee
Internships Held: Assistant Director of Administrative Affairs at the International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA), Operations Intern with Kageno Worldwide
What do you like to do for fun? New York City has so many fun opportunities to pursue as a student! I love exploring other boroughs in pursuit of the best coffee shops and cafes, going on long walks through Central Park, and spending lazy Sundays wandering through a museum.
Izzie Rivera ’20 “I chose Barnard because of the sense of community and support present in everything from classes to even the dining hall.”
Hometown: Bronx, New York
High School: Horace Mann School
Major: Political Science
Minor: Race and Ethnicity Studies
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Flute Choir, Columbia University Journal of Politics and Society, Mujeres
Fun fact: I’ve seen Late Night with Seth Meyers live twice.
Maia Robinson ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the prioritization of self-care, especially in an academically rigorous setting.”
Hometown: Evanston, Illinois
High School: Evanston Township High School
Prospective Major(s): Undeclared
Activities at Barnard: Columbia/Barnard Math Mentors, Barnard Babysitting, BSAR, Columbia Badminton Club
Fun Fact: I have played badminton for four-plus years and competed at the state level!
Anthea Rosenbaum ’20 “I chose Barnard because of its unique position as a women’s college in the city of New York. I know that I succeed through collaboration, not competition.”
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
High School: Wildwood High School
Major(s): Urban Studies Concentration: Political Science
Internships Held: Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
Activities at Barnard: Athena Pre Law Society, Alpha Chi Omega, The Varsity Show, Columbia University Performing Arts League
Internships Held: Human Rights Watch
What do you like to do for fun? I love to hike and camp out in nature. I like to think my exploring of new neighborhoods around the city as mini urban treks because they still involve a sense of adventure and exploration.
Mo Russell Leed ’22 “My favorite aspect of Barnard is the sense of community I feel here! I know that my neighbors are looking out for me. Barnard is a collaborative, empowering, and inspiring space.”
Hometown: Nottingham, New Hampshire
High School: Putney School
Prospective Major(s): Sociology, Minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Activities at Barnard: Club Q, Student Government Policy committee, Barnard Outdoor Adventure Team
Fun Fact: Before coming to Barnard, I had never lived anywhere with a population bigger than 5,000 people!
Sophia Seidenberg ’19 "I love living and learning in a small community that supports and empowers women while still being fully engaged in Columbia University and New York City."
Hometown: Montclair, New Jersey
High School: Montclair High School
Major(s): Economics
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Players, King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe, HeForShe, Athena Digital Design Agency
Fun Fact: I am a citizen of three countries!
Rachel Rutstein ’21 “One reason I chose Barnard was for its empowering, supportive, close-knit community. Barnard has created a unique home for its students that is collaborative, rather than competitive. Because of the nurturing camaraderie, I am constantly inspired by my fellow students, each of whom pursue whatever they do with passion and a drive for excellence.”
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
High School: Pine Crest School
Prospective Major(s): Art History
Activities at Barnard: Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Sigma Delta Tau, Athena Pre-Law Society
Fun fact: I love dogs, and one of my favorite things to do is go to Riverside Park to watch the dogs walk by. When I get older, I hope to have a dog named Millie, after the Barnard mascot.
Aliya Schneider ’20 “The invigorating feeling I got the first time I stepped on Barnard’s campus in high school has not gone away.”
Hometown: Rutland, Vermont
High School: Rutland High School/The Masters School
Prospective Major(s): Urban Studies, Political ScienceMinor(s): Athena Scholar
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Women’s Ultimate Frisbee, Columbia Spectator, Barnard Bulletin, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Peer Health Exchange
Internships Held: Open Society Foundations and Bowery Poetry Club
Favorite thing about Barnard:The students here balance so much and don’t sacrifice their empathy and support of others in the process.
Simmone Shah ’20 “I chose to attend Barnard because I loved the community Barnard represents. I knew I wanted to be like the Barnard women I saw: ambitious, outspoken leaders who were making an impact in the world in every field imaginable.”
Hometown: Fremont, California
High School: John F. Kennedy High School
Major(s): English, American Studies
Activities at Barnard: The Varsity Show, Echoes Literary Magazine, Barnard Babysitting, Organization of Pakistani Students
Fun fact: I had my literal two seconds of fame on Google’s homepage for International Women’s Day in 2015!
Aydan Shahd ’20 “I chose Barnard because it’s a meeting place of everything I wanted in a school: a small liberal arts college, an international city, a shared community ethos, a good theatre program, and a place where questions about gender and identity are always being asked and explored.”
Hometown: Singapore
High School: United World College of South East Asia (East)
Major(s): Theatre
Activities at Barnard: King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe (KCST), New Original Material Authored and Directed by Students (NOMADS)
Favorite thing about Barnard: The space, support, and compassion you’re given here, from both peers and professors, to become the thinker and whole person you can/want to be.
Lily Sickles ’22 “I chose to attend Barnard because I knew it was a school with a unique community of students committed to empowering each other.”
Hometown: South Orange, New Jersey
High School: Columbia High School
Prospective Major(s): English with a concentration in creative writing
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Daily Spectator, Columbia Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I wore high-top Converse in kindergarten, so basically I’m an influencer.
Hazel Streeter ’21 “I love that everyone at Barnard has such vastly different interests and backgrounds, and yet we all are very passionate about what we do here, in and outside of the classroom.”
Hometown: New York, New York
High School: Elisabeth Irwin High School
Prospective Major(s): Film Studies, Sociology
Activities at Barnard: Third Wheel Improv, Chowdah Sketch Comedy, The 1 Train Is Delayed Digital Sketch Show
Fun Fact: I grew up in Morningside Heights — I’ve lived four blocks away from Barnard since I was 10!
Elena Taeyaerts ’21 “Barnard is the best of all worlds: It combines the personalized liberal arts education with the resources of an Ivy League university in a renowned global city, full of opportunities.”
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Lycee Francais De Chicago
Major(s): Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Club Women’s Ultimate Frisbee, Barnard Babysitting, Columbia Democrats, Peer Academic Menor, TA
Favorite thing about Barnard: I love the sense of community. The women at Barnard make me feel empowered, welcomed, and supported, while constantly challenged.
Keki Takahara ’20 “I chose Barnard because I wanted to become more confident and understand myself better through studying and living in an environment of inspiring women.”
Hometown: Beijing, China
High School: Middlesex School
Major(s): Art History with a Visual Arts Concentration and Economics
Activities at Barnard: Treasurer of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), Postscrypt Art Gallery, Meet Me at the Museum
Favorite thing about Barnard: Barnard fosters a supportive community that encourages and empowers young women in and outside of the classrooms.
Mabel Tie ’21 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the abundance of community engagement and service opportunities available to all students.”
Hometown: Athens, Georgia
High School: Athens Academy
Prospective Major(s): Psychology, Education Studies
Activities at Barnard: Governing Board at Barnard, Columbia Community Outreach, Columbia Housing Equity Project, Peace by Peace
Fun Fact: I have dual American and Canadian citizenship!
Megan Trach ’20 “My favorite thing about Barnard is how I feel when I’m on campus — this overwhelming feeling of inclusion and acceptance that I haven’t felt anywhere else.”
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California
High School: Westlake High School
Major(s): MusicMinor(s): French
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Orchestra, Columbia Chamber Ensemble, Barnard Flute Choir, Lesson Program with MSM
Fun fact: I have synesthesia — I see numbers and letters with colors, and numbers have their own personalities, too!
Jasmin Torres Piñon ’21 “Barnard gave the best of many worlds. I got access to an amazing city and a research university while having a home in a tight-knit community of empowering women.”
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
High School: Westview High School
Prospective Major(s): Sociology, Race and Ethnic Studies
Activities at Barnard: Columbia FLIP, Academic Advisory Board, Class of 2021 Council, OP Advisory Board, WBAR, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I spent a summer at Barnard and got to see Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks walking on campus.
Bri Vigorito ’22 “I chose Barnard because I wanted a college where I can grow to be a leader and constantly be supported by my community and teachers.”
Hometown: Lincoln Park, New Jersey
High School: Morris County School of Technology
Prospective Major(s): Dance, Psychology
Activities at Barnard: ONYX, Raw Elementz, CoLab, CU Players
Fun Fact: I can wiggle my ears.
Sophie Visscher-Lubinizki ’21 “My favorite thing about Barnard is that it is a small, friendly, and well-connected community where I feel at home while still being a part of the busy and vibrant New York City atmosphere.”
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
High School: American Hebrew Academy
Prospective Major(s): Dance, Sociology, Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Orchesis, Movement Exchange, Varsity Show, CoLab, Hillel First-Year Leadership Fellowship
What do you like to do for fun? In my spare time, I really love to dance and get outdoors! When I am not in a dance studio, I love walking throughout the city and exploring new neighborhoods, cafes, and parks.
Alex Volgyesi ’22 “The community feeling at Barnard is extraordinary — it’s nearly impossible to walk through campus without running into some familiar faces.”
Hometown: Woodland Park, New Jersey
High School: Passaic Valley High School
Prospective Major(s): History, Women’s Studies
Activities at Barnard: Student-Worker Solidarity, writing and performing poetry
Fun Fact: I was a Hungarian scout and squad leader in New Jersey as part of the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris.
Sasha Weber ’22 “I chose Barnard because I could tell from the first time I visited that it is a school full of superheroes.”
Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey
High School: Livingston High School
Prospective Major(s): Urban Studies (Concentration in Environment and Sustainability), Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Sustainability Initiatives Consulting Board (SICB), Math Mentors, Roosevelt Institute’s Human Rights and Energy & Environment Centers, Matriculate Advising Fellow
Fun Fact: I have snorkeled between two tectonic places in Iceland!
Shulie Weinberg ’20 “I saw Barnard as providing me with the opportunities that I couldn't find anywhere else — a small liberal arts college within a large university in New York City has an endless supply of possibilities.”
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Francis W. Parker School
Major(s): American Studies
Activities at Barnard: The Blue and White magazine, One-to-One Tutoring, Barnard Babysitting, WinkMe, Greek life
Favorite thing about Barnard: I love that the students at Barnard genuinely have a passion for learning, care about others, and support each other no matter what.
Lindsey Weiskopf ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is all of the warmth that you can feel from the students, professors, and staff as you walk throughout campus.”
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
High School: Park School of Baltimore
Prospective Major(s): Computer Science, Architecture
Activities at Barnard: Applications Development Initiative (ADI), Math Mentors, SGA Finance Committee
Fun Fact: I’m left-handed!
Krystina Williamson ’20 “Barnard is a place where I can grow into the woman I always wanted to be.”
Hometown: Hayward, California
High School: Leadership Public Schools - Hayward
Major(s): Physics
Minor(s): Education
Activities at Barnard: Matriculate Advising Fellows, Writing Fellows, Peer-to-Peer Tutoring, BOSS
Internships Held: Breakthrough Collaborative Teaching Fellow, American Association of Physics Teachers Intern
What do you like to do for fun? I love watching Star Trek, making clothes, and developing my sarcasm.
Chantel Woo ’20 “Barnard truly feels like a home away from home in a big city that can be daunting at times.”
Hometown: Hong Kong
High School: Discovery College
Major(s): Psychology & Theatre
Activities at Barnard: Student Government Association, CU Generation, King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe, NOMADS (New and Original Material Authored and Directed by Students)
What do you like to do for fun? I love singing and dancing, particularly with my friends in theatre groups and with my dance team, CU Generation!
Makaria Yami ’21 “I chose Barnard because it allowed me to be a part of a community that simultaneously challenges and empowers me.”
Hometown: La Verne, California
High School: Bonita High School
Major(s): Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Student Worker Solidarity, No Red Tape, Christian Union, BOSS, Ethiopian Eritrean Students Association
What do you like to do for fun? I love listening to podcasts, going for walks in Riverside Park, and going out to eat with my friends.
Hannah Yueh ’20 “I instantly felt comfortable and at home at Barnard, yet I am continually encouraged to grow and become the best version of myself.”
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
High School: Durham School of the Arts
Major(s): Neuroscience
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Ski & Snowboard Team, Lifeguard at Dodge Fitness Center, Barnard Babysitting, Barnard Network of Pre-Medical Students, Student Government Association, Columbia Neuroscience Society
What do you like to do for fun? I love to explore the city — from museums to coffee shops to restaurants, there is always someplace new to discover!
Vivian Zhou ’21 “I wanted to be around powerful women who are unapologetic, and I wanted to learn from and work with them.”
Hometown: Shanghai, China
High School: Shanghai American School - Puxi Campus
Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience
Activities at Barnard: Rugby, Barnard Bartending, Bwog
Fun Fact: I only like avocados when they’re mashed.
Jenna Zucker ’21 “I fell in love with the combination of Barnard’s distinct energy and Foundations curriculum that would support my love of many subjects.”
Hometown: Montclair, New Jersey
High School: Interlochen Arts Academy
Prospective Major(s): Creative Writing, Computer Science
Activities at Barnard: Barnard/Columbia Hillel, Women in Computer Science, Program Organizer at Interlochen Arts Camp & Academy Alumni at Barnard/Columbia
Favorite thing about Barnard: I love the sense of community among Barnard students and our shared commitment to the empowerment of women — I never have to hesitate to find woman leaders and mentors in my life.