The end of the academic year at Barnard is always a time for celebrating the hard work of graduating seniors, who will be cheered on by family and friends as they walk across Radio City Music Hall’s iconic stage for Commencement. In this “Countdown to Commencement” mini-series, seniors share how they have grown during their time on campus, the tight bonds they’ve built with their peers and faculty, and some of their most memorable moments as scholars at New York City’s most illustrious women’s college.
Closing out the series is Tara Terranova ’25, an English major, political science minor, and aspiring journalist whose time at Barnard was shaped by storytelling, creative projects, and immersion in the transformative energy of New York City. Terranova served as a student journalist for Barnard Magazine and the College’s creative content division within the Communications Department. She’s been one of three inaugural Reinhart Richards Journalism Internship recipients and an intern at Futuro Media, the nonprofit company headed by Barnard’s Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence Maria Hinojosa ’84. And she already has multiple bylines in Wine Enthusiast and Keke Magazine.
While balancing adventures across the city, a campus life grounded in connection, and a two-and-a-half-hour commute home to Long Island some weekends, Terranova took the time to find her rhythm at Barnard. Read more about her College experience, which ended on a high note as she presented her senior thesis — advised by Hisham Matar, Professor of Professional Practice in English and Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures — at the Senior Creative Writing Concentrator Reading.
Why Barnard?
Barnard provides a supportive, small community nestled within the lively and dynamic atmospheres of Columbia University and New York City. It’s the best of all worlds. I will never forget the feeling of getting off at the 116th subway stop after spending a day downtown and instantly being wrapped in quiet and cleaner air. Also, as someone born in New York, it’s obvious New York City is the best city on Earth. Nowhere else could I have had access to an amazing wealth of resources, connections, and community. There is never a shortage of things to do, sights to see, and food to eat. I’ll never forget the friendly faces at Samad’s Gourmet on 112th Street and Broadway every time I stopped in for a cup of coffee on the way to class.
I’ve also [found] the greatest group of friends at Barnard. I met one of my closest friends — my roommate since sophomore year — through Access Barnard’s Pre-Orientation Program. Even though I am an English major, many of my friends have majors in environmental science, education, classics, and urban studies. The inspiration I feel from them is something I know will stay with me even after we leave the College gates.
The magic of Barnard is that it is filled with chances for intellectual exploration in a down-to-earth community.
Senior Thoughts
These four years will go by faster than you can imagine. There is no better time than college to explore parts of yourself and try new things. My peers, friends, faculty, and support networks taught me to be open to things that not only challenged but also surprised me. Being surrounded by passionate changemakers, thinkers, and artists reminded me to keep the door open for learning.
Academic Highlights
I had the distinct opportunity to take classes with leading luminaries and award-winning thinkers while still having access to them as people genuinely invested in my development. Some highlights include taking courses with professors Elif Batuman, Maria Hinojosa ’84, and Hisham Matar; attending the 2022 PEN Literary Awards with my fiction writing workshop professor Jennifer Boylan; and having the opportunity to ask Isabella Hammad a question about her latest novel, Enter Ghost, at a Fall 2024 Book Club event. The magic of Barnard is that it is filled with chances for intellectual exploration in a down-to-earth community.
Hangout Spots
This spring, my friends and I dedicated Sunday afternoons to surprising a different person each week with a day out in the city curated specifically for them. So far, we have gone to the Seaport Museum, Brooklyn Glass Museum, Domino Park, and the New York Theatre Workshop — where we saw Becoming Eve. The beauty of New York City is that it has places to go for virtually everyone.
Some staple spots on and around campus include Futter Field, the benches outside of Milbank Hall, the People’s Garden on 111th Street, the Low Steps, Riverside Park, Sakura Park, and the steps outside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
First-Year Advice
Arriving at college can be stressful and overwhelming, especially in New York City, but remember you have the Barnard community as an amazing support system. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the wealth of resources available — such as the Furman Counseling Center, the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being, the Primary Care Health Service, Beyond Barnard, and Access Barnard.
Don’t be afraid to build connections with your professors and ask them questions. They are here to help you grow and develop your interests. Take classes outside of your comfort zone and explore different niches. You have access to a wide range of classes and educational opportunities with leading experts — take advantage of that.
Finally, don’t worry. Even when it seems difficult or overwhelming to adjust, you will eventually settle in. Make sure to take some time for yourself — be it through self-care, meditation, or a walk around Morningside Heights to ground yourself. And remember, everything will be okay.
