Introducing the First-Year Team: Fabiha

Hello Class of 2027 and welcome to Barnard!

My name is Fabiha Islam (she/her) and I joined the First Year Team in November 2022. I'm a rising junior and an HEOP student majoring in Computer Science. I'm also a commuter. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!

I've worked at a few other roles on campus before being on the First-Year Team. In Spring 2022, I worked as an AV Technological Assistant in the AV Office in Milstein. I was a student worker helping out during the Barnard Reunion at the beginning of last summer, and I'm also working this year's Reunion as well. It was a great chance to meet and interact with alums.

I'm from The Bronx and I've lived in NYC since I was 8. Before that, I lived in Michigan. Outside of school, I like reading and watching TV shows and movies. I've been listening to k-pop a lot more during this past school year. My favorites are TXT and BTS.

Preparing for your first year may be tough and confusing but we're here to help you out and make this process easier! Make sure to reach out to first-year@barnard.edu with any and all questions you may have! If you have any questions for me, my email is fi2191@barnard.edu!

Introducing the First-Year Team: Nina

Hi First-Years!

Congratulations on graduating (if you’re class of 2023) and happy summer! I’m Nina (she/her) and I am a rising sophomore at Barnard. I am one of the Student Assistants to the First-Year Team, which means you will be hearing/seeing a lot of me for the next few months! 

Let me introduce myself properly: I am originally from Milton, Massachusetts, which is right outside of Boston, but I recently moved to Martha’s Vineyard (still in MA). I am majoring in English with a potential double-minor in Political Science and Africana Studies, but that is subject to change; I am thinking about going on a pre-law track, but honestly I am so indecisive I have no idea! In terms of interests, I am a huge reader/writer, and I am open to absolutely any book suggestions! I’ve also been a singer for ten years. I live in bookstores, I love the beach, hanging out with friends and family, swimming, eating yummy food, watching Netflix, going to coffee shops and museums, and doing anything chill. I am the Community Chair for Barnard Bookworms, and I am hoping to join some other organizations at Barnard/Columbia in the fall. A fun fact about me is I have a twin brother! 

A year ago I was in the exact same position as you all, anxiously awaiting emails about course registration, buying tons of items for my dorm, and saying goodbye to friends and family. My first-year was memorable, and I learned so much not only in the academic world, but also about myself. Being in college is a huge transition, as everyone knows, but it is one that challenges you for the better. At first it was definitely hard to adjust, but time will be your best friend. I am so excited to serve as a helpful guide in navigating your preparation for college, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Barnard is the place for me, and I hope all of you will confidently be able to say the same thing too!

If you have any questions about absolutely anything, please reach out to the First-Year Team. Be sure to reach us via email at first-year@barnard.edu, or follow our Instagram @barnardfirstyear. If you have any questions about my experience at Barnard thus far, my Barnard email is nto2109@barnard.edu and my Instagram is @ninaoloughlin_ :))

Can’t wait to work with you all this summer!! 

Introducing the First-Year Team: Lauren

My name is Lauren Quach (pronouns: she/her) and I am the Administrative Assistant to the First-Year and Senior Class Deans in the Deans' Office for Advising and Support as well as a member of the First-Year Team. I have been working at Barnard College for over a year. I am looking forward to helping you navigate through the summer as you prepare for your first year at Barnard!

I was born and raised in The Bronx. Prior to my arrival at Barnard, I went to college at SUNY University at Buffalo for my undergraduate from 2015-2019 where I studied and graduated magna cum laude receiving my B.A. in psychology with a minor in counseling. During my time at UB, I worked in two labs in their psychology department as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for my junior and senior years. After finishing college, I returned back to NYC and went on to pursue my masters at Fordham University Graduate School of Education from 2019-2021 where I studied and received my M.S.E. in Counseling and Personnel Services (School Counseling). I completed my internship at The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering where I counseled 9th-12th grade students using solution-focused and person-centered approaches to address issues such as academic performance, social-emotional issues, attendance, and college and career readiness. I also provided college counseling where I educated students about graduation requirements, the college application process, scholarships, post-high school options, and served in leadership roles such as SAT and AP Administration Assistant Coordinator and Project Manager for 11th Grade Individual Family College Prep Meetings.

When I am not working, I love to spend my time reading books and comics, playing video games, exercising, watching TV shows and movies (especially animation), listening to music, and attending fan conventions such as New York Comic Con.

Please feel free to reach out to us at first-year@barnard.edu if you have any questions and check the blog regularly. We are more than happy to help and make your transition into Barnard as smooth as possible!