Introducing the First-Year Team: Lilja

 Hi First Years!

I hope you’re all thriving in the first few weeks of the spring semester! I’m Lilja (she/her) and I am super excited to be joining the First Year Team as a Student Assistant. I am a current junior studying English with a minor in Economics. 

I’m originally from coastal Maine, and love to get back to the rocky beaches whenever I can. I’m happy to talk about the transition from small towns to the big city with those of you who are experiencing that, because I know it’s both a blessing and a curse! When I’m not at the Deans’ Office or in class, I also love cooking with my friends, playing for the Columbia Water Polo Club, and perusing Book Culture’s on-sale table. 

I know that Barnard is such an exciting and opportunity-rich school to spend our undergrad years, but I also know that it is not without its challenges and can be super overwhelming sometimes. The Student Assistants, as well as the entire First Year Team and Deans’ Office, are here to help you make the most of your transition into and through Barnard, and to help you grow and thrive during your time here. The years will go faster than you think!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions – or to just chat! – by emailing the First Year team (first-year@barnard.edu) or myself (lch2154@barnard.edu), or by stopping by my walk-in hours in 105 Milbank on Fridays from 10a-12p. Happy Spring Semester!

Introducing the First-Year Team: Pooja

 Hi First Years!

Congratulations on making it through your first semester Barnard! My name is Pooja (she/her) and I am a current first year at Barnard. I’m one of the Student Assistants to the First-Year team so you will regularly be hearing from us on any updates or information that the first year class should know straight from the Dean’s office. 

A little more about me: I am from Paramus, New Jersey, so a little more than a thirty minute car ride to Barnard. I’ve practically grown up in the city my whole life but I never get sick of it because there’s always so much to do. Although I haven’t declared my major yet, I am thinking about double majoring in Political Science and Economics. I really love getting out and about. This semester, my friends and I have a bucket list of things to do in the city which will be making up the bulk of my weekends. I love hiking, running, playing my guitar, and listening to new music. At Barnard, I’m involved with SGA, serving on the First Year Class Council as a General Body Member. I also am part of the Economic Development Team at the Columbia Policy Institute and am really looking forward to being in Columbia’s Women’s Club Lacrosse Team this semester. 

If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please reach out to the First Year Team. Our email is first-year@barnard.edu or you can follow our Instagram @barnardfirstyear. If you have any questions for me specifically, you can reach me by email at pr2730@barnard.edu or my Instagram @poojarayapaneni.