Spring 2021 Orientation Leaders
Meet four of your Orientation Leaders, who will be with you during Orientation Week to welcome you to Columbia, share their experiences and advice as GS students, and answer any questions you may have.
Emily Robinson
Originally from Texas, I lived all over the U.S. growing up but am now firmly settled in NYC. Before coming to GS, I worked in arts non-profits and arts education. Now that I'm here, I've thrown myself into studying Art History and Classics. On top of my studies, I try to stay involved with the larger GS community as a Tour Guide and by volunteering for NSOP—and now as an NSOP Committee member!
Chris Mendell
I’m originally from Las Vegas, and growing up, I thought I was going to be a professional race car driver and a DJ. Life took me on a different path, though. I joined the military where I spent time as an Intelligence Analyst & Infantryman, in addition to serving as a Military Funeral Honors specialist. After multiple half-hearted attempts at college, I discovered my true passion for medicine and neuroscience when my grandmother became afflicted with Alzheimer’s. I applied to Columbia, expecting a rejection letter, but believing I could succeed if given the opportunity, and here I am today. I look forward to welcoming all of our new students to GS during orientation.
Safia Southey
I'm a passionate human rights activist, learner, and world explorer. Raised by international travelers and development practitioners, I was lucky to grow up in Cairo, Paris, Amman, Menton, and New York City. These experiences, characterized by cultural, linguistic, and political diversity, spawned my early interest in policy and humanitarian issues, inspiring me to work at institutions such as UNRWA, the US State Department, the World Bank, and various NGOs. I'm very excited to work with the Class of 2021 as senior class president to make next year wonderful despite all the chaos going on!
Alana Tang
I'm a rising senior in the Dual BA Program with Sciences Po, a native New Yorker, a child of immigrants, and super excited to be an OL this year! I've lived abroad for a few years, with stints in France, Spain, Japan, Finland, and the Philippines. I now live downtown, and please feel free to use me as a point of contact when you venture down Manhattan!
Diego Ayala
As a first-generation college student, deciding on a career came as a bit of a challenge for me. I pursed several career paths before enrolling in the Postbac Premed Program, but the thought of a career in medicine was always in the back of my mind. Not having anyone to go to for advice and clarity made me question my abilities. Through my journey, I consistently found myself unhappy with the careers I was pursuing, but during my third year of undergrad, I decided to follow my dreams. After graduating from UCSD, I was offered a position as a medical intern at an ophthalmology practice, and I never felt more at home. In the Program, there is no denying that you are going to face challenges and even question your abilities, but you have to remind yourself why you decided to take on this journey. That will be the driving force that helps you succeed.
