Profiles of the Fall 2025 Incoming Class

Undergraduate

Nikhil Bohra

Hometown: New York

Prospective major(s): Economics-mathematics

I've been a competitive racing driver since I was seven years old. At 15, in the middle of high school, I left in-person school to commit to racing full-time. I started in the FIA World & European Karting Championships. Eventually, I moved up to Formula 4, and most recently finished my second year in Formula 3. 

When sponsorships dried up, it seemed like racing was not going to be my path forward, and although I never entirely stopped pursuing an education, I had nothing to show for it. When I was applying to universities, I always felt a little too unorthodox, as if I had put all this time, effort, and hours into something that a school wouldn't even recognize in my application. GS felt like it was designed for people like me, where my unique experiences and skills were valued rather than frowned upon.

When it comes to advice I’m thinking about now: my race engineer in my rookie Formula 3 season spoke fairly broken English. Still, his Italian passion meant that, somehow, every sentence that came out of his mouth was a philosophical one-liner. The one that stuck was in Monza, at ‘home,’ when I had some choice words to say about the car after free practice. He listened to me calmly and then responded, “Niki try again, don't let your mouth overtake your brain.” That boils down to “think before you talk.”

Kerry Sano

Home area: Tri-state area

Prospective major(s): Cognitive science

My path to the School of General Studies has been anything but direct. Some highlights include: moving from San Francisco to the rural south to learn how to build race cars from the ground up and living in London attending art school and working as a motorcycle mechanic for over two decades! My interests span such a broad swath of the world and I have been fortunate enough to be able to pursue most of them with vigor.

This passion has translated into building several businesses as diverse as my interests. One was a coffee shop that ran successfully on a quiet Brooklyn street for 12 years before I sold it. Then, there was a motorcycle repair shop, where I became well known in the NYC motorcycle community as the motorcycle whisperer—one of only two female Ducati master technicians in the world. Finally, a travel company that takes people around the world by bike. The last place we trekked (by dirt bike) was Mongolia! On an incredible trip to see the magical Eagle Festival of western Mongolia, we rode over 1000km from Ulaanbataar to Altai Mountains on the Russian border. 

My life has been remarkable and incredibly full; guided by a love for experience, passion, and inquisitiveness. As a kid I wasn’t taught about college and while I tried a few times, I couldn’t decide what to study. Despite this I have become a successful entrepreneur, building a good life with hard work and determination. After selling my cafe, I decided I wanted to study the mind and brain. Taking community college classes got me back into the education mindset, but I knew I needed a challenge and better opportunities.

While thinking about universities I wanted to attend, Columbia stood out as the premiere university. The professors who teach here are incredible and the research opportunities are some of the best in the world. Being that we are in NYC, the opportunities post graduation are unlimited. Getting to study at such an esteemed university is an overwhelming honor. As a first-generation college attendee, and as an adult who has already had a career, it feels intimidating to go back to university, but everyone I’ve met thus far have been incredibly warm and supportive. I didn’t know what would happen, and so far, the School of General Studies has exceeded all expectations.

I was told when I was younger, “you can choose to be happy.” I bristled when first hearing that, it sounded like living in a fantasy. But as I’ve gotten older, it sticks with me when I’m not feeling my best. While not always easy and sometimes impossible, it has gotten me through some hard times. It’s not about toxic positivity, but rather, remembering that you can change your perception of situations when looking at them from different angles. Things aren’t always clearly black and white. When bad circumstances arise, I like to think about what actually makes sense, makes me happy, aligns with my values, and if anything is off, address it immediately to clear the air. It’s become a guiding principle.

Looking ahead, I am so excited to be going to school here. I never thought I would finish college and now I am well on the way. The School of General Studies is a special opportunity for those who have lived life differently. I never want to stop learning and have so much curiosity about the world and am grateful for this thrilling next step. I hope to make the world a better place with this new education!

Jack O’Sullivan

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

Prospective major(s): Economics - psychology

My path to GS has been quite unconventional. I joined the Navy at 18 years old. Through a rigorous selection process, I earned my Trident and became a Navy SEAL with SEAL Team 7. After six years of training in the United States, working with allied foreign forces and conducting missions in Southeast Asia, I decided to pursue the arts by becoming a stand-up comedian. At the same time, I received an opportunity to join a professional blackjack team, counting cards to help fund my dream. 

I enjoy high stakes and problem-solving. Whether it’s jumping out of a plane to find safety, figuring out how to make 500 strangers laugh, or hunting a statistical edge in a casino, I have always thrown myself in the deep end to see what I can handle.

GS was the only school I applied to. That decision was not based on arrogance, but rather on what I want from my experience. I am a nontraditional student. I don’t have a traditional schedule, way of learning, or worldview. When I saw that GS doesn’t ignore that mindset but instead embraces it, I was hooked. 

A common phrase in the SEAL Teams is “iron sharpens iron.” Knowing I’ll be working and competing with brilliant people from diverse backgrounds will motivate me to raise my standards, stay curious, and remain open to new perspectives.

The best advice I’ve received is that no matter how good or bad things become, they will change. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced extreme highs and lows. Being able to filter out the noise in my head and go with the flow allows me to truly own the moment.

Ayesha Zulfiqar

Home state: New Jersey

Prospective Major(s): Political science

My journey to GS has been one of rediscovery and resilience. I came to the U.S. as an international student, excited to pursue higher education, but life had other plans. I got married at 22 and became a full-time mom to three incredible children. For years, I poured my heart into raising my family and creating a loving home. While I paused my own goals, I never let go of my dreams. Now that my children are older, I’m reclaiming that part of myself—and one of my biggest aspirations is to pursue a career in law and become an attorney. I’m passionate about justice, advocacy, and setting an example for my daughters that it’s never too late to go after your dreams and nothing is out of reach. GS has been a key part of that journey, reminding me that my story matters.

I applied to GS because I wanted to surround myself with strong, driven women who believe in growth, no matter where or when it begins. After dedicating so many years to being a full-time mom, I was ready to invest in myself and step toward my long-term goal of becoming an attorney. GS felt like the right space to do that—with its empowering community and encouragement for women to take bold steps.

The best advice I’ve received is: “It’s never too late to become who you were meant to be.” That quote has helped me silence self-doubt and embrace my path with confidence. I carry that mindset with me every day—especially as I take steps toward law school. Through GS, I’ve learned to trust myself again.

I want my story to serve as a reminder that motherhood and ambition can co-exist. GS has helped me reclaim my identity beyond being a mom and step into my power as a woman with purpose. At the same time, my greatest motivation is my daughters—I want them to see firsthand that no matter where life takes you, you always have the power to return to your dreams and make them real.

Joel Teron

Home Borough: The Bronx

Prospective Major(s): Sociology, special program in public health

Before coming to Columbia GS, I worked in harm reduction and public health as the assistant director at the Keith Haring Harlem Center with the Alliance for Positive Change. I oversee programs that provide lifesaving services such as HIV/HCV testing, overdose prevention, and health home case management. I also serve as a wellness advocate with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Overdose Prevention through the Relay Program, where I provide support to individuals in emergency departments after an overdose.

My work is deeply personal—I’m in long-term recovery myself, and my journey through addiction and healing inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting others and shaping healthier communities.

Before moving into public health, I spent several years in the beauty industry as a licensed cosmetologist & make up artist. That experience taught me how much I enjoy connecting with people and helping them feel seen, which has carried over into my current work.

Outside of work and school, I’m passionate about running. I’ve completed the NYC Marathon and am currently training for the Berlin, Chicago, and NYC Marathons this fall while fundraising for Team for Kids. Running is not just a hobby for me—it’s been an important part of my recovery, health, and advocacy.

I applied to GS because it’s a place where nontraditional students like me—who bring years of lived experience, professional work, and personal resilience—are welcomed and supported. As someone in long-term recovery who has built a career in harm reduction and public health, I was drawn to GS’s community of students who are rewriting their narratives and turning challenges into strengths.

Columbia’s academic rigor and resources, paired with GS’s unique focus on diverse student backgrounds, made it the perfect place for me to continue my education. Longterm, I plan to pursue both an MPH and a PhD in public health, with the goal of advancing research, shaping policy, and reducing health disparities. The foundation I build at GS will strengthen my ability to advocate for health equity and create meaningful change in the communities I serve.

The best advice I’ve received is to take life “one day at a time.” This simple phrase has guided me through recovery, personal challenges, and professional growth. It reminds me to stay present, focus on what I can do today, and not get overwhelmed by what’s ahead. I plan to carry that same mindset with me at GS—approaching each class, each opportunity, and each challenge one step at a time, knowing that consistency and resilience will lead to long-term success.

What makes my GS story unique is that it’s rooted in both personal transformation and community impact. As a gay man of color in long-term recovery, I’ve faced barriers but also discovered strength, resilience, and purpose. My experiences have fueled my passion for public health and harm reduction, and I want my time at GS to not only be about academic growth but also about giving back—sharing my story, breaking stigma, and inspiring others who may feel that higher education is out of reach. GS represents a new chapter for me, one where I can honor the path I’ve taken while building the skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference in the world.

Karena Joslin

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Prospective major(s): English, creative writing

I went to Italy directly out of high school to help start a jewelry business with a very eccentric mentor. I started working then (1974) and have worked all my life in different, but complimentary fields.

I am a documentary film maker and have travelled the world to tell stories about environmental and social justice issues. I have had the most amazing opportunities and have met and worked with some of the greatest minds of the 21st century. I've been a jewelry designer, a theater/opera producer, and managing director of a top-ten advertising firm. I have had a big, rather freewheeling life. Now, I’m looking forward to the next chapters!

I believe in synchronicity. Earlier this year, I was scheduled to go on a long planned sailing sabbatical. Everything that could go wrong did, and I was having an existential crisis. I went to a zen monastery for a month of meditation. I had to quiet all the chatter that was going on in my mind so I could listen to my heart. My heart said to go to school and I googled and found Columbia’s School of General Studies. I was stunned to find that Columbia had a college for nontraditional students. Through GS, I seek discipline and collaboration. My path here was kind of a miracle and very humbling. I’m so grateful to be here and be part of this phenomenal community.

I think the best advice is to say yes to everything! And in this last quarter of your life, recall what it was that you wanted to be when you "grew-up". For me it was to be a writer, and that is what my soul is telling me to do now.

Ritika Malik

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Prospective major(s): Economics

At 18, I earned my real estate license and jumped headfirst into an industry where most of my peers were twice my age. Closing deal after deal taught me not only financial discipline, but also how to connect with people and earn their trust. By 21, I had purchased my first home and transformed it into an Airbnb—a business that became my way of surviving, and later, thriving. I continued to flip houses, sell houses, and help others create successful Airbnbs. 

While building financial independence, I also nurtured my academic and intellectual side. This year, I was honored to be selected as a Future Nobel Laureates Scholar for 2025, where I will travel to Sweden to attend Nobel Prize Week and present the nonprofit initiative I’ve dedicated myself to. I also have been asked to speak at a TedX event this year about my real estate success at such a young age. That experience represents the bridge between who I’ve been—the scrappy entrepreneur who creates opportunities out of necessity—and who I’m becoming: a global thinker eager to contribute to education, healthcare, and innovation.

Education has always held a special place in my life. For me, it isn’t just about earning a degree: it’s about creating new possibilities for myself and for others. GS stood out because it values nontraditional paths like mine, where persistence and resilience matter just as much as academic ambition. 

I am so glad that I no longer have to feel like I’m walking this weird journey called “life” alone. GS gives me the chance to be surrounded by people who are also chasing big goals through unconventional paths. Instead of feeling isolated, I get to learn alongside successful, driven peers, and build a network that pushes me to grow into the best version of myself…all while living in the city of my dreams.

I see GS as the bridge that will help me take everything I’ve built so far and channel it into the next level of learning. My long-term goal is to pursue an MBA at Wharton Business School, and I know that starting at GS will give me both the academic rigor and the diverse community to prepare for that step.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” It reminds me that opportunity doesn’t wait for perfect timing: you have to create it by being bold enough to try, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Yvan Ruiz Quispe

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Prospective major(s): German literature and cultural history, drama and theatre arts

I like to learn, create, incentivize consciousness of learning, and from there find the best way to express oneself in the world. 

In Lima, I was part of Cuatrotablas, a theater and nonprofit organization committed to the study of all facets of actor’s craft. Its prestige rests on more than 50 years of work, not only creating plays, but also interacting on technical and human levels with different teachers and groups around the world. Being on stage gave me the confidence to be myself, and I carry that with me.

In 2000, after eight years in Cuatrotablas, I made my own theater production, “In den Gedaermen des Faust” from Goethe. The hurdle I faced is that the play was to be performed in German. I managed to pull it off, a successful rendition of Faust in German language. With Stefanie Rosse, we played Faust in Lima and Berlin. This taught me that when I put my mind to it, I can do anything. I proved my dedication and showed that there is nothing I can’t accomplish with hard work.

In New York since 2012, I have been working part-time with Christine Twanya Schmidt. She is a professional organizer, human rights activist, and senior advocate. During all those years working with Twanya Schmidt, I learned how to organize and assist individuals and families, but I also learned how to build and create a connection with nature in my daily life. I learned to keep up the good work and always keep prospecting even when I have a job.

I graduated from SUNY Empire State University in November 2020 with an associate degree in arts. In 2021, I started classes at Hunter College in German language and literature and theatre. The classes at Hunter inspired and guided me to write two plays, “ARES” and “The Skin That I Walk.” In 2024, I decided to transfer to Columbia University School of General Studies.

I applied to Columbia because I want to push my limits in order to become the best version of myself possible. I love studying: everything about it. I love taking on big challenges and love the euphoric feeling of successfully overcoming them. Theater, literature, and German language are my passion and at Columbia, I can pursue a world class, quality education from cutting edge researchers who are the top experts in their field of study.

My father Bacilides and my mother Ana Maria used to tell me to be the best of myself, focusing on personal strengths and aspirations. My father Bacilides passed away last February 2024. I learned from my father and mother their passion and their tenacity to go ahead even though everything is against oneself.

While at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies’ American Language Program this spring, I wrote a piece called “Line of Duty” in the gardens in Morningside Heights. I would like to share a quote from it: 

“Meals are very important for our body, especially if we want to go beyond the boundaries of creation and imagination. We go to University to not just learn, but we go to University to trespass the limits—borders—of our cosmos and leave our mind forever in nature. Our matter—a mix of thinking—actions, will crawl in every molecule and generate new matter, for future generations to come."

Arham Ahmed

Hometown: Chittagong, Bangladesh

Prospective major(s): Economics- political science

Raised in Chittagong, Bangladesh, my path to GS has been far from traditional. I began my studies in Japan, then continued in Washington, D.C., but along the way faced personal hardships that challenged both my focus and direction. Taking time away from school allowed me to return home, where I worked full-time in sustainable garment manufacturing, co-founded a refugee aid initiative, and traveled across Asia in search of clarity and growth. Those experiences, paired with my work in the boutique fitness industry and my love of writing and storytelling taught me the importance of creating opportunities even in the face of setbacks. All of it has led me here, to Columbia, where I feel my journey and ambitions finally converge.

I applied to GS because it felt like the only place where my story—with its detours, hardships, and reinventions—would not just be understood, but valued. What drew me to GS was its recognition that education is not linear and that the richest classrooms are built from diverse lived experiences. For me, GS isn’t just the next step in my education; it’s the space where everything I’ve endured and everything I aspire to finally come together.

The best advice I received was from my grandmother who always used to tell me, "failure is success if we learn from it, and the purpose of life is to learn and grow.” I’d add to take that leap of faith: you are enough.

Postbac Premed

Jacob Perlstein

Hometown: New York City

Like many older students, my path to Columbia GS has been unconventional. I dropped out of college as a sophomore roughly 15 years ago to pursue my passion for cooking. The restaurant industry immediately captivated me with its diverse community of oddballs, frantic pace, and the opportunity to provide joy for others. My love for cooking also led me to chase the highest quality food, and often the most demanding kitchens. During this period my life had two singular purposes: to keep challenging myself and learn enough to one day run a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Along with the sweltering temperatures, belligerent chefs, and lack of sleep, I was lucky enough to meet and be mentored by equally passionate individuals who took the time to share their hard-earned knowledge. After years of honing my craft in many of New York’s top Michelin restaurants, I ultimately earned the opportunity to not just run one, but also mentor a new generation of cooks as eager as myself.

Then, like so many in the wake of COVID-19, I was forced to shutter the restaurant I loved. While I mourned the collapse of an industry that had defined my life, for the first time in over a decade I had moments to reflect. I took this time to consider my career—and what I had been missing. I realized I wanted to do more for my community, and that my happiness, drive, and fulfillment were not limited to perfecting my craft but extended to loftier aspirations, including helping and comforting others. Not only did the pandemic leave me questioning the restaurant industry, but it also showed me the altruism of those working in healthcare.

During lockdown I briefly lived with my father, a physician at a safety net hospital in the Bronx, and one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. I saw his dedication and the sacrifices he made for others, despite the risks to himself and his staff. The hospital’s response to the pandemic and the massive collaborative effort helped me realize I wanted to do more for others than just cook and serve meals: I wanted to have a lasting impact on their lives. This realization reframed everything for me, becoming the compass that led me back to school with the pursuit of working in healthcare. I have spent the last two years completing my undergraduate degree while still working full time in kitchens. My hope is that I can channel the energy, dedication, and attention to detail I distilled into cooking into more meaningful avenues of care.

Along with being one of the best post baccalaureate premed programs in the country, Columbia offers unparalleled resources for taking the next steps towards my new career. In addition to these pragmatic reasons, Columbia GS also offers a diverse and driven student body, which I eagerly look forward to learning with and from.

The best advice I've received is to remain curious. Even if it means asking a silly question, curiosity opens the doors to new information and new experiences. More often than not, it is also the catalyst that leads to personal and professional growth. Whether it is the curiosity to confront personal biases, or to make the effort to truly understand a subject: there is almost always something to be gained.

Rassan Walker

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

From building mobile features for Instagram, to helping scale Pinterest's advertising business, to building software for independent grocers, I've spent the last eight-plus years building a diverse skillset in the software industry. And while the career certainly had its perks, with each passing year, my work and my impact felt more hollow.

I may have forever justified that absence of true contentment if not for life forcing my hand. I watched helplessly as my mother battled cancer, then a neurological disorder, then both. Suddenly, the stability, comfort, and growth opportunities in my software career seemed trivial.

My mother had a difficult battle, one she ultimately lost. But more than all the ugly aspects of her struggle, I'll forever be impacted by one of her physicians. This physician's compassion, empathy, and commitment to a patient-centric approach turned our helplessness into hope..and it helped turn a career in medicine from "something I might do one day" to something I became convinced to pursue.

I didn't want my postbac experience to only consist of checking classes off a checklist and learning facts for the MCAT. After meeting with a member of the admissions team and chatting with a recent graduate from the Postbac Premed Program, I became convinced GS would be a perfect fit for me.

GS's long history of supporting non-traditional students, combined with having access to Columbia's world-renowned research and its unique approach to problem-based learning, all contribute to this program standing out from others like it. I truly believe my time in GS will provide a rigorous exploration of STEM helping me become a better thinker and problem-solver long after I've graduated.

"Remember that growth isn't always linear:” as I prepare to work towards a new career from scratch, I've kept those words in mind. These next couple years are just a part of my growth journey. I anticipate going back to a classroom setting after such a long hiatus will come with its share of ups and downs. But remaining focused on where I'm trying to go, and avoiding focusing on the temporary fluctuations, will help me navigate my GS experience successfully.