Welcome to Fast Five: Rapid-fire, insightful interviews with GS students and alumni!
Joining a new, cutting-edge international dual degree program is a leap. Deciding to study medicine in said global dual degree program is also a leap. Lemony David ‘25GS did both at once in a five-year stretch (taking an extra year at Columbia GS to complete her premedical requirements)…and considers it one of the best decisions she ever made.
What is your GS story in one sentence?
I was in the first full cohort of the Dual Degree Program between Tel Aviv University (TAU) and Columbia University, studying biology on a pre-med track.
What was it like being a part of the TAU Dual Degree Program and having to navigate college in two different counties during a global pandemic?
Participating in the Dual Degree Program was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had the opportunity to study at two world-renowned institutions in two dynamic, contrasting cities, enriching my global outlook and academic foundation.
The uncertainties of the pandemic made me even more resolute in my choice for this unorthodox path, because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and fostered growth through the unexpected. In Tel Aviv, I was immersed in a vibrant culture and studied with students and professors from all over the globe. I also navigated the complex realities of a region marked by conflict, learning from Israeli and Palestinian peers in both classrooms and bomb shelters.
At Columbia, I brought these unique perspectives with me as I adapted to a new academic environment. I was especially excited to meet students from other dual degree programs and share stories from our international ventures. I joined student clubs, performed with the Columbia dance team, and explored the bustling city of New York. The program was truly a wonderful and transformative experience that has shaped who I am today.
What advice would you give to a new student about to start the Dual Degree program, particularly in the premed path?
I’d encourage new students to fully embrace the global nature of the program: explore new places, engage with different cultures, and learn from the people around you. See your program cohort as family; you’ll grow together through a truly unique experience.
For premed students, it’s important to research prerequisites early and connect with advisors and upperclassmen to plan effectively. The premed path within the Dual Degree Program can be complex, so give yourself room to navigate it thoughtfully. Stay open, be adaptable, and remember that reaching your goals isn’t a race.
What is your favorite memory or lesson from your time at GS?
One of my favorite memories at GS was attending campus events and somehow always managing to find the other students from the TAU program. We’d naturally gravitate toward each other and stick together throughout. There was comfort in those familiar faces, a bond formed through the experiences we shared. My cohort was a particularly close-knit group, and that support system meant a lot as I transitioned into a new chapter at Columbia. It reminded me that programs like ours don’t just offer academic opportunities, but they also form lifelong connections and lasting community.
How do you continue to stay involved with Columbia after graduating?
After graduating, I continue to stay involved by keeping up to date with news from Columbia, attending alumni events, and staying in contact with members of the Columbia community. I also plan to continue giving advice to incoming and current students in the TAU Dual Degree Program through panels and program events.
