Catchin' Up with a Cookie: Bérénice Sylverain

Bérénice (center) with fellow classmates at Columbia University’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Bérénice Sylverain

2018 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Columbia University; 2021 Graduate Scholar, University of Southern California

Originally from Haiti and born in the capital, Port-au-Prince, I am a librarian conducting much of my scholarly research on Haitian literature and the arts. I have worked as a Research Associate and Archival Assistant at the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University helping to create their African-American and African Diaspora Studies libguide. Currently, I work as an administrative professional at the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, which houses the greatest collection of Judaica in the Western Hemisphere. Outside of work and school, I enjoy going for walks in Central Park, mothering my orchids, and collecting perfumes.

What does being a Cooke Scholar mean to you?

As a Cooke Scholar, I find myself constantly growing and evolving in ways I had not considered. Being a Cooke Scholar means understanding that the impossible does not exist for me. I am challenged. I am motivated. There is a sense of responsibility as a Cooke Scholar that I strongly feel - the need and desire to uplift others. I believe in sharing my story and journey with those who may not yet know what their paths will be. As a Cooke Scholar, we are meant to inspire and edify other students, and to provide space and love to those who need it the most.

Bérénice pictured upper-right in a Columbia Blue (light blue) sweater with fellow 2018 Undergraduate Transfer Scholars at Scholars Weekend 2018

Tell us about a memorable moment while in undergrad or graduate school.

The most memorable moment during my time in undergrad was when I approached my now mentor, Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin. I was so nervous! Nervous to the point of sweating profusely. It was my first semester at Columbia University. I admired her so much. She is this grand, very graceful, and genius-level scholar in academia, and here I was in her office, asking to work with her. I imagined she would be a bit aloof, but man was I wrong. She is one of the most kind and beautiful souls I know. She immediately told me she’d love to work with me. And thereafter, we built a magnificent relationship. She supports me in all that I do. I love her dearly. She is the reason I have been able to do all these wonderful things during my time at Columbia. She is a treasure to behold.

What is one thing you did to help you transition to your first year out of college?

I made sure to continue to do what I loved the most. And that included simply reading lots of fun books, expanding my perfume collection, and connecting with close friends and family over Zoom. I am always looking for new ways to elevate my life. I chose to focus on my emotional and mental well-being. Creating and curating a beautiful and happy life for myself means the world to me. It was not a hard transition. It felt pretty normal. I was just entering a new phase of my life - a resplendent one at that.

What was the last book you read or movie/show you watched that you really enjoyed and highly recommend?

The last book I read is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I purchased this book simply because I love glitz, glamour, and elegance. My cup of tea! Anything that is grand and offers a marvelously curated and elevated life is most certainly for me. I adore people like Evelyn Hugo, the protagonist. People who do things their way with no apologies. People who aren’t afraid to live their desired lives and go out into the world to make it happen. My mother was a woman like that. I think why I enjoy this book so much is because it reminds me of my mother who was a divine woman who taught me to be my own person without apologizing for it! The author did a beautiful job in writing this book. I applaud her.

If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?

I am not much of a cookie person, though I love all my Cookie Cousins. I prefer cupcakes. Much more yummy. But if I must, I would say it’d be a rather simple cookie. Just a sugar cookie made with lavender honey and rosewater. I know it’s boring, but I am plain when it comes to cookie choices. I would name it, “A Perfumed Life.”