Barbara Takahashi continued her involvement with student life and other organizations until her graduation from Grinnell. This included membership with the League of Women Voters, the school yearbook, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Crescendo Club, League Board, and Mortar Board.

Barbara's political activism surrounding Japanese American incarceration was particularly notable throughout her years at Grinnell as well. Her senior year, she served as President of the Mortar Board and met with the town several times to discuss the political climate in the United States.

Despite having such a lively experience during college, Barbara was not an ardent supporter of Grinnell College. In an interview following her graduation, she shared, "No, it wasn’t the most wonderful experience of my life, but it was the time."