Here in Ithaca, we've just finished classes for the semester and are hard at work studying for final exams. For high school seniors interested in Cornell, however, December means something a bit different. While some are waiting to hear back about their early decision applications, many other seniors are polishing their own applications to submit for the January 2nd regular decision deadline…
We've made it to May! As seniors approach graduation and underclassmen look forward to summer break, we at the Ambassadors blog have decided to focus on "Looking Forward." Senior Samantha Briggs starts off the month with a post about her experience deciding on her next step: Columbia Law School. By: Samantha Briggs '16I think I speak for the majority (if not the entirety) of the Class of 2016…
By Shanna Smith '18 My friends from other schools think I’m crazy when I say the best class I’ve ever taken is organic chemistry. Across the country, organic chemistry has been characterized by its “terrifyingly difficult” reputation, and generally feared by all students who know this infamous course is in their near future. I was also afraid when I entered lecture for the first day; however, my…
The professional fraternities on campus are one of Cornell's best kept secrets. Well, they aren't necessarily "secret" but many people don't immediately think of the professional fraternities on campus as being a main part of "Greek" life. However, having recently been initiated as a part of Alpha Chi Sigma, informally known as the Chemistry fraternity on campus, I thought I'd highlight a few…
Kelsey Ross '15Major: Government Hometown: Rochester, NY Why did you choose Cornell?My extended family is from the Ithaca area and I always imagined myself going to Cornell. When it came time to visit schools I fell in love with the campus. I loved the sense of community you get when you walk around the campus.What is your main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?My…
Can you believe it's already May? In the final month of this academic year, ambassadors will tell us what adventures await them this summer or, for some, after graduation. Senior Solveig starts us off by sharing how Cornell and Arts and Sciences helped prepare her for what lies ahead at Oxford. By Solveig van der Vegt ’18, Biological Sciences major, Mathematics minor31 months down, less than 1…
This week, junior Emma Bryan talks about how the flexibility of the Arts and Sciences curriculum helped her discover her passion for French and reconfirm her interest in Economics, setting her up for an exciting junior year. By: Emma Bryan '19, French and Economics double majorAfter spending the summer in Ithaca, August finally rolled around, and I couldn’t wait for people to come back to campus…
The advent of queer theory “caused a shock wave which has affected all intellectual disciplines,” as Didier Eribon, a leading French intellectual, once said. A look back at the undergraduate years of Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, ‘71, a founder of queer theory, reveals a unique glimpse of where that shock wave first began.When Sedgwick arrived at Cornell in 1967, she had yet to make her mark on the…
Happy Halloween! In our last post for October, senior Anna Ravenelle discusses her experiences with the creative writing program within the English department. For her and for many others, creative writing classes provide an opportunity to explore the arts while earning credit and getting feedback from esteemed authors and poets. By: Anna Ravenelle '17 As an English major, I’ve known for a long…
By: Solveig van der Vegt '18 I got my job at the Office of Campus Life through an email that was sent out to Balch Hall residents last year. There are many places to get jobs around campus, but this one particularly interested me because it was in the building that I already lived in. I applied and luckily got the job and it has been fantastic ever since! I work not only with fellow students but…
By: Kathy Qingyu Xu '16 Where can you find elegant ladies dressed in ball gowns and spooky wizards casting spells on a Friday night? At Cornell University’s Herbet F. Johnson Museum of Art’s Night at the Museum: Masquerade Ball of course! The Museum Club at Cornell University hosts a variety of free events at the Johnson to promote the beautiful artwork on display, special collections, and…
This week, Ambassador Ishi writes about some of her favorite resources on campus.By Ishi Aron '19, Biological Sciences majorCornell has an abundance of resources on campus to help students with academics, career planning, and everything in between. One of my favorite resources is the Learning Strategies Center (LSC), which offers supplemental courses, problem solving sessions, and daily office…
Nathan Floro '15Major: Linguistics and Near Eastern StudiesHometown: Canal Fulton, OHWhy did you choose Cornell?In high school, I had many different interests and did not know what I wanted to major in when I got to college. When I looked at different schools, I was struck by Cornell’s dedication to diverse curricular offerings and focus on students exploring many interests. The motto “any…
This week, junior Zoee shares with us what she loves about being a student tutor and a resident advisor on campus.By Zoee D’Costa ’19, Biology & Society Major, Psychology Minor When I came to Cornell I knew I was going to be working hard. But I didn’t know I was going to be working hard at something other than school. During my first two years at Cornell, I was a varsity athlete and was able…
This week, senior Samantha tells us about her challenging yet incredibly rewarding five months in Sevile, Spain, through which she learned to embrace the uncomfortable. By Samantha Cohen '18, Sociology major, Business minorLearning a new language is difficult. And for deaf people, it is very difficult. That is why it was a bit surprising to my parents, and even myself, when I officially decided…
This week, meet junior Suzy Park, an economics and psychology double major who was recently inspired by her experiences in Arts & Sciences to pursue a career in law. Suzy will be taking over the Ambassadors blog next year - see what she has to say below! By: Suzy Ji Soo Park '18, Economics and Psychology double major, Communications minor When I introduce myself as an economics and psychology…
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced economic sanctions on Russia in retaliation for alleged election interference and cyberattacks.
Nicholas Mulder, assistant professor of history at Cornell University, studies the origin and effects of economic sanctions. His first book “The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War” is forthcoming with Yale…
The last member of our Arts & Sciences Ambassadors E-board is Kasey Han '18. After spending most of her summer conducting molecular and cellular neuroscience research at Stanford University, Kasey returned to campus early for training to be a Student Assistant on West Campus. It's fitting that Kasey's post closes out our September collection just after Homecoming Weekend here in Ithaca - her…
By: Austin McLaughlin '18 Arriving back in chilly, cloudy Ithaca for the spring semester was in stark contrast to the 95-degree sunny days in Cambodia. Altogether, I spent 14 days in Siem Reap and 5 in Phnom Penh. I didn't get a tan, but I did leave with an enriching experience.This is in part because GOVT 3434 was not like other classes. While the course offers a few days of in-class lecture, it…
Gabriela Zamora '17 Major: Psychology and SpanishHometown: ChicagoHow did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?When I first came to Cornell, I knew I really enjoyed biology and psychology because of my prior exposure. My first year, I took a few courses from both the biology and psychology departments and I was still unsure what to major in. After my second…
by Malika Sharapova '16Collegetown, and Ithaca as a whole, offer a plethora of wonderful things to do on and off campus. Collegetown alone hosts a vast array of restaurants as well as bars and cafes. From getting bubble tea after class at the Old Teahouse, or the newer Yogurt, Tea, Salad, to satisfying late-night pizza cravings at CTP, and to enjoying Wednesday night fishbowls (for those 21 and…
Iva Karoly-Lister '15 Major: Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Chemistry & Chemical BiologyHometown: Anchorage, AKWhy did you choose Cornell?My grandma went to Cornell and told me I should go here. She's always been one of my greatest role models so I thought it would be cool to spend time in the same places that she did.What is your main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is…
Daniel Waid Marshall '15Major: HistoryHometown: Santa Barbara, CAWhy did you choose Cornell?Academically, it was the best school I got into. The finger lakes region is beautiful. I was also interested in applying to the Telluride House.What is your main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?Political organizing and activism. They are important to me because my friends, my…
This week, Ambassador Tait Stevenson tells us how he spent his summer in Alaska, supporting watershed conservation with creativity. By Tait Stevenson '20, Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology and Ecology Concentration)My name is Tait Stevenson and I am a biological sciences major concentrating in ecology and evolutionary biology. I was lucky enough to get to spend this past summer in Alaska,…
Stephanie Sang '15Major: Biology & Science of Earth SystemsHometown: Solon, OHWhy did you choose Cornell?By the end of high school, I was determined to study paleontology which requires an understanding of both biology and geology. So, I wanted to choose a university that is strong in both departments. Cornell’s Department of Ecology and Evolution and Department of Earth and Atmospheric…
This week, sophomore Renée reflects on how being assigned to a single dorm room in freshman year – something she was worried about at first – motivated her to go beyond her comfort zone and shaped who she is today. By Renée Girard '20, Government major, Law & Society and Public Policy double minorI am confident that Cornell has fostered my growth as an individual and will continue to…
This week, junior Dylan Van Duyne discusses part of the reason he loves Cornell so much: the food. For those of you who are visiting campus and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the variety of options for finding a meal or a snack on campus, here are 10 recommendations for the best items and the best places to eat! By: Dylan Van Duyne '18 Cornell University was recently ranked #3 in the country by the…
By: Christopher-James Llego '17 Last night, as I was eating my salad bowl of spinach and baby carrots (and loathing my friends who were on their cheat days), a thought went through my mind: my summer plans stink. I hadn’t really thought much about my summer plans—and if I did, it usually wasn’t in such a negative way—but after hearing about Friend A’s internship in New York City, Friend B’s plans…
We close out November with a post from junior Maya Golliday, who is studying abroad in Cuba. She provides an exciting perspective on academics and student life outside of Cornell's campus in Ithaca, NY. Enjoy! By: Maya Golliday '17What’s good, prospective students and parents!? I am currently almost finished with my semester abroad in the beautiful “La Habana” and would love to tell you a little…
by Jillian Holch '16"Did you get my message? 'Cause I looked in vain." "Can we see each other Tuesday if it doesn't rain?" "Look, I'll call you in the morning or my service will explain."– “Another Hundred People” from Company by Stephen SondheimIn the busy world of extra curriculars, classes, homework, and job/internship applications, it’s a wonder how some of us manage to get any sleep…
Matthew Loring '15Major: Computer ScienceHometown: Lansing, NY Why did you choose Cornell?During high school I became interested in both computer science and biology. Most universities separate these disciplines with computer science in engineering and biology in another college. The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell allowed me to explore my interests in both areas without having to…
This week, sophomore Dean talks about exciting new opportunities that await him this summer and how Arts and Sciences has helped him step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself. By Dean Kim '20, Chemistry major, East Asian Studies minorAs the semester comes to an end and the weather gets warmer, I’m looking forward to packing my bags and traveling to the University of Alabama at Birmingham…
Continuing on with the theme of "Summer Adventures," senior Shanna tells us about how she spent this past summer in Singida, Tanzania conducting global health research. By Shanna Smith '18, Biological Sciences and French double major One of the most interesting experiences of my life was participating in global health research in Singida, Tanzania this past summer. I have been working on the…
Mark Essig’s Lesser Beasts: A Snout to Tail History of the Humble Pig is an ambitious, free-ranging book. It draws not only on history, but also on anthropology, folklore, paleontology, archeology, sociology, contemporary food studies, and probably a dozen other disciplines to weave a compelling narrative that, while centered on the pig, explores less tangible, heavier stuff such as faith, taste,…
Happy November! This month, we're focusing on the "spirit of Cornell" and what that means to our Ambassadors. Sophomore Meredith Chagares starts us off with a post describing the supportive and diverse nature of Cornell and the greater Ithaca community! By: Meredith Chagares '19I hail from a fairly small town in northern New Jersey. Despite its proximity to New York City, my town is very…
We've made it to April! While it's currently snowing here in Ithaca, we're sure spring is just around the corner, as is National College Decision Day (on May 1st). For those students who are struggling to decide between Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences and other institutions (or those high school students wishing that they will be in this position a year or two from now), we here at the…
Jasmine Edison '15 Major: MusicHometown: Warner Robins, GAWhy did you choose Cornell?Believe it or not, what really decided it for me was getting lost in the Music library during Cornell Days. I wandered into the stacks and was so distracted by the books I'd found that I lost track of my family. I eventually ran into a friendly grad student who struck up a conversation with me about the books I…
As we move into November, our weekly blog posts will shift in focus. This month, our theme is "Academic and Residential Life at Cornell." Samantha Briggs '16 starts us off by explaining how the College of Arts and Sciences' unique set of distribution requirements allows students to explore subjects they never would have considered otherwise! By: Samantha Briggs '16 As students in the College of…
This week, Ambassador Nick explains how he made the decision to attend Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences. By Nick Smith '20, Economics majorI didn’t exactly grow up dreaming of attending Cornell. In fact, I hadn’t even applied until mid-December of my senior year of high school. Being from Orlando, Florida, I always assumed I’d stay in-state for college. After all, just about all the adults…
Danielle Burgess '15Major: LinguisticsHometown: Horseheads, NYWhy did you choose Cornell?I attended the Cornell Summer College program after my junior year of high school and experiencing the beautiful campus that summer, along with meeting so many thoughtful and ambitious peers and faculty, really solidified in my mind that Cornell would be a great place for me.What is your main Cornell…
In our last post of the month, senior Hadassa writes about her journey of becoming a veteran Zumba instructor at Cornell. By Hadassa Jakher '18, Government and Spanish double major, International Relations and Law & Society double minorOne of my all-time favorite things to do is dance! Growing up Latina, I would always be jamming out to salsa and merengue tunes with my family. So when I…
December is here! This month, Ambassadors will be writing about their experiences studying away from campus in Spain and the United Kingdom. Senior Hadassa starts off by giving us a taste of her year abroad in Barcelona. By Hadassa Jakher '18, Government and Spanish double major, International Relations and Law & Society double minorMy decision to study abroad was monumental, and pretty…
This week, junior Kasey Han discusses how the depth and breadth of Arts & Sciences have allowed her to pursue unique opportunities as a College Scholar studying Developmental Circus Arts. By: Kasey Han '18, Biology and College Scholar double majorHere’s a real piece of advice I’ve received: “Do a handstand before your exam.” Even if seeing me doing a handstand outside my prelim (Cornell’s…
This October, we've decided to showcase Ambassadors' experiences "Easing Back into Classes." We asked our Ambassadors to tell us about a class they're taking or have taken that they think the world deserves to know about. Sophomore Emma Bryan starts us off with a post about her experience taking a wide range of college French classes (perhaps rivaling her experience with Cornell peanut butter -…
By: Matthew Donnelly '18One of the greatest aspects of Cornell as an institution, in my opinion, is the number of doors an education like mine can open. Having recently decided to declare Spanish as my second major in addition to Biology, I was eager to find opportunities to practice the language with native speakers. After talking with some friends, one of whom is Peruvian, we decided that over…
