Excitement. Doubt. Fear. Hope. The transfer process is an emotional rollercoaster, and I experienced every twist and turn before finally arriving at Cornell University. Leaving my first institution wasn't easy—I had built friendships, connected with professors, and found my place on campus. The thought of starting over at a larger, more academically rigorous school was daunting. But looking back, it’s the unexpected turns, challenges, and moments of uncertainty that made the journey meaningful.  

One of my favorite unique places to go on Cornell’s campus is the Johnson Museum of Art. Open on Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5pm and conveniently located right across from the Arts Quad, the Johnson Museum provides a much-needed respite in my busy schedule. I love stopping by every so often and just taking an hour out of my day, putting on some classical music in my headphones, and decompressing by wandering around the art galleries. And the best part is that the museum provides free admission, so you can go as often as you’d like!

Picture this: it’s May of your senior year and you have finally paid your deposit and committed to college (hopefully Cornell!). During those last few weeks of high school, it can feel like the end of a long journey, and that you have learned and done it all. But you are only starting the tumultuous yet rewarding journey of college. I spent my first year of college at a different institution before transferring to Cornell, and attending both universities brought its fair share of new experiences and challenges.