Krissia wanted to attend a school with a strong Indigenous community on campus, and she’s found a robust community here at Cornell. She loves that Ithaca’s hills, waterfalls, and greenery remind her of home, and she hopes to take her education from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business back to help her Indigenous community in Point Hope, Alaska.
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Najiullah is a Cornellian from Afghanistan graduating in 2026. Entering the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) as an Undecided major, he is now pursuing a degree in Computer Science, and appreciates that A&S allows him to continue to explore his broad range of interests like Astronomy and Entrepreneurship.
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As a student at the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy, Isabel found friends and an intellectually stimulating community in the school’s intimate atmosphere. Now Isabel is building a strong foundation in her pre-med track and thriving due to her involvement in the Cornell Policy Group, the Queer Pre-Health Association, The Daily Sun, and the Cornell Healthcare Review.
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Coming from a small international school, Bintou wanted to find a similarly small community while still having access to the people and resources a larger university affords. She found that in the ILR school at Cornell, and whether it's her friends, her mentors, or her professors, she considers “the people” her favorite thing about the university.
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Kammi, an Applied Economics and Management major with a penchant for real-world experiences, thrives on the opportunities Dyson provides and finds the robust alumni and professional network helps fuel exploration across diverse sectors. Her go-to student resource on campus? The OADI office, discovered during her Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program. When studying, Kammi retreats to the law school lounges and the serene Catherwood Library. Beyond campus, she finds Stewart Park a tranquil haven by Cayuga Lake, perfect for picnics and relaxing walks.
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Katlynn values Cornell's academic environment and explores her passions through unique engineering opportunities offered in classrooms and through student organizations. Katlynn finds inspiration in her hardworking classmates, and post-graduation, she plans to pursue an M.Eng degree before working in tech.
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Jordan’s passion for exploration and connection has shaped her college experience. Engaged in various campus activities, including serving as the treasurer of the Women's Club Softball Team and being a Big Red Ambassador, Jordan also finds that the College of Arts & Sciences fosters her curiosity, allowing her to explore subjects like hard sciences and Near Eastern Studies as she settled on her economics major.
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Leina thrives in the diverse intellectual landscape the College of Arts & Sciences provides, and with academic interests ranging from data science to poetry analysis, Leina knows better than anyone that the college emphasizes breadth of study. Around campus, Leina dives into research and her work as an admissions ambassador, and she's become a human map! After challenging herself to take every bus route, she has found many favorite and niche places in the Finger Lakes region.
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Karlah pursues Biology & Society at the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS), where she loves delving into the societal implications of healthcare. Karlah's post-graduation plans include applying to medical school to become an OBGYN, and her goal is to work specifically in infertility treatment and open an IVF clinic. On campus, she stays engaged in various clubs and activities while enjoying all that Ithaca and Cornell offer.
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The small class size of the Urban and Regional Studies major has provided Lauren with a tight-knit community of like-minded peers within the larger university. Academically, her passion lies in understanding how laws impact urban poverty and quality of life, leading her to pursue a public policy minor to study the real-world consequences of government decisions.
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Hamid, an aspiring computer scientist from Afghanistan, takes advantage of the many resources Cornell offers its students. He can be found relaxing on Libe Slope or studying in Uris Library and is grateful for the expansive academic possibilities he finds in the College of Arts & Sciences curriculum.
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As an Urban and Regional Studies major in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), Sebastian wears many hats: VP of the Organization of Urban and Regional Studies, an AAP Ambassador, an Outdoor Odyssey Guide, part of Community Crew, and a member of Greek life. And within AAP's tight-knit community of creative thinkers, Sebastian has found unwavering support and invaluable connections — a home away from home where he can freely express himself.
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At the Brooks School, Elliott experiences the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a close-knit community and the vast opportunities offered by a large institution. The School’s flexible curriculum allows him to explore diverse disciplines across the university, giving Elliott the ability to weave together different threads of knowledge into practical policy applications. But his journey isn’t just about academics; it’s deeply personal. Coming from a background where higher education seemed mythical, he seeks wisdom from professors and peers alike. Through their stories, Elliott has found role models and a drive to not to not only seek knowledge, but to create it.
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Sara, an international architecture student from India, finds Cornell to be a melting pot of brilliance and compassion filled with individuals who strive to make the world a better place. The entrepreneurial spark flickers within her, and she aspires to shape the world through her own venture after graduation, envisioning a future where design and business intersect.
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Ariela brings passion and purpose to her community. Her interdisciplinary coursework spanning sociology, economics, law, public policy, and political science, plus her internship at the White House, prepare her for a career in public service. Beyond academics, she founded Refugee Scholars in Ithaca and is hoping to become a volunteer firefighter, part of her commitment to serving the city she loves.
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For Miami-native Julian, what sets Cornell apart is the campus community that helps him thrive. Whether it’s the ease with which he can approach professors or tapping into the Learning Strategies Center’s many resources, he’s armed with knowledge and study techniques as he pursues his Human Biology, Health, and Society major — one step on his path toward medical school.
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From a small town and nervous about attending an Ivy League university, Lauren made the leap after discovering Cornell’s Urban and Regional Studies program — a perfect match for her interest in urban real estate and related topics such as transportation and economic development. Now, as a proud member of the Big Red Marching Band, Big Red Pep Band, Cornell University Indoor Drumline, and the JAM Program House, her love of music has played an essential role in finding a home and community at Cornell.
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As an AAP Ambassador within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Melaina bridges her love for art with her commitment to community. The BFA program allows her to explore diverse interests through elective classes while, outside of the classroom, she revels in all of the activities available at a large university. Melaina’s journey at Cornell is a canvas painted with passion, community, and boundless creativity.
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From the vibrant streets of Santa Ana, California, to Cornell’s bustling campus, Anna Cecilia dives headfirst into a whirlwind of activities. She forges friendships across disciplines—speech, music, activism—bridging gaps and celebrating shared interests. Academically, Professor García’s vivid lectures on migration, climate change, and discrimination transport Anna Cecilia beyond the classroom. Paired with her hometown’s spirit, she feels fueled in her fight for underrepresented voices as she pursues a career in international law.
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Jeffrey’s Cornell journey is filled with exciting experiences and a passion for giving back. As a member of Colombianos Unidos, Footvolley Club, Aviation Club, and Running Club, and as an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator, he is deeply involved in campus life. The College of Engineering provides the support and flexibility for him to thrive as he explores his interests on campus and abroad.
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Katherine has found support within Cornell's military community thanks to an engaged veteran association and the opportunity to participate in the Veteran Summer Bridge Program. Academically, she feels her Engineering advisor has been a game changer for her success, and outside of the classroom, she looks to Ithaca's natural beauty as a tool to enhance her well-being.
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As a Public Policy major at the Brooks School, Daniel is driven by a desire to use his education to impact the world positively. Support across campus, from the Career Exploration Center to the Veteran Services Team, has been invaluable, providing mentorship, career preparation, and a seamless transition from military service to academia. Daniel feels he’s found a home at Cornell that champions community and personal growth.
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Even before her first semester began, Mary found community and support by attending Cornell’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program. Now, with hands-on classes like Equine Management that give her the opportunity to apply classroom learnings, and student organizations like Minority Animal Science Students, she is well-prepared to achieve her goal of returning to her community, the Gila River Indian Reservation, to practice veterinary medicine.
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Alexandra’s Cornell story is one of appreciation for the small things the campus and community have to offer: professors eager to have undergraduates in their research labs, walking past waterfalls on the way to class, attending chimes concerts at McGraw Tower, and paddleboarding or watching hot air balloons take off at nearby Cayuga Lake. The collaborative spirit and robust academic support at Cornell Engineering have only solidified her belief that this is the perfect place for her.
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With her family's nonprofit dedicated to aiding children with rare diseases, Jonna has seamlessly blended her love for business and healthcare at Cornell. This unique combination empowers her to continue making a difference for rare disease patients. On top of that, Jonna has found incredible support for her own health condition through campus resources and the unwavering encouragement of her professors, forging strong, impactful relationships along the way.
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Aidan, an aspiring veterinarian from Baldwinsville, New York, is an animal science major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He enjoys Ithaca's beautiful hiking trails and recommends that students take advantage of the many university resources available to help them succeed.
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Jazmin, a Massachusetts native and Undergraduate Admissions intern, is studying Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering with a concentration in Food Science. She loves taking advantage of campus activities and exploring Ithaca as an inquisitive foodie.
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At Cornell’s Nolan School, Abigail has discovered an incredibly passionate and close-knit community that goes far beyond her fellow students. She's built strong connections with faculty, staff, and even some of the 250,000+ alumni worldwide. Abigail is making the most of everything the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business offers, from hands-on experiences at the Statler Hotel, a teaching hotel, to the excitement of her first trip to New York City.
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Isabella, a New York native graduating in 2025, is deeply embedded in campus life through her many campus groups and clubs. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, she’s found the perfect fit for her academic journey, transitioning from a government major to discovering a passion for American Studies as she pursues her future in immigration law.
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Hana found her academic home in the College of Human Ecology as a Nutritional Sciences major. With involvement in research and a variety of campus organizations, she found ways to nurture her interest in writing and hands-on experiences in her field and the community.
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Saty is passionate about evolutionary biology and biodiversity, especially in the world of things that creep and crawl. Cornell's location is perfect for someone who enjoys nature and biology, but she also appreciates that you aren't limited to the coursework required for your major, and took full advantage of the variety of courses offered.
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Katherine, a Nutritional Sciences major, found her home in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. CALS is committed to serving communities through research, education, and outreach. She makes time to balance academics with her love of the outdoors, and appreciates the natural beauty of campus and the surrounding area.
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Truman is a double major in Food Science and Environment & Sustainability. CALS is the perfect tight-knit community for him to pursue his interests while allowing him the opportunity to be part of the rigorous research that informs policy and creates meaningful change on a global scale.
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As an aspiring physician with plans to open an urgent care clinic focused on access, trust, and community health, Caleb finds his academic home in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). He appreciates the opportunity to study public health in a way that maintains a connection to community work, especially through outreach and programs that let students gain experience beyond campus.
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The program has helped me connect with faculty, learn how to find research opportunities, and navigate different situations that come up in the research process.
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There’s a growing gap between scientists and the public. Research only becomes powerful when people can actually use it.
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Starting out as someone who had no idea how to even start applying to labs, the Rawlings program helped me immensely in navigating Cornell research.
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I knew that the work and connection I would make here would last a lifetime.
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I’ve loved connecting with other Meinig Scholars. I’ve formed meaningful friendships with peers from across the country. This semester has been full of learning, connection, and growth.
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Cornell’s forward-thinking culture and ‘Any Person, Any Study’ mission really resonated with me.
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The experience helped to solidify my decision to pursue engineering professionally, and I learned a ton of skills.
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Abhay, a double major interested in data science, takes full advantage of developing his technical skills while gaining a practical understanding of ethical implications. He finds a similar balance between academics and nature. He was drawn to Cornell for the running and hiking opportunities, as well as the varied academic opportunities at Cornell.
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Seeing the joy that simple acts of service and genuine interaction brough highlighted the level of need in Bolivia and encouraged me to reflect on how I can more intentionally serve my community.
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Not only was I drawn to the experience because of the traveling aspect, but getting to explore what a future in healthcare meant while aiding underserved communities wasn’t something I could pass up.
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As a pre-med student, Elizabeth wanted to study the sciences and continue studying Italian. The College of Arts and Sciences afforded her the perfect opportunity to do so at a university with strong school spirit, a well-connected campus, and a strong sense of community.
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