Jeffrey R.
I love getting out and exploring. Whether it's riding my bike or going on a run, there are many trails, parks, and open land to explore in the Ithaca area. One time I hiked an hour into a nature reserve just to study in the peaceful silence of the forest.
My favorite technical class so far has been MAE2250: Mechanical Synthesis. In the lectures, we learned about product realization, documentation, fabrication processes, and how to use CAD software. Also, I had the opportunity to integrate engineering knowledge with personal experience in a semester-long design project; three classmates and I prototyped a paw cleaner that filled a gap in the current market. Outside of technical coursework, I also enjoyed my PE courses. In bowling, I learned how to bowl with proper technique and put spin on the ball, while in salsa, I learned new steps and moves to follow along with the rhythms of my culture.
I am most productive in the stacks of Olin Library. The silence and individual desks help me concentrate, and I still get a window to look out from.
The bowls from Terrace are second to none. Definitely my favorite spot. On North Campus, however, Morrison sweeps the floor with its many food options.
I am a member of Colombianos Unidos, Footvolley Club, Aviation Club, and Running Club, and I’m an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator.
The College of Engineering is a great fit, not only offering a variety of majors and minors to choose from, but also extensive support while I pursue my interests. From one-on-one tutoring to Academic Excellence Workshops to close contact with the academic advisors, I constantly feel supported in the direction I am headed. In addition, I get the opportunity to study abroad for a semester and graduate on time.
One of my passions is giving back, especially via teaching or mentoring opportunities. My major/college allows me the flexibility to pursue this, and I signed up to be a facilitator for Academic Excellence Workshops and Freshman Peer Advisor during my second and third years. As a facilitator, I help guide students through the rigorous multivariable calculus course by providing extra support. As a Peer Advisor, I offer first-year engineering students practical advice on succeeding during their time at Cornell and guide them in the direction of the multiple services Cornell offers.
Even as an introverted person, I was able to find my friends and community in various ways! Not only have I remained close friends with my first roommate, but I also made friends in the various classes across the first few semesters. Outside of the classroom, I made friends through my campus jobs and while playing with the Footvolley Club.
Not only was I attracted to the Mechanical Engineering major and the classes it included while searching online, but also the many clubs I would get to join and the diversity of the student body itself. I felt like I would really have control over how my future would look, and all those options made me excited to join the Big Red. I also liked Cornell's location on the east coast, as it would be a relatively close drive from home.
My favorite Cornell memory is going to Boston during my first year with the Footvolley Club and competing in a weekend tournament. Not only was this a fun outing for a sport we loved to play, but my teammates and I ended up creating lasting bonds.
My favorite thing about Cornell is that there is an opportunity for almost anything imaginable. Whether it's a sport you play, subject you're interested in, or extracurricular activity you enjoyed throughout high school, Cornell's project teams, club/intramural sports, and hundreds of student-run organizations allow you that chance to get involved.
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