Melaina T.
I am a College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) Ambassador and am involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Professors and older students have been great resources for me to ask about grad school, internships, and my resume. I've also had a lot of help from Career Services when it comes to thinking about post-grad. If you need any help with adjusting to campus life, I would recommend reaching out to resources available at your dorm as they're super friendly and knowledgeable people.
When I was applying to Cornell, I wish someone had told me that the school is so big that it's impossible not to find a place, and people, you feel comfortable with. We're lucky to have amazing, hardworking students that bring great events to campus. There's so many groups to join and interests to explore that I never would have thought about before Cornell.
I found my friends at Cornell through my major! My first year, I took Intro to Print Media and fell in love with the great community of printmakers always hanging out in the studio. People were so dedicated to their work and willing to help; they were inspiring to be around.
My favorite class I've taken at Cornell so far has been Papermaking with Julianne Hunter. We went on some really great field trips, like to a print fair in New York City or to a local artist's farm to learn about natural dyes. I also loved the artists we got to talk to. We had so much creative freedom to make what we want, and I was able to make work I was really passionate about. Our class ended up becoming a great little community.
I chose Cornell because as an art major, it was important to me that I be able to pursue my other interests outside of art. Cornell's BFA program has been a really great fit for me because I've been able to take amazing elective classes that inform my art practice. I also love all the unique clubs and organizations we have available that you might not find at a smaller university.
My favorite thing to do in Ithaca is a trip to the Commons with my friends. I love to shop, go to gallery openings, and grab a bite to eat. There's so much amazing food in Ithaca!
My favorite spot on campus is Olive Tjaden Hall, which is where I spend most of my time. Tjaden houses all the art studios (except for sculpture) and has fantastic equipment, studio space, and faculty floating around all day.
My go-to lunch order on campus is the pasta bar at Trillium! For coffee, I love the Green Dragon.
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