Saty P-T.
I initially chose Cornell because of the Entomology program; it's one of the largest Entomology programs in the nation and highly regarded, and I felt I would have had the greatest opportunity to explore my career interests and get involved in science. Additionally, the location and CALS's emphasis on the life sciences made Cornell extra appealing for someone who enjoys nature and biology.
My go-to place to eat on Central Campus would likely be Trillium or Cafe Jennie. My favorite thing to order at Trillium is the ramen bowl, and at Cafe Jennie I love ordering the Chicken Milano sandwich.
One of my favorite things to do in Ithaca is to explore the different cuisines around Collegetown. I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of Asian restaurants in the vicinity of campus and can often be found indulging in a comforting bowl of Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew). In the warmer months, I love going off-campus to see the natural wonders Ithaca has to offer. I especially enjoy visiting the Lab of Ornithology or walking around the botanical gardens.
Many of the entomology classes involve collection assignments where students must venture out into the wilderness to collect insect specimens for their final deliverables. There are a few classes where part of your grade is to grab your net and play real-life Pokémon Go while frolicking in the bushes, so these experiences were especially memorable for me. I also got to explore a lot of the natural scenery around the Ithaca area thanks to these collecting field trips.
I am inspired by people that remain kind even after facing hardship. Life can deal its blows, and great strife can duly leave people with bitterness and cynicism in their heart. Those who strive to be noble and find strength in kindness even after experiencing great tragedy are truly commendable in my eyes.
I'm inspired by my late father, who always cared for others as a nurse and did his best to plaster smiles on people's faces.
I'm inspired by the prospect of being part of a larger scientific body that's committed to the conservation of our biodiversity. My aspirations to be kind are derived from my desire to perpetuate my father's legacy, and it far transcends human boundaries. I believe all living beings deserve to be shown benevolence and have a rightful place in our ecosystems. I have an especially soft spot for the overlooked and underappreciated critters, and am committed to protecting them just as much as the more charismatic animals that our attention is usually drawn to.
It's really hard to choose my favorite class so far; almost all the classes I've taken were absolutely fantastic. If I had to choose, I would say Insect Biodiversity and Evolution or Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy have been my favorites. I adore evolutionary biology, and these two classes have been instrumental in my deep dive into biodiversity. Though I think with the current classes I'm taking, Human Bonding and Biological Diversity of the Sonoran Desert may take their spot on the throne. Human Bonding will probably be the most important class you'll take if you want to learn more about forming lasting relationships with others, and for Biological Diversity of the Sonoran Desert we're going to Tucson, AZ for spring break. I don't think it gets any better than that!
The motto “Any person, any study isn't merely a slogan. You really can study just about anything here at Cornell. Even as an entomology major, I've taken crazy courses like Digital Morphology in CT, Gods, Ghosts and Gurus, and even a course where you learn how to play Indonesian Gamelan instruments and learn about its cultural and historical significance. Cornell offers a diverse array of intellectually stimulating courses that are seldom found anywhere else. There are must-take courses here for a reason! If it weren't for time and credit constraints, I would've taken any and all of the amazing classes that Cornell has to offer and has gained a reputation for
I just applied for a postbaccalaureate research fellowship studying salamanders in the Northeast starting this summer, but I'm also looking into other research opportunities and jobs to gain more experience before applying for grad school next Fall.
My favorite places to study are either Olin Library, Mann Library, or my dorm. It honestly depends on where on campus I am. The atmosphere on the first floor of Olin Library is especially appealing when I'm looking for a place to work that has a lively ambiance. Sometimes I can't focus when the room is completely silent; I need to be reassured that there are other living, breathing souls around me. Mann Library also has a great atmosphere for when I need a quieter place to study, and I'm near the Ag Quad. I love its natural lighting and nature-y vibe. Finally, my dorm is a great place to be when I want to be in the comfort of my own space and play Pomodoro timer tunes on my iPad speaker.
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