Lauren Q. 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. Read Full Story Cleveland, Ohio

Sebastian B. 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. Read Full Story Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Elliott S. 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. Read Full Story Riverside, California

Sarah S. 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. Read Full Story Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Julian A. 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. Read Full Story Miami, Florida

Anna Cecilia F. 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. Read Full Story Santa Ana, California

Katherine R. 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. Read Full Story Williamstown, New Jersey

Abigail D. 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. Read Full Story Houston, Texas

Hana K. 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. Read Full Story Syracuse, NY, U.S.

Truman P. 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. Read Full Story Glen Ellyn, IL

Abhay G. 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. Read Full Story Washington, D.C., United States & New Delhi, India

Sophia S. 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. Read Full Story Rochester, NY