Aayushi A.
Cornell's unique offerings and interdisciplinary studies prompted me to apply, especially since the intersection I'm passionate about, computer science and healthcare, is still relatively new, and not many universities have undergraduate programs dedicated to computational biology. I'm glad I made that decision, and after coming here realized how many more incredible opportunities there are to learn subjects I hadn't even thought of, like intro to wines, and network with professionals from a variety of industries. Cornell really opened the landscape for what I could do in my future, and for that I'm incredibly grateful.
My favorite food spot on campus is Bus Stop Bagels, and once a week I always order the Route 32 sandwich (chicken, avocado, bacon, cream cheese, and green onion on an everything bagel). It's really helpful to have Big Red Bucks as part of the meal plan, and Bus Stop Bagels' location is perfect for my classes surrounding the Ag Quad. They also sell coffee and a few other snacks, which are great for a midday energy boost.
I love exploring new coffee shops and study spots with friends. Every weekend, one of my engineering friends and I try finding a new cafe to visit in Collegetown or the Commons. We experiment with new menu items and mix productivity, exploration, and friendly catch-ups. We also sometimes stumble upon hidden gems, like a bookstore in the basement of a historic house, small jewelry sellers, and cultural food stalls.
It's hard to pick, but I love all of the spontaneous moments that are filled with nothing grand, just hanging out with new people or trying a new aspect of Cornell. One that comes to mind is finishing my CS 2110 final exam (and feeling incredibly relieved), and walking to U-Tea with some friends I made in the class. It was my first time trying boba in Ithaca, but more than the tea, I loved the free smiles and jokes shared among the people I met in that class. It also marked the end of one of the hardest college classes I have taken, and I felt so proud of how I had ended on a strong note and actually enjoyed the class despite its challenges.
I think I'm always motivated to give my best effort into everything I do, whether that's from watching my family pull through hard times through sheer hard work and willpower, or from seeing the incredible things people are studying and working on around me. I'm fortunate to have found an academic focus that excites and challenges me, and witnessing the rapid advancements in the field, as well as learning from knowledgeable teachers and learning alongside talented students, pushes me to give my best in each task I pursue.
Cornell Boxing Club, Cornell Mafia Club, CALS Ambassador, Research in the Pennell Lab, and Office of Undergraduate Biology Transfer Student Advisor
I was drawn to CALS because of its unique course offerings, especially allowing me to combine my interests in computer science and biology with the Computational Biology department. It's also been a great experience talking with students from unique majors, like Animal Science and Food Science, and I'm looking forward to branching into food-related classes next year, including Intro to Wines and Ice Cream Making.
I have always been passionate about biology, thinking through each problem and physiological system like a large jigsaw puzzle. I admire the detective-like work of medicine, but also combining it with new technologies and innovative applications of computer science and data analysis in the healthcare field. That's why I was excited to study Computational Biology in CALS, and I have already learned so much about its wide applications, like improving our understanding of evolutionary systems, working with genetic information, and even trying my hand at object-oriented programming through computer science coursework.
The campus is beautiful, and I love the mix of historic and modern buildings. It's also surrounded by so much nature that I love walking around, and the small-town charm helps you feel better connected to both the school and the town. Seeing a waterfall almost every day is definitely a unique experience.
As a bio major, I'm very grateful for having the Office of Undergraduate Biology (OUB) as a resource and love chatting with my student advisor as well as my faculty advisor. Everyone there is really supportive in navigating academics and Cornell life, and it's great to just say "hi" or relax on the office couches. I also greatly appreciate the CALS advisors, and frequently check in with the academic team to track my degree progress, as well as set up biweekly meetings with the career advisors to prep for interviews and industry recruitment.
One thing that really helped me in my applications was doing a ton of mini-drafts or just jotting down short notes of personal reflections and things I genuinely enjoyed doing, or small life lessons that I had learned. This process of reflecting and thinking about my past experiences as learning opportunities helped me a lot when it came to writing my college essays, and it made the process more fun as I got to reminisce about everything I had done while looking forward to the new college journey.
Oddly enough, I just talked to random people, and fortunately some initial conversations worked out. One friend I met at a bus stop as we were both laughing about being incredibly late to our morning class. Another, I met at the project team fair as I was curious to learn about the Chem E Cars team. I met a few in my computer science and pharmacy management classes, though overall my experience has been diverse in that there's no "right" way to meet people. I have learned that some connections work out long-term, some are great for short-term based on class schedules, and others might just include a brief introduction. The important thing is to be open to trying and being brave enough to say that first "hello."
I really enjoyed a public policy class I took last semester - intro to pharmaceutical management- as it taught me so much about the business side of healthcare and how drugs are carried from ideation to actual product launches that then help patients. It provided a new perspective on the medical industry and made me realize I would really enjoy working in the multifaceted pharmaceutical industry.
The opportunities I see here are incredible, ranging from working on a project team to designing a Formula 1 car, to studying viticulture and enology, to learning alongside so many talented individuals in fields I hadn't even heard of before college. It's so impressive to witness this many driven students, faculty, and staff in one beautiful college town, and even when things get challenging or overwhelming, being surrounded by such opportunities and passionate individuals pushes you to keep trying.
If everything goes according to plan, I would like to work in the healthcare industry, likely in healthcare consulting or pharmaceuticals. After a few years, I will re-evaluate to see whether I would like to stay in the industry and earn an MBA, or return to my initial pre-med inclinations and apply to medical school to become a doctor.
You can usually find me studying in one of the CS buildings, either Gates or Bowers, since I love seeing the sunset in the evenings and it's close to both central campus and Collegetown. The White reading room in Uris Library (better known as the Harry Potter room) is very beautiful, and I highly recommend any Cornell visitor or student to sit there at least once.
I love finding small gems in downtown Ithaca, either trying new coffee shops with friends or stumbling into random bookstores to see what's available. Walking on the nearby hiking trails is always a great break, and I love seeing the natural beauty of upstate New York as the seasons change.
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