Tom S.
Cornell Undergraduate Veteran Association, Veterans’ Social Club, Cornell Outing Club, and Italian Society at Cornell (just recently).
Just the sheer exposure. I thought I knew exactly what to expect coming to Cornell. I also had a pretty clear idea of what I was going to do after graduation, but that's all been turned on its head. I've had the opportunity to meet so many people and have been able to work with professors in subject matters that I've never experienced before, and now I'm exploring many different opportunities, both currently and post-graduation.
On campus, I'd say Mann Library. Mostly out of convenience to Dyson and the proximity to get as much coffee as possible. I appreciate how there's always space to do either group study or, if you need quiet space by yourself, that is available as well.
This is tough to pick because I have quite a few spots in Ithaca I love, including Stewart Park, Buttermilk Falls, The Slope on campus, and Sapsucker Woods. So I'll let you in on a secret. The absolute best view of the sunset over Cayuga Lake is on the 5th floor of the Cornell Art Museum!
I believe Dyson is a great fit for me because the school's mantra has always rang true to me. I'm a firm believer that to create a better world, we have to be more than just analysts; we have to be true practitioners in the type of difference we want to make. I believe businesses can cultivate change at a scale that is difficult to reproduce otherwise. Business for a better world is more than a headline; it is a mechanism by which we can empower people to make the world a better place for all.
I love working with my advisors at Dyson! They are not only extremely knowledgeable, but they are also just fun and personable. I also have a close relationship with our on-campus Veteran Coordinator. Often, there are many unique opportunities that I would not have known about without our coordinators. I'd be remiss not to mention my peers. It's incredible the amount of events and general information that you learn just by talking with your friends and classmates around campus. It's impossible to know everything, so it's definitely worthwhile to ask a friendly neighbor if they can help, and you'd probably be surprised how often the answer is "Yes!"
Lean into your individualism and what you bring to campus. While applying, I often thought about, "What does Dyson/Cornell want?" Not necessarily a bad thing, but I later came to appreciate that my uniqueness was a larger contributor to my acceptance than my GPA (still get a good GPA).
I was very fortunate to have attended a summer program called the Veteran Summer Bridge Program. It was an amazing experience that gave me a community right when I walked on campus. I've stuck with those same individuals throughout my time here and truly cherish our similar paths. I'm also a huge proponent of networking and putting yourself out there. There's a club or an interest for literally everyone, so there are a lot of opportunities to find people who have shared interests.
I'm an innovator. I like creating things and solving problems. Being able to learn how to harness that creativity and build a strong framework to bring these ideas to market is extremely valuable. I appreciate how I can apply what I learn in class to projects I am working on at home.
Cornell was one of the few schools that continuously reached out to me and made themselves available to speak with me during my application process. It also has a very strong Veteran community, something I was looking for. Finally, I was able to get into my dream school, which I knew would enable me to meet some truly outstanding professionals and researchers.
I've lived off-campus for the majority of my time here, so I wouldn't consider myself an authority on campus dining. However, I've eaten at Toni Morrison dining hall quite a bit and always enjoyed their selection. Admittedly, I probably ate way too much ice cream every time I went.
I love taking my pup, Persey, out to Stewart Park or on a waterfall hike! We also live next to the Sapsucker Woods, right next to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and love walking through the woods. I
In general, I just love hanging out with everyone in my Veteran cohort. One of my favorite memories was canoeing in Beebe Lake over the summer. My buddy and I, in the same canoe, paddled up to the small waterfall on the east side of the lake (spoiler alert), and wouldn't you know it, we ended up rolling our canoe and fell into the water. Luckily, it was hot that day, and we had our life jackets on, so we got a fun, cool swim out of the experience.
Learning about everyone's beginnings and how they got to where they are. Cornell is comprised of individuals from so many different cultures and backgrounds. It's so amazing talking to my peers on campus and gaining a completely different perspective on everything from global affairs to politics to what they like to do for fun. I always find it inspiring to hear how far people have come and the plans they have for the future. What is your favorite class so far, and why? So far, my favorite class was AEM 4650, Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation with Professor Mark Beck. Mark brought so much real-world experience as a CEO and current member with multiple board positions. The class had such relevant insights, and the cases discussed were exactly the conversations the C-suite executives were having. Additionally, almost every week we had a guest speaker, and this line-up was nothing short of an all-star team. It was such a unique experience to hear from so many industry leaders, and we were even invited to create plans in class that could then be implemented back in their companies. In effect, the class was an opportunity to sit at the round table with some of the most influential people in various industries.
I have an upcoming study abroad trip to Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. The trip is set for the Fall of 2026, so I don't have any first-hand experience as of yet, but to say I am excited is an understatement. One of the benefits I've enjoyed now is that I've recently joined Cornell's Italian Society. Some of my peers from Italy actually recommended I join the group so I can practice my Italian and learn some of the cultural norms before my trip.
The number of opportunities has been tremendous. I think Cornell represents what you're willing to put into it. If you like to network or you have a particular interest, be it professional or personal, you'll be able to find an outlet here. I've also found there are very few half-measures here. The professors and advisors will often go above and beyond to help you reach whatever goals you have.
Initially, I had planned on pursuing an MBA immediately after graduation. This is still a viable option; however, I've also been pursued by consulting firms that may align more with my immediate professional aspirations.
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