Abigail B.
The Touchtones All Treble Acapella, Kappa Delta Sorority, GlobeMed at Cornell, CALS Ambassador.
CALS has been a great fit for me because it allows me to explore multiple interests at once. Through Global Development, I've been able to study development, health, food systems, policy, and economics all together instead of choosing just one, which has made my academic experience feel really intentional and exciting. What I love most, though, is the sense of community and spirit within CALS. There are so many opportunities to get involved, whether it's events like CALS Fest, resources like CALS Zone, or just running into familiar faces in Mann Library. It's a big university, but CALS makes it feel much smaller.
I'm really interested in how healthcare systems work and how access to care is shaped by larger systems. Through my coursework and research, I've become especially interested in how policies, funding, and program design impact who is able to receive care and how services are delivered.
The Learning Strategies Center is one of my go-to campus resources. They offer free drop-in tutoring almost every day of the week for a wide range of subjects, including chemistry, calculus, statistics, physics, finance and accounting, and many languages. The Learning Assistants are knowledgeable and friendly, and they've honestly been lifesavers for prelim prep and working through difficult problem sets. I first learned about it through orientation and it quickly became a resource I rely on regularly.
I wish I had known that you don't need to have everything figured out when you're applying. I think a lot of students feel pressure to have a clear plan, but Cornell is really a place where you can explore different interests and figure things out over time. I've changed my interests a lot since arriving, and that flexibility has been one of the most valuable parts of my experience.
I found a lot of my friends and community through clubs, especially a cappella and Greek life. I'm part of the Touchtones a cappella group and Kappa Delta sorority, and both have introduced me to amazing people and really strong support systems. What I love most is that meeting people never really stops; every semester I meet new people and make new friendships.
I was drawn to Cornell because it offered both strong academics and a really unique community. I liked that I could study something interdisciplinary like Global Development while also being part of a big university with so many different opportunities. I also loved how active and collaborative the campus felt.
One of my favorite things to do in Ithaca is go on ice cream runs with my friends! There are so many great spots like Purity, The Frosty Cow, Jason's Grocery & Deli, Sweet Melissa's, Not My Dad's, Toad's Too, and Footie's Freeze. I actually work at Scoops in Lansing, so ice cream is a big part of my life, and it's always a fun way to explore the area and hang out, especially for sunset!
I love how many different communities I've been able to find here. Between my major, clubs, and social groups, I've met so many different kinds of people, and it feels like I'm constantly meeting new ones. It makes a big school feel much smaller and more connected.
One of my favorite Cornell memories is going sledding with my friends during the first snowfall. It's so fun seeing everyone out with makeshift sleds.
I'm really inspired by the people around me, especially my friends and family. I love seeing how hard they work to pursue their passions while also supporting others, and that really motivates me to do the same.
My favorite class has been Just Food (GDEV1300/PLSCI1300), which I took as a first-year student and now serve as a TA for. It's an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to the full food system, from production to consumption, through both classroom discussions and hands-on visits around campus and in the greater Ithaca area. Field trips include the Dilmun Hill Student Farm, West Haven Farm, the Dairy Bar, and local restaurants, helping students understand how food connects to larger issues like sustainability, equity, and community.
I think what makes Cornell unique is the combination of academic rigor and strong community. You're challenged, but you're also surrounded by people—professors, peers, and advisors—who genuinely want to support you. There are so many opportunities and ways to get involved, academically and socially.
I may be biased, but I love the Global Development lounge in the basement of Mann library!
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate study, likely an MPH or MHA. I'm most interested in administrative and strategic roles within healthcare or development-focused organizations, where I can work on how programs are designed, funded, and implemented. I'm especially drawn to systems-level work that combines strategy, research, and real-world impact, particularly in the context of health and development.
I love studying in Mann Library because there's a spot for any situation. There are great group spaces for projects, quiet study rooms for focused work or interviews, and I especially love sitting by the big windows on the second floor; it's such a nice place to look out and enjoy nature. I also like how there is always something going on in Mann Library, from bake sales to student events to animal petting zoos!
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