Blake A.
Big Red Ambassadors: Cornell Days Chair, CALS Ambassador, Cornell University Diversity Admissions Ambassador (CUDAA), Caribbean Student Association
Coming from NYC, I wanted a break from concrete and chaos. Ithaca's natural beauty felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe. The waterfalls, the quiet, the space—it was exactly the change I needed to grow both personally and academically.
Trillium, no question, and not just because I used to work there! There's something gorgeous about the variety of stations and the dining hall being two feet away from my classes, and I don't have to hike to get to it. Plus, I know which line moves fastest.
I love exploring the Commons. It's like Ithaca's personality all in one spot. Whether it's local art, great food, or random performances, it reminds me that college life doesn't stop at campus borders.
Hands down: the Ken Carson concert. The energy, the crowd, the pure chaos in the best way—it was the night campus felt alive and electric. It was right after one of my exams, and it was a moment that made all the stress worth it.
My parents. Their resilience, humility, and work ethic constantly push me to aim higher and stay grounded. Everything I pursue, I do with their journey in mind.
NS 2450: Social Science Perspectives on Food and Nutrition. It challenged me to rethink how food systems, culture, and psychology intersect. I came in thinking it'd be about nutrition facts and left understanding the deeper forces behind our nutrition.
My favorite thing about Cornell is how it makes space for everyone to grow. Whether you're into science, art, social justice, or a bit of everything, you'll find people who support your journey.
As a student in CALS, I've found a community that embraces curiosity and purpose. CALS bridges science, public service, and innovation in a way that feels deeply personal. With programs that focus on real-world impact, like global health and behavioral epidemiology, CALS pushes me to translate my experiences into meaningful change, especially in underserved communities. It's the perfect environment for someone like me, who wants to blend research and advocacy.
I plan on pursuing med school or a future as an epidemiologist focusing on designing scalable health interventions that tackle health inequities both locally and globally.
Martha Van Rensselaer Hall (MVR). It's quiet, underrated, and has just the right amount of background buzz. Plus, I feel like I absorb knowledge just by sitting there.
The Cornell experience is unique because it blends Ivy League excellence with a sense of grounded curiosity. You're surrounded by brilliant people, but there's no pressure to fit into one mold. Here, you're encouraged to carve your own path, take intellectual risks, and ask big questions. That freedom to explore, to evolve, and to be fully yourself is what makes Cornell stand out.
I'm most passionate about the intersection of public health and behavioral change. Studying Global and Public Health Sciences at Cornell has taught me that effective solutions start with understanding people: how they live, think, and make decisions. I love applying models like COM-B (capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M) for behavioral change) to real issues and crafting interventions that are both data-driven and human-focused.
The LSC (Learning Strategies Center) was my lifeline during Bio. I showed up once and somehow never left, I practically became a regular. What started as emergency tutoring turned into a tight-knit study squad. They even helped me ace some of my non-Bio classes (shoutout to the LSC tutors who knew stats). Love those guys.
It's okay not to have it all figured out. When I was applying, I thought I needed a 10-year plan. Doubts are part of the process. Don't rush your journey; grow into it.
ClubFest was a game-changer. I signed up for everything from health orgs to cultural groups and slowly found "my people." Whether it was tabling with Big Red Ambassadors or bonding over shared interests, I found community in curiosity.
Panera Bread. No lie. Get me some soup, my laptop, and their Wi-Fi, and I'm locked in. Great food, reliable vibes, and the best cafe vibe to be productive.
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