Maya R.
I’ve been involved in Psi Chi, the Member Engagement Chair of Cornell Minds Matter, the Secretary of Cornellians for Israel, Big Red Ambassadors, College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors, Hopelessly Yellow, a Student Assistant at the Sidney Cox Library of Music and Dance, and the Cornell Sun.
The campus! It's so big, and I love knowing that there are still so many parts that I haven't seen yet.
I came into college very unsure of what I wanted to do, and I was grateful that Arts & Sciences placed no pressure on its students to declare a major. We are given the opportunity to remain undecided until the end of our sophomore year, but despite that, I found myself declaring an English and psychology major because of how interesting my classes were for those specific subjects. The distributional requirements in Arts & Sciences make it so easy for students to engage in courses that they never would have imagined themselves doing, so I was drawn to the college by its interdisciplinary approach to academic achievement.
Writing. I personally love writing, and I can do it anywhere. I would prefer to write an essay any day versus completing an in-person exam.
My professors and the Cornell staff. I always go to office hours to get to know my professors on a personal basis and, of course, to get advice on how to succeed in their class. They are always extremely helpful and have a passion for getting to know their students.
Don't stress. Honestly, I wish I had told my senior year self that everything truly does work out. I wanted to fit the mold of being the perfect student, but it wasn't until the end of my first year of college that I realized that there is no perfect student. As long as you give your best effort and stay committed to achieving your goals and aspirations, you're on the right track.
Through classes, the dining hall, and literally just passing by them on campus. Everyone, especially as a first-year student, is in the same boat of being nervous about making new friends. You are the one who is ultimately in control, and if you want to make friends, it is important to remember that everyone is actively trying to, so don't be afraid to reach out! I met all of my best friends by making that first step, and I'm beyond grateful for doing so.
Asia Cuisine or Thompson and Bleeker in Ithaca Commons. From Asia Cuisine, I usually order a tuna roll, a salmon roll, and a salmon avocado roll while from Thompson and Bleeker, I am a big fan of their alfredo and vodka pasta.
I chose Cornell because I was drawn to their vibrant community. Everyone is so passionate about learning, and I wanted to join a community where I would feel welcome in my academic and social interests; I think Cornell has a great balance between those.
Try different foods! Ithaca has a lot of good places to eat, and I still haven't had the opportunity to try them all. Everything has tasted wonderful thus far, and I can't wait to try and explore more Ithacan eateries.
My favorite Cornell memory was my first time walking around Beebe Lake. I am from NYC, and I value walks more than anything. Back home, I often went to Central Park or Riverside Park, the one facing the Hudson River. However, when I came to Ithaca, I was fascinated by the greenery, the stillness of nature, and the vibrant change of seasons—especially during the fall. Because of this, I wanted to explore the trail near Beebe Lake, since it was the closest scenic spot to me as a first-year student living on North Campus. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of peace as I walked along the water, surrounded by trees painted in shades of orange and red. It was the first moment I felt truly grounded at Cornell, like I had found a quiet space of my own amidst all the newness and excitement of college life.
My biggest inspiration is my parents. Both of them immigrated to the United States from Israel, and their journey to success continually motivates me. They had to adapt to an entirely new educational system and overcome the challenge of learning in a language that wasn't their own. Watching their perseverance and dedication has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. Every day, I strive to strengthen my own work ethic, follow in their footsteps, and make both them and myself proud.
PSYCH/COGSCI 1500 (Introduction to Environmental Psychology) taught by Professor Gary Evans. I particularly enjoyed this class because I was able to explore how our physical surroundings influence human behavior and mental well-being, which are topics that I was interested in before enrolling in the class. Through engaging lectures and discussions, I learned how factors like noise, crowding, and natural environments affect stress, productivity, and overall happiness. This course opened my eyes to the deep connection between psychology and the elements around us, and it made me more mindful of how our places in an environment shape our daily experiences.
I love studying in the Olin Library and grabbing a drink at the cafe downstairs, or studying in the A.D. White Library in Uris Library.
The Botanical Gardens. I just recently visited the garden to absorb the fall weather, and it was so beautiful.
Cornell combines the intimacy of a close-knit community with the vast opportunities of an Ivy League university. Its balance between academic rigor and natural beauty creates an environment that encourages both intellectual growth and personal reflection, and I feel that I can really thrive whilst on this campus.
To go to grad school in NYC.
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