Michelle Y.
Under the Pre-Professional Association Toward Careers in Health, I am a volunteer for the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (children’s afterschool program), Cornell Red Cross, Parkinson’s Pals, CALS Ambassador, a member of the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, and research in the Vet School.
My favorite thing about Cornell is the campus. Even if I am having a bad day, taking a walk through the scenic paths around campus, especially near the Beebe Lake waterfall, helps me clear my mind and appreciate how peaceful and beautiful Ithaca is.
My parents inspire me to work hard and stay motivated. Seeing their dedication and the sacrifices they've made for me pushes me to take advantage of the opportunities I've been given.
My favorite class so far is BIOMI 2900: General Microbiology because it explores biology from a different perspective compared to introductory courses. It focuses on real-world applications of microbes, including pathology, immunology, and food preservation, which makes the material feel especially relevant and engaging.
Through my business minor, I participated in a trip to Cornell Tech in New York City, where I was able to explore the intersection of technology, business, and innovation.
The Cornell experience is unique because it is more vigorous than schools which forces you to gain your footing faster.
The Cornell experience is unique because of its academic rigor, which pushes students to adapt quickly and grow. It challenges you to develop strong work habits while also encouraging independence and resilience.
I like to switch up where I study because it helps me stay productive. Recently, I've been enjoying the round tables in front of Olin because they offer the perfect balance between being social and staying focused. When I want a quieter environment, I like studying in the A. D. White Library, which has a really calm atmosphere.
CALS is a great fit for me because the flexible core curriculum allows me to take classes outside of my major while still focusing on my interests in biology. This flexibility has allowed me to explore other areas, like business, and build a more well-rounded academic experience.
When I was applying, I chose Cornell because it felt like a place that would challenge me in the best way. I didn't just want to be comfortable. I wanted to grow, explore new interests, and be surrounded by people who were equally motivated. Cornell stood out as a place where I could do all of that.
My academic passion is understanding how biology connects to real-world health outcomes, especially in medicine. I enjoy learning how systems work at both the cellular and organism level and how that knowledge can be applied to improve patient care.
My go-to campus resources are office hours and the Cornell Learning Strategies Center. I discovered them early on through professors and upperclassmen and they have been really helpful for staying on top of challenging classes and improving how I study. I also love the Office of Undergraduate Biology because they are super helpful in making sure I am taking the right courses while staying on track for my Biological Sciences concentration requirements.
I wish I had known that it's okay to not have everything figured out when applying to college. It can feel like you need a perfect plan, but in reality, college is a time to explore. What matters more is being open-minded and willing to try new things. Don't be afraid to take classes that interest you; you might discover a new path, or learn what isn't right for you, and both are just as valuable.
I found my friends and community through my first-year dorm and my classes, which made it easy to connect with people early on. Over time, those friendships grew through mutual connections and shared experiences like clubs, and I was able to build a really supportive and close-knit community.
My go-to place to eat on campus is Trillium because it has so many options and always feels like a step up from typical dining hall food. I usually get a burrito bowl or a quesadilla since they're fresh, customizable, and perfect between classes. I also love stopping by Mac's for a smoothie, they're refreshing and a great healthy option.
My favorite thing to do in Ithaca is explore new restaurants. It's one of my favorite ways to unwind and try something new, especially since Ithaca has such a variety of unique local spots to discover with friends.
My favorite Cornell memory is sledding with friends. I was scared at first, but it ended up being such an exhilarating experience, and it's something I'll always remember.
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Beebe Dam bridge. It has a beautiful view of the gorge and is especially nice on sunny days, but it's also really cool to see when it's completely frozen in the winter. It's one of those places that makes me appreciate how unique Cornell's campus is.
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