Amelia F.
My favorite place to study is in the Physical Sciences Building in between my classes. There is the best natural light and open working environment, where I am able to feel productive and efficient. It is also always a plus to be right next to my favorite coffee place, Goldie's Cafe, where I can get a quick pick-me-up.
I love being involved, and Cornell offers so many opportunities. I am currently a member of Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service (EARS), where I practice active listening and peer support to foster a more resilient campus. Additionally, as a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, I have found a strong sisterhood centered on community service and leadership. Finally, my work with the Cornell Medical Brigades allows me to apply my pre-medical interests to global health initiatives. Through these diverse organizations, I am able to merge my passions for healthcare and advocacy while making a tangible impact on my community.
My favorite spot on campus is Sage Chapel. Whether I am attending Sunday Mass or simply walking past, the intricate stained-glass windows and historic brick architecture never fail to brighten my day. It serves as a perfect sanctuary to rest and reset amidst the constant momentum of Cornell's many opportunities. The chapel offers a rare, quiet space for reflection. The combination of its peaceful atmosphere and the occasional sound of organ music makes it an essential anchor for my happiness and success on campus.
My favorite thing about Cornell is the depth of immersion it offers. As a lifelong learner, I have found that the environment here doesn't just provide information; it fosters a mindset where curiosity is overflowing. While my classes are consistently rigorous and engaging, the true value of my experience lies in the curriculum found within our diverse student body. One hour I am diving into a complex lecture, and the next, I'm gaining a new perspective from a peer with a completely different cultural background or niche passion. At Cornell, knowledge is prevalent in every corner of campus, turning every conversation into an opportunity to grow. It is a rare gift to be in a place where I can genuinely look forward to discovering something new every single day.
CALS is the ideal environment for my aspirations due to its unique interdisciplinary structure. As a biological sciences major on a pre-med track, I value the ability to pair a rigorous clinical foundation while being able to explore my interests in environmental conservation. The multifaceted curriculum allows me to develop the specialized skills necessary for a medical career while engaging with the college's environmental classes, which fit my devotion to protect the environment. I am confident that this integrated approach will prepare me to become a more informed and forward-thinking physician who focuses not only on the health of humans, but also the health of the world we live in.
My academic passion lies in physiological communication, for example, how internal signaling within the human body dictates systemic health. I am driven to understand the complex pathways between the mind and body, and at Cornell, the Biological Sciences major is uniquely suited to this pursuit. It allows me to ground my studies in advanced Mathematics and Chemistry and select a Biology concentration that targets my specific interest in human physiology, with classes focused on my own enthusiasm.
My go-to campus resource is the Learning Strategies Center (LSC). I discovered the LSC during my first week at Cornell through orientation and through my professors. The LSC has helped me discover the best approaches for studying, and has also connected me with peers in my classes to do group studying with. For all of my classes, the LSC can always supply me with helpful advice and ways to grow as a student.
One piece of advice I wish I had known when applying is that you should write about something you can talk about for hours. I initially thought that statistics and leadership positions were the most important factors. Now that I am at Cornell, I can see that everyone has a unique focus that makes them stand out. While I was originally conflicted about how to answer specific prompts, being genuine was the best decision I could have made.
What makes the Cornell experience unique is the lack of academic boundaries. Students are never confined to the curriculum of their specific college. Instead, we are encouraged to branch out across the university's entire ecosystem to pursue our evolving interests. While many elite institutions are known for a single standout discipline such as engineering, business, or medicine, Cornell is all-encompassing.
My journey to finding community at Cornell began the moment my parents dropped me off. I decided to take a leap of faith and started knocking on the doors in my residence hall to introduce myself. To my surprise, every person was incredibly welcoming, and we formed an instant bond that has lasted ever since. Beyond my dorm, I found a deeper sense of belonging within the Delta Delta Delta sorority. My sorority sisters have truly become a second family, providing a supportive network that makes this large university feel like home. I am so grateful for these connections and am excited for everything the future holds with them.
I have always felt an intuitive sense of home at Cornell. During my first visit, I was immediately struck by the vibrancy and intellectual energy that seemed to permeate every corner of the campus. I knew almost instantly that this was where I belonged. Even a massive downpour at the end of the tour, which left my mother and me completely soaked, couldn't dampen my enthusiasm. The combination of Cornell's vast academic landscape and its stunning natural surroundings made it clear that there was no other place I wanted to spend my undergrad.
My go-to place to eat on campus would have to be Morrison Dining. It is on North Campus with the residence halls, so it makes it easy to always have something new because of their diverse options. My favorite things to eat at Morrison are the pork tacos, made to order stir-fry, and the eggplant ricotta bake! There are so many options and I always look forward to a great meal!
My favorite way to spend time in Ithaca is exploring the local nature trails and waterfalls. While the campus itself is stunning, I love that a ten-minute bus ride can transport you to some of the most breathtaking gorges and hiking paths in the Finger Lakes. As a busy student, I am incredibly grateful for these nearby escapes because they provide a vital space to decompress and reconnect with the outdoors. I'm constantly reminded that Ithaca is truly 'gorges.'
My favorite Cornell memory was watching a close friend perform with his jazz band. The music was incredibly moving, but what struck me most was the collective joy in the room. Seeing each musician so deeply immersed in their craft was a testament to the immense talent found across this campus. It is these vibrant, small moments where academic life meets artistic passion that truly shape my love for Cornell.
I am most inspired by the people around me. Witnessing the diverse beliefs, talents, and passions of my peers fuels my own drive to pursue what I love. This inspiration is at the core of my desire to become a physician. I am drawn to medicine by the opportunity to support others during their most vulnerable moments, and I believe in leading with empathy, compassion, and a sense of joy. Seeing others pursue their callings with such dedication encourages me to do the same, finding fulfillment in a career dedicated to the service of others.
My favorite course thus far has been Ethics, Technology, and Development. Although it was an elective for the CALS requirements outside of my major requirements, it provided a refreshing intellectual pivot and a unique perspective on global progress. The course relied heavily on group communication, which fostered an open, exploratory environment where we could challenge one another's viewpoints. This experience highlighted the importance of ethical frameworks in development, which is a lesson that is increasingly relevant as I look toward a career in medicine, where technology and ethics constantly intersect.
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and study to become a Dermatologist. Studying medicine has always been a dream of mine, and I am excited to experience my journey after Cornell.
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