Catherine M.
The practice rooms in Lincoln Hall—they're not the most glamorous, but it's a private space where I can just create music.
My favorite thing about Cornell is the sheer variety of classes, clubs, and things to do. Even if you arrive not knowing exactly what you want to do (like I did), there's so much room to explore, and you're encouraged to try new things and supported along the way.
I love how interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences is! It gives me the flexibility to design my education around all of my interests while still pushing me to explore beyond them. I like that I can deepen my strengths but also take classes I'd never think to try on my own; it has the perfect balance between structure and curiosity, which makes me feel like I'm becoming a more well-rounded thinker.
I'm drawn to the intersections between cognitive science, information science, and music: how people think, communicate, and connect through sound, language, and technology. I love understanding how the human mind processes both music and language, and how patterns in thought and expression translate into digital systems. At the same time, information science lets me explore how technology can mirror or even reshape the ways we learn and interact. What excites me most is that it's all ultimately about people- how we express ourselves, build meaning, and design systems that help us connect in new ways.
Honestly, the best "resource" for me has been other students. Talking to upperclassmen or people from different majors has helped me figure out everything from class recommendations to club opportunities. Cornell can feel big, but connecting with people who've been through it makes it feel much smaller and a lot more supportive.
There will never be one perfect school! Every place has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's more important to focus on what you can make of it. Once you're there, take advantage of the opportunities that make your school unique- whether that's a niche class, a club that excites you, or a professor who inspires you. The experience really becomes what you put into it.
By keeping an open mind. A lot of my community came from clubs, friends of friends, or even just people I kept running into around campus.
I was drawn to Cornell's balance of everything I wanted: strong academics, a beautiful natural environment, and a location close enough to home but still far enough to feel like a change. Coming from New York City, Ithaca's nature felt like a refreshing switch-up, and I loved that Cornell is both intense and incredibly well-rounded. The combination of intellectual energy and genuine support for career growth made it feel like a place where I could explore widely and still feel grounded.
It's really what you want it to be. Since there are so many schools with so many types of students and programs, there won't be just one Cornell experience.
My go-to dinner place is North Star/Appel; it always hits. I'm sort of lactose intolerant, but the ice cream is so worth it, especially the cookies & cream flavor.
To go into Collegetown and explore! I love eating Taste of Thai's Pad See Ew and wandering around Autumn Leaves Used Books with friends on weekends.
There's been many! One that comes to mind is taking a ramen cooking class/workshop in Morrison Dining with my Milstein cohort.
I'm inspired by other passionate people—those who care deeply about what they do and can't help but share it. Also, good food and good music.
PE 1429: Vinyasa Yoga. Originally, I picked this class because it was one of the only gym classes left that fit in my class schedule, but I am so glad I did. It's such a chill class that forces you to actually stop and take care of your body. It's approachable for all skill levels, the instructor is so welcoming, and best of all, there's nap time at the end of every class via savasana. Highly recommend.
I hope to work in tech, possibly in UI/UX design, where I can combine my interests in cognitive science, information science, and graphic design. At the same time, I want to keep composing, whether freelancing or exploring film scoring on the side. Ideally, I'd love to stay in New York City, close to my family and friends.
My favorite place to study is the gorgeous Fine Arts Library; it's not as crowded as other libraries, and it is close to North Campus, where I live. When I really need to lock in, I just study in my dorm room.
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