There's no place on Earth quite like Cornell. Spread over 2,000 acres, this campus isn't just vast; it's captivating. It's where natural beauty, intellectual rigor, and architectural elegance intersect with everyday life in a way that feels nothing short of cinematic.  

I find inspiration in the sheer range of spaces that fuel both focus and imagination. With 19 libraries to choose from and countless study lounges throughout the academic buildings, there's always a place for clarity, connection, or deep concentration. Mann Library, where I start many mornings with a breakfast sandwich worth the wait, is a favorite. When it's time for undisturbed focus, the fourth floor—renowned for its silence—becomes my sanctuary. When I crave ambiance, nothing rivals the "Harry Potter Library," known as the A.D. White Room in Uris Library. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Cayuga Lake, and gold-accented bookcases that seem to float midair, it's a space that stops you in your tracks—where you don't just read, you dream.  

A stroll through the Botanic Gardens offers a brief escape. The Apple Orchard brings a sense of charm and tradition, while the Cow Pavilion reminds us of the university's legacy in agriculture and sustainability. The Fuertes Observatory invites curiosity skyward, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology—with its harmonious blend of nature and science—never ceases to inspire.  

When it comes to wellness, I recharge in the fitness centers at Teagle, Toni Morrison Hall, the Noyes Community Center, or Helen Newman. These aren't just gyms; they're spaces of intention, where physical movement translates to mental clarity and restored energy.  

And on a cold winter day? You'll find me tucked away in the Dragon Café. Nestled in the lower level of Sibley Hall, this student-run gem feels like it was plucked from the art district of a major city. It's where I sip hot chocolate, catch up on emails, or dive into a good book.  

Later in the day, I might indulge in the best soups on campus—courtesy of Temple of Zeus, located in Klarman Hall. Affectionately known as "Zeus," the café shares space with a stunning open atrium, flooded with sunlight and watched over by statues of Greek gods. The architecture of Klarman, seamlessly fused with Goldwin Smith Hall, is both daring and dignified, a quiet reminder that innovation often begins with design.  

Beebe Lake, especially on a breezy summer day, is my walking meditation. Its wooded trail, located behind the Tang Welcome Center, is a sensory retreat. The rustling leaves and lapping waters create a rhythm that calms the mind and sharpens perspective. When the moment calls for stillness, Libe Slope—overlooking West Campus and the city of Ithaca—becomes my open-air office, my thinking place, and my grounding point.  

A short walk away is Willard Straight Hall—one of the oldest student union buildings in the country. With seven floors housing lounges, dance studios, a movie theatre, dining spaces, and meeting rooms, it is the heartbeat of student life. Just outside the Memorial Room lies the iconic Terrace, offering a panoramic view of Cayuga Lake.  

No visit to Cornell is complete without standing on the fifth floor of the Johnson Museum of Art. This internationally renowned space is not just a home to extraordinary art—it offers a 360-degree view of the campus and the surrounding hills of Ithaca. It's breathtaking, grounding, and an experience that redefines what it means to "see the bigger picture."  

By day's end, you'll likely find me in one of three places. At RPCC (Robert Purcell Community Center), the energy is lively, and the fries at Bear Necessities are as comforting as a childhood memory. At Big Red Barn, staff and students, both undergraduate and graduate, mingle in a space that feels equally rustic and refined.  College Town Bagels—CTB for those in the know—a vibrant, beloved hub that feels more like a campus landmark than a café. It's where you go to sip a drink, share a laugh with friends, or wrap up the day with purpose and presence.  

At Cornell, location isn't just geography—it's identity. Every corner of campus tells a story. Every path leads to discovery. And when you're going to invest your time, energy, and aspirations into a place, it should be somewhere that inspires you to be your best, over and over again.  

Cornell is that place. It's a home away from home.  

Welcome to Cornell, welcome home!