Terrified. Excited. Unsure. Before stepping foot in D.C., or on Cornell’s campus, I was overwhelmed. College felt huge and unknown. As a first-year student leaving home for the first time, I worried about everything.

Would I fit in? Could I handle the workload? Make friends? Laundry and cooking?!

On top of that, instead of easing into college in Ithaca, I decided to spend my first semester in Washington, D.C., through the Brooks School of Public Policy’s DC Start program. Before I knew it, I was learning to navigate a whole new city, a new program, and a new version of myself.

And truly? It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Classes Closer Up 

One of the biggest joys of my D.C. semester is how alive classes feel. Studying public policy in the nation’s capital has provided me with a unique perspective. Everything is closer, more relevant and real. The theories and frameworks we discuss in class are happening right outside the window. Our classes are wonderfully designed to take advantage of D.C. I’ve had the honor of attending Supreme Court oral arguments, walking through the underground tunnels of the capitol, and meeting guest speakers who are leaders of their fields.

What makes the program even more special: our professors. Real-world experts who are actively shaping policy and running organizations, their passion is contagious. Being taught by individuals who live what they teach makes every class feel purposeful and inspiring.

Exploring D.C.

Growing up in the suburbs, cities felt intimidating. Too loud, too big, too much. But D.C. surprised me. It’s the perfect balance of exciting yet cozy, historical yet personal. Living in Dupont Circle at the Wolpe Center feels homey and full of life.

This semester, I’ve had the privilege of exploring embassies, speaking with ambassadors, visiting the Smithsonian museums, and spending slow afternoons in the most beautiful bookstores and cafes. The food here is amazing, with restaurants of every style and cuisine available. What I thought would be overwhelming has turned out to be magical: D.C. is home now. 
 

Learning to “Adult”

One of my parents’ biggest concerns about this program? No dining hall. Now? It’s one of the best parts of this journey.

Without realizing it, I’ve started taking responsibility: grocery shopping, budgeting, meal prepping, late-night laundry runs, cleaning, and somehow still prioritizing myself. While there may not be a traditional dining hall, we've got some amazing alternatives! For those late-night study sessions, the Touchdown Market, located on the garden floor of the Wolpe Center, has your back. It’s stocked with fresh sandwiches, yogurt, wraps, milk, and all sorts of snacks like your favorite candy bars, smoothies, cakes, and pastries. And the best part? It's open 24/7, so you can grab something to eat at any time of the day. 

On top of that, we get DC City Bucks! These are loaded onto your account via Cornell Dining’s GET website, and you can use them at local restaurants or even for groceries. They partnered with Grubhub (giving students free delivery!), so I can grab dinner or groceries without ever leaving my couch. It's so convenient, especially on those days when I just can’t make it to the store. And speaking of stores, there are so many grocery options nearby!  

There’s more! All of our apartments come with full kitchens. We’ve got stovetops, microwaves, ovens, and fridges, plus everything you could possibly need to cook and meal prep. The Brooks School has made sure that we have everything we need to create meals and live independently. It’s such a great feeling to have the freedom to cook and take control of your diet, all while being surrounded by so many resources!

I still don’t love doing the dishes, and I may or may not have survived one week almost entirely on spaghetti. But somehow, between groceries and the gym, I’ve started building a life that’s mine. It’s not always easy, but it’s real and I’m proud of it.

Having Fun in the City

It hasn’t been all work. I’ve spent weekends trying bakeries with friends, attended breathtaking events like the Venetian Ball at the Italian Embassy, and turned walks in Dupont into adventures. Our cohort also recently watched the Washington Nationals baseball game - we had a blast! D.C. has endless ways to enjoy! Weekends exploring made D.C. into home.

Belonging, Growing, Thriving

More than anything, this semester made me feel like I belonged in the world of policy. As a first-year student, it’s easy to feel too young or inexperienced to put yourself out there. This program proves otherwise, supporting our students into real-world applications.

I’ve changed this semester as both a person and student. I carry myself with more confidence. I’ve learned to trust my choices, navigate challenges, and take ownership of my life.
 
If you’re a curious student or a hopeful parent reading this, I hope my experiences give you a glimpse into what makes the DC Start program so incredibly special. It’s more than just a unique opportunity, but one of lifelong learning. I couldn’t have asked for a more magical, immersive first semester. I’d choose it again in a heartbeat.