Cornell University's Pre-Orientation Service Trips (POST) program provided the perfect foundation for my college journey, surrounding me with peers who shared a growing passion for community service. From building connections with other incoming students to gaining a more profound familiarity with the Ithaca community, POST enabled my transition to Cornell to be smoother and far more meaningful.

Community Service

Before starting my journey at Cornell University, I was eager to immerse myself in campus life and the greater Ithaca community. Driven by a desire to partake in service as well as wanting to calm my  nerves before starting a new chapter of my life, I enrolled in POST, moving in a week early to participate in various service activities in Ithaca. From volunteering at a thrift store to working on a local farm to preparing a middle school for its fall opening, I was privileged not only to meet other incoming students but also to foster a shared commitment to service among all.

My first day with POST was unforgettable—we spent hours moving hundreds of books from an Ithaca resident's shed to a van. The books were covered in spider webs, mud, mold, and bugs I didn't even know existed, and the pouring rain made the task even more difficult. Yet, despite the conditions, our group’s leaders remained uplifting throughout. Their positivity and dedication left a lasting impression on me, and I am grateful to have been surrounded by such supportive people. That experience inspired me to continue pursuing service throughout my time at Cornell, especially being a Cornell Tradition Fellow.

New Friends

By arriving a week before classes began, I had the opportunity to acclimate to Ithaca and connect with other incoming students. We were divided into small groups and ended each day with thoughtful reflections on how that day's service impacted us. The program's structure fostered meaningful connections, and I also developed a close bond with my team leaders. It was an encouraging start, as it meant I entered Cornell already knowing and learning from supportive upperclassmen. I asked my team leaders many questions that helped ease my worries before my first day of classes. On the final day of the program, we gathered at Stewart Park for a heartfelt celebration. It was a bittersweet moment filled with laughter and reflection on the experiences we shared throughout the week and I was so glad to have experienced this celebration again the following summer when I became a POST Team Leader.

Leadership

Inspired by my initial experience, I returned as a POST leader the following summer, guiding first-year students through community service projects that deepened my commitment to service leadership. POST pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me explore Cornell's many resources and reflect on the kind of leader I aspire to be. With guidance from past Team Leaders during training, I developed key leadership skills, especially in communication, which I later applied in my own role as a new leader in the program. Without POST, I would not have felt as confident in joining the Cornell community and would not have not learned about the many service opportunities on campus.