I still remember the brimming excitement I felt when I was accepted to Cornell, and there’s so much to look forward to once you arrive in Ithaca!

One of the things I’m most excited for students to experience is the campus’s natural beauty. From watching sunsets on the slope, to passing waterfalls on the way to class, to marveling at the pink blossoms in the spring, Ithaca is genuinely stunning. There’s truly nothing quite like it.

Additionally, I’m excited for people to explore the delicious food on campus. Cornell has such a plethora of food options that I can always find something to match my cravings. The ice cream from the Dairy Bar is shockingly good (my favorite is Big Red Bear Tracks), and so refreshing on a hot day. Some of my favorite dinners include the chicken parmesan, lentil bolognese, and berrymisu from Keeton, as well as the bao buns from Morrison! For lunch, I tend to go to the cafes on campus, and I’m especially obsessed with the orange chicken burrito bowl from Terrace, along with the quesadillas from Trillium.

I’m also excited for new students to fall in love with a class they take, often an unexpected one. For me, some of these classes included Introduction to Japanese Film (ASIAN 2252), Introductory Oceanography (BIOEE 1540), and American Theater on Stage and Screen II (PMA 3758). Even the required PE classes are a lot of fun, with options ranging from figure skating to rock climbing.

And of course, there’s Slope Day. We are truly fortunate to have such amazing artists perform and to celebrate the end of classes together. I’ll never forget singing “Low” with Flo Rida and my friends and dancing in the sun.

Most of all, I’m excited for new students to find lifelong friends here. I’ve met people who make me laugh so hard I can’t breathe, but who also show up for me through every challenge. I know that when I graduate, these people will continue to be focal points of my life.

As a junior, I’ve realized that the moments I remember most aren’t just the big ones, but the everyday experiences that slowly make Cornell feel like home. I hope that everyone who steps foot on campus finds those moments for themselves.

Congratulations again, and welcome to Cornell!