There is a moment many Cornell students experience during their first semester. For me, it happened at about 11:47 p.m. in Uris Library, staring at my first prelim grade and thinking, “Okay… Cornell might actually be as hard as everyone says it is.”

I am a first-year student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences studying Agricultural Sciences. I am passionate about sustainability, land management, and exploring how communities interact with food systems. But in that moment, none of that confidence mattered. I just felt like another student, wondering if I truly belonged here.

At that point, Uris Library and I were just getting acquainted. Now I can confidently say we are best friends. Between late-night study sessions, the 24/7 access, and quick trips to Okenshields for snacks, Uris has seen a lot of my Cornell life. But it is also where I learned one of my most important lessons: giving myself grace.

Facing the Comparison Trap

Cornell brings together students who were the top of their class, leaders in their communities, and incredibly driven individuals. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to them. Someone next to you might have started a nonprofit. Someone else might already have research experience. It can feel like everyone knows exactly what they are doing, and that you do not. But comparison is not helpful. What you excel at is what someone else might not, and vice versa. Cornell is full of people with different strengths, backgrounds, and perspectives, and that is what makes this community so rich.

Giving Yourself Grace

One of the most important things I have learned at Cornell is how to give myself grace. In high school, things often came naturally to me. At Cornell, I quickly realized that everyone is capable, motivated, and working hard. That means you will probably face challenges you did not expect, and that is okay. I had to remind myself during the first exams that one grade does not define me or my ability to succeed. Growth does not always look perfect, and it often comes in small, surprising ways.

Learning From Where I Come From

I grew up in Houston, Texas, where agriculture is not something most people talk about. On top of that, as a minority entering this field, I did not always see people who looked like me pursuing it. For a while, that made the field feel distant. Cornell changed that. Through hands-on experiences in class and trips to local farms, I have seen agriculture connect to communities, the environment, and sustainability. It is more than farming. It is policy, science, and people. Remembering why I chose this path helps me stay grounded when things get overwhelming.

Recognizing Opportunities

At Cornell, you are not just attending school. You are literally living at school. Your classes, homework, clubs, social life, and even where you sleep are all within the same environment. That can make it harder than it sounds to step away and breathe. But once you do, you start noticing all the opportunities around you.

Some of them are literally hanging on bulletin boards. Research programs, student organizations, internships, and paid opportunities are everywhere; you just have to look. For example, I discovered my current position at the Toni DiTomasso Weed Science Lab, where I work on an agrivoltaics project, because I paid attention to a flyer and reached out. That small step turned into a hands-on experience I never imagined I would get as a first-year student.

Professors are another huge resource. They often share what they are working on and welcome students who are curious. If a topic intrigues you, email them. Do not be afraid to reach out. These connections can open doors you did not even know existed.

Building a Community

College is also a fresh start. You meet people from all over, and the friends, mentors, and classmates you connect with help you navigate challenges. Having people to talk to and rely on makes a huge difference.

There are also easy, free ways to take care of yourself and meet people. For example, Cornell has free yoga/Zumba classes at Noyes Fitness Center, which are perfect if you just want to move, breathe, and reset. Sometimes I like to grab a book or my notebook and find a quiet spot under a tree to sit for a few minutes. Little things like that help you slow down, clear your head, and recharge. Taking time for yourself, even for a few minutes, is just as important as any class or assignment.

Finding My Place

These days, Uris Library still sees a lot of me. But now, when I sit there late at night, the feeling is different. Instead of questioning if I belong, I see how much I have grown since that first semester. Cornell is full of incredibly talented people, but the goal is not to be the person next to you. The goal is to grow into the best version of yourself. Once you embrace that, Cornell starts feeling like home.