Meet Ariela

Ariela brings passion and purpose to her community. Her interdisciplinary coursework spanning sociology, economics, law, public policy, and political science, plus her internship at the White House, prepare her for a career in public service. Beyond academics, she founded Refugee Scholars in Ithaca and is hoping to become a volunteer firefighter, part of her commitment to serving the city she loves.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am a teaching assistant for PUBPOL 3530: Child Welfare in the United States, a Brooks School Ambassador, an executive board member of the Community Partnership Funding Board, a research assistant, and the president of Cornell Welcomes Refugees.

Why is the Brooks School a great fit for you?

The Brooks School of Public Policy is fairly small and has an intimate atmosphere. This has allowed me to create close relationships with my professors, peers, and the college’s undergraduate advising and student services team. In my pursuit of a career in public service, I found myself constantly leaning on the interdisciplinary classes I have taken, which encompass a wide array of perspectives, including sociology, economics, law, public policy, and political science. These classes have molded me into a holistic student and person.

What is your academic passion?

My interests lie in addressing the educational barriers experienced by immigrants, refugees, and other groups on the move. This summer, I will be interning at the White House, specifically in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where I aim to gain valuable insights into international policy and negotiations. Alongside this experience, I hope to delve into comparative border security and the mechanisms of migration enforcement. My focus includes examining the roles of individuals in migrant smuggling and trafficking to understand the impact of these activities on national security. The flexibility of my public policy major allows me to explore this diverse array of interests, providing a comprehensive foundation to address complex issues from multiple perspectives. By bridging the gap between the lived experiences of migrants and the policy measures designed to manage their journeys, I aim to foster legal frameworks that not only protect vulnerable populations but also enhance our understanding of migration's broader implications on security.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

As a transfer student, I was nervous about finding the right people. Thankfully, Cornell offers numerous orientation and bonding events. At the beginning of the year, I attended the Big Red Welcome Fest, where I was showered with sweets and Cornell merch and met some of my best friends. As an Albanian-American, I wanted to stay connected to my cultural roots at university. I explored the Campus Groups website and requested to join the Albanian Student Association. There, I was able to bond with others who shared my background, and we hosted a bowling event!

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

Ithaca is culturally rich, and my favorite activities involve interacting with the community and meeting people from all walks of life. I regularly volunteer with the local nonprofit Ithaca Welcomes Refugees, where I founded an initiative called Refugee Scholars in Ithaca. This program provides high school refugee youth with academic resources to prepare them for higher education. Additionally, I am a probationary firefighter at Cayuga Heights Fire Department. There is a beauty in improving spaces and leaving them in better condition than how you found them, for me, that means a commitment to give back to this lovely city.