Meet Bintou
Coming from a small international school, Bintou wanted to find a similarly small community while still having access to the people and resources a larger university affords. She found that in the ILR school at Cornell, and whether it's her friends, her mentors, or her professors, she considers “the people” her favorite thing about the university.
What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?
I am active in Minorities in ILR, Class Councils, Big Red Ambassadors, and Building Ourselves Through Sisterhood and Service (BOSS).
What is your favorite thing about Cornell?
My favorite thing about Cornell is the people. I met some of my closest friends during my first year, and we are still getting closer. Within the community, there are so many great people from all walks of life, so you are sure to learn something new from each and every person you meet.
Why is the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) a great fit for you?
I believe ILR is a good fit for me because I have many interests and want to learn a bit about them all during my time here. ILR strongly focuses on law, human resources, business, and labor organizing (among many others) and has some of the best professors in the industry. I also like the small overall student body within ILR. Coming from a small international school, I like that I have a small community within ILR while also having access to the entire Cornell population.
What is your academic passion?
I like that there are so many things you can do within ILR, and you are encouraged to try it all out and are not expected to know exactly what you want to do after your time here. ILR Career Services is a great resource, and there are so many mentors you can find in the community. I genuinely believe "One Major, Endless Possibilities" is true.
Hometown
The GambiaGraduation Year
2026College/School
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Majors
- Industrial and Labor Relations
Minors
- Business
What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?
One of my go-to resources is the ILR career office. Every week, they email the entire ILR student body with information on events happening that week. They're also a great resource when planning your academic career or needing help with resume reviews. Another one of my top resources is my mentor from Introduction to ILR. They were such great help while transitioning to college life, and I still keep in touch with them.
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
Orientation Week (O-week) is a great time to make connections because new students are ready and excited to form new friendships. Going to events (concerts, the first-year festival, etc.) was a perfect way to begin forming my college community. Engaging with people in my dorms and during my first few weeks at Cornell helped me connect with many people from different majors and class years.
When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?
I chose Cornell because I wanted to attend an institution on the East Coast for travel reasons. I was also drawn to the unique nature of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations and its focus on the world of work, which is more important than I realized.
Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?
My go-to place to eat on campus has to be Terrace. Their burrito bowls ALWAYS hit, and they always have different protein options depending on the day.
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.
My favorite thing to do in Ithaca is sit on the slope after all my classes and grab a book to read. I love seeing so many Cornellians in the same place; it makes me love Ithaca more (and the sunsets never disappoint!).
Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.
I have so many, but one was during Homecoming 2022 when my friend and I filled out sticky notes about what Cornell means to us. As we placed the sticky notes on the wall, we were asked if we wanted to be in an official Cornell video discussing what we wrote. That was so exciting. I love going back, watching the video, and seeing how much we have both changed.
What inspires you?
The person I could be is what inspires me to keep going. I have family and friends rooting for me, so I keep my head up and do the best I can.
What is your favorite class so far, and why?
My favorite class so far has to be Introduction to ILR. It was one of the first classes that encouraged me to reach out and interact with other first-year students. I got to go on code chats with my classmates, and I still talk to most people from that class, so it's very special to me.
Tell us about your favorite place to study.
My two favorite places to study are the quiet study space in Catherwood, located in the basement, and the fourth and fifth floors of the Olin stacks.
Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.
My favorite spot on campus is the Cornell Store. Not only are you guaranteed good snacks at Cafe Jennie, but I love walking around the store and looking at all the merchandise. I always end up walking away with a lost list of things I want to get next time.