Meet Julian
For Miami-native Julian, what sets Cornell apart is the campus community that helps him thrive. Whether it’s the ease with which he can approach professors or tapping into the Learning Strategies Center’s many resources, he’s armed with knowledge and study techniques as he pursues his Human Biology, Health, and Society major — one step on his path toward medical school.
What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?
I am a Cornell Surgical Society member, Human Ecology ambassador, research assistant at the Field Laboratory, Pre-Professional Programs (P3) member, and the marketing coordinator on the EARS e-board (Empathy, Assistance & Referral Service).
What is your favorite thing about Cornell?
My favorite thing about Cornell is how easy it is to approach professors and other resources with questions and how easy it is to become involved in research. I once dropped in on a class that seemed very interesting to me after approaching the professor for permission!
Why is the College of Human Ecology (CHE) a great fit for you?
The College of Human Ecology is a great fit for me because I have been able to nurture my interests in healthcare and science through different lenses and consider ideas that I have not given much thought to before through its interdisciplinary approach to learning. CHE has started to mold me into someone that intuitively coalesces knowledge from many different areas when considering issues that may seem straightforward at first glance.
What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?
My go-to campus resource for academic matters is the Learning Strategies Center (LSC) and its support courses. During orientation week, I was made aware of the LSC and the support courses they offer for many general science courses. I am very glad to have started off enrolled in said courses, since they keep me on my toes and ready for my future classes. I am a firm believer in reaching out for help before you need it, and I am very glad that I made the decision to enroll in LSC courses; I’ve learned interesting material, but also how I best learn and study.
What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?
Something I wish I could tell myself or any other incoming freshman is: You were chosen for a reason. You belong here, and many people are willing to help you thrive. Reach out for help and don't give up if things don't go as planned.
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
Through my classes, clubs, dorm events, and my roommate, I have been able to meet many amazing, friendly people, fostering a sense of community in my residence hall and all around campus.
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 is North Star for dinner, since they are open late. I also enjoy Morrison Dining and eating French dip sandwiches at Goldie's in the Physical Sciences Building after chemistry lectures.
Hometown
Miami, FloridaGraduation Year
2027College/School
- College of Human Ecology
Majors
- Human Biology, Health, and Society
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.
My favorite things to do in Ithaca are getting boba at Kung Fu Tea with friends and going hiking around the gorges.
Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.
My favorite Cornell memory is when I got to spend the days after finals with a friend who visited from my hometown. We had a wonderful time hiking the gorge trails and exploring campus. We visited the Botanic Gardens, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, many libraries, and my favorite buildings on campus, and we even got to enjoy a sunset on Libe Slope.
What inspires you?
My family, friends, girlfriend, teachers, advisors, and everyone who has ever believed in me and my dreams inspire me to keep working hard to achieve them. Most of all, the love I have for my dreams and all the long nights and days I've spent working towards them as well as the sacrifices I've made along the way make giving up never an option.
What is your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite class so far is NS1220: Nutrition and the Life Cycle. Nutrition has always been a topic of interest to me, and being able to explore its nuances and implications throughout the human life cycle proved to be a very fulfilling experience. Hands-on and group activities, as well as intriguing guest speeches, made this class a truly remarkable experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school.
Tell us about your favorite place to study.
My favorite study spot on campus apart from my dorm would be the Physical Sciences Building. I often find myself working on assignments and even studying for prelims there.
Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.
My favorite spot on campus is the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. The amount of incredible artifacts and works on display there is awe-inspiring. I really enjoy walking through the museum when family or friends visit me at Cornell.