Katherine Ruelan

Meet Katherine 

Katherine has found support within Cornell's military community thanks to an engaged veteran association and the opportunity to participate in the Veteran Summer Bridge Program. Academically, she feels her Engineering advisor has been a game changer for her success, and outside of the classroom, she looks to Ithaca's natural beauty as a tool to enhance her well-being. 

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am part of the Veterans Association at Cornell University, Cornell Cinema Student Advisory Board, and the Big Red Pep Band.

What are your go-to campus resources? 

My go-to campus resources are the Career Center and the Engineering Advising Office. I found the career center during the Veteran Summer Bridge Program, which was an invaluable opportunity to gain course credit and extensive knowledge about campus resources before my first semester at Cornell! Then, after expressing that I wanted more guidance from within the College of Engineering, I was personally introduced to my current advisor in the Engineering Advising Office. It's been a game-changer. Don't be afraid to seek out and use your resources! So many people on campus can't wait to help you succeed; it will make the biggest difference in your time here.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?    

The active undergraduate student veteran population greatly contributed to my decision to attend Cornell. From day one, I felt so welcomed and supported by my community. I have a group of people I know who have my back no matter what and are always there to provide advice, guidance, and active support in whatever I need help with.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

The breadth of studies available here at Cornell was significant to me. I am a STEM girl at heart, but I have vast and varied interests. Being able to study engineering alongside courses that satisfy my more personal interests is something unique to Cornell. It has and will continue to make my college experience much more enjoyable.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

My favorite thing to do in Ithaca is watch the sunset. Libe Slope is a perfect option if I am on campus, but I also love to head over to Stewart Park and watch the sunset over Cayuga Lake. I also recommend stopping by Stewart Park and having a picnic on a nice day!

Hometown

Williamstown, New Jersey

Graduation Year

2027

College/School

  • College of Engineering

Majors

  • Mechanical Engineering

I thought I knew what I wanted to do when I came to Cornell, but the university offered me an endless world of possibilities. There is so much more to explore about yourself and your interests here.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?     

You don't have to have it all figured out right now! It's okay if you don't know exactly what you want to study in college; your plans may change. I thought I knew what I wanted to do when I came to Cornell, but the university offered me an endless world of possibilities. There is so much more to explore about yourself and your interests here.

What is your favorite class so far and why?    

UNILWYL 1150: Nature and Your Wellbeing. This class has been such a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively!) during my first semester at Cornell. It's wonderful learning more about the natural world and exploring new locations around campus while focusing on connecting with nature and the ways I can use it to better my wellbeing.

What is your favorite thing about Cornell?

How beautiful it is! It’s not uncommon for the person in front of you on the sidewalk to spontaneously stop and take a photo while walking around campus. My camera roll is filled with sunsets, architecture, nature, and cute little animals from around campus!

Tell us about your favorite place to study.    

Another one of my absolute favorite places is Olin Library. There are so many great spots in Olin to study and a nice little cafe that I sometimes frequent a little too often! There is one reading room in particular that I especially love for the botanical paintings all over the walls and its great view of the Arts Quad.

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

It's a cliché, but Libe Slope is my favorite; the views are stunning! When being a Cornell student was just a dream, I used to have a photo of the slope as my iPad background. Now I go there at least once a week. To me, it's really a dream come true!