Meet Mary

Even before her first semester began, Mary found community and support by attending Cornell’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program. Now, with hands-on classes like Equine Management that give her the opportunity to apply classroom learnings, and student organizations like Minority Animal Science Students, she is well-prepared to achieve her goal of returning to her community, the Gila River Indian Reservation, to practice veterinary medicine.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am president of the Minority Animal Science Students club, a member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Pre Professional Programs (P3), Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC), and American Indian Science & Engineering Society at Cornell (AISES). I’m also a project assistant at the Paleontological Research Institute, a student athlete of Cornell Women's Club Basketball and Women's Club Hockey, as well as a veterinary assistant for Rural Area Veterinary Service (RAVS).

What is your favorite thing about Cornell?

My favorite thing about Cornell is how supported I am. I have found a community in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program where I know that if I need help, I always have someone I can reach out to — even if it's not academic-based. The Animal Science program has also offered amazing opportunities and resources to help further my education both inside and outside of the classroom.

Why is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) a great fit for you?

CALS allows me to study animal science at an Ivy League school. I am provided with many academic resources like tutoring and support classes, while being able to participate in research that lets me apply what I learn in class.

What is your academic passion?

I love being an animal science major because it mixes my passion for animals with my academics. I get to learn in-depth knowledge of animals while also being able to take classes like Dairy Sheep Management and Equine Management to get hands-on experience and apply what I have learned.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

My go-to campus resources for both academic and non-academic support are the staff members at the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) and Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI). I was introduced to both programs in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program and have been able to go to both for any concerns I have.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

I found many of my closest friends through clubs and programs, like Women’s Club Basketball and during the Pre-Collegiate Summer Program. I have been able to develop a great community through the Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC) and attending events for the American Indian and Indigenous Study Program.