Meet Melaina

As an AAP Ambassador within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Melaina bridges her love for art with her commitment to community. The BFA program allows her to explore diverse interests through elective classes while, outside of the classroom, she revels in all of the activities available at a large university. Melaina’s journey at Cornell is a canvas painted with passion, community, and boundless creativity.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am a College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) Ambassador and am involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

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

Professors and older students have been great resources for me to ask about grad school, internships, and my resume. I've also had a lot of help from Career Services when it comes to thinking about post-grad. If you need any help with adjusting to campus life, I would recommend reaching out to resources available at your dorm as they're super friendly and knowledgeable people.

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

When I was applying to Cornell, I wish someone had told me that the school is so big that it's impossible not to find a place, and people, you feel comfortable with. We're lucky to have amazing, hardworking students that bring great events to campus. There's so many groups to join and interests to explore that I never would have thought about before Cornell.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

I found my friends at Cornell through my major! My freshman year I took Intro to Print Media and fell in love with the great community of printmakers always hanging out in the studio. People were so dedicated to their work and willing to help; they were inspiring to be around.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell because as an art major, it was important to me that I be able to pursue my other interests outside of art. Cornell's BFA program has been a really great fit for me because I've been able to take amazing elective classes that inform my art practice. I also love all the unique clubs and organizations we have available that you might not find at a smaller university.