Meet Veronica

Veronica didn’t realize how much she would enjoy Cornell’s small city experience after coming from Los Angeles, California, to Ithaca, New York. She loves how integrated she’s become in Ithaca thanks to her work with Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, and her studies have taken her as far as Vietnam for a community engagement project. After graduating, Veronica hopes to live in France to take her French minor to the next level before returning to the US to study law. 

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

I am President of Art Beyond Cornell (an organization in the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement) and a server at the Regent Lounge in the Statler Hotel. Throughout my time at Cornell, I was also part of the State Policy and Advocacy Clinic with Professor Alexandra Dufresne, a member of a piano studio in the Music Department, a student research fellow in the Health Design Innovations Lab with Dr. Rana Zadeh, an intake assistant in the COVID-19 testing centers, and a piano accompanist for a ballet class in the Performing and Media Arts Department.

What is your favorite thing about Cornell?    

Ithaca! Coming from a big city, I didn't know what to expect from a smaller town like Ithaca. I have come to absolutely love it. I have learned so much about appreciating and connecting with the land around me (it's not hard to do in a place as beautiful as Ithaca), and I feel lucky to be somewhere where I've established deep roots in four short years. I advise any new Cornellian to spend time off campus to explore all Ithaca has to offer. Join the local community instead of just living in it.

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

I have a few: 

I spend more time in The Einhorn Center than anywhere else on campus. I got involved through Art Beyond Cornell, but The Einhorn Center has many vital projects. I've found amazing peers and mentors who are all deeply passionate about consciously engaging with the community around us and demonstrating an admirable commitment to social change. 
Transitioning to college can be challenging. I struggled in my first year, and I appreciated the help I got from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). 

Next is Anabel's, the student-run grocery store on campus. It's amazing. It is where I do most of my grocery shopping, mainly because the produce is local (some of it from Dilmun Hill, the student-run farm!) and because it is so much more affordable than any other grocery store. 

Lastly, I love Cornell Cinema. They have a yearly student pass for $30, which is entirely worth it. There is always a wealth of diverse films playing, and it is a great study break or weekend activity, whether alone or with friends.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?    

I was lucky to find an incredible community through my first-year dorm. I went to a performing arts high school, so it made sense to live in JAM (Just About Music) and find a sense of familiarity in a new place. I met a fantastic group of people living there, many of whom I'm still close with today.

I also made many good friends through the co-ops at Cornell. Although I don't live in one, a lot of my community comes from them.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?     

I got so lucky in picking Cornell. I didn't know what I wanted when applying to college, so I applied to too many schools (around 20!). I was thrilled to get into Cornell but never visited campus because of COVID-19. A considerable part of my decision was related to the amazing financial aid I received. Above all, I was honored to be a part of one of the top schools in the country, and I was drawn to the beautiful campus, the renowned academics, and the endless resources and alumni network. I have not been disappointed!

Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?    

Grilled cheese day at Temple of Zeus is my kryptonite, especially on a chilly fall day. Otherwise, the rice bowls at Terrace are yummy.