As a statistics major, I took this class on a whim to fill two distribution requirements. I was worried about the fact that I hadn’t written an essay in over a year, and everybody else in the class seemed to know more about theater than I did.

I decided to spend my first semester in Washington, D.C., through the Brooks School of Public Policy’s DC Start program. Before I knew it, I was learning to navigate a whole new city, a new program, and a new version of myself. And truly? It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Before I started college, everyone told me that making friends would be “so easy.” You’ll meet people everywhere, they said. You’ll find your group instantly. But like most things in college, the reality was a little more complicated and a lot more meaningful.

Applying to Cornell is a bit different than other institutions. You don’t just apply to a major, you apply to a specific undergraduate college or school.

It's no secret that Cornell is a beautiful place! Today, I'll be sharing some of my favorite places on campus that I get to enjoy during a normal week.

My family and I moved to the United States from Kathmandu, Nepal, when I was eight years old. Growing up, I rarely met other Nepali students. I was proud of my cultural background, yet I often wished for a stronger sense of community.

I am a junior Computer Science (CS) major at Cornell, and I love rock climbing. My friends often say it's hard to beat the CS stereotype when I spend my time touching plastic rocks on a wall instead of touching grass outside. While I enjoy hanging out on the Slope, especially when the sun is out, I'm also grateful for the Lindseth Climbing Center, which gives me a space to challenge myself.

Cornell brings together students who were the top of their class, leaders in their communities, and incredibly driven individuals. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to them.

I still remember the brimming excitement I felt when I was accepted to Cornell, and there’s so much to look forward to once you arrive in Ithaca!