As an Indigenous student in an Ivy League university, culturally sensitive support services made all the difference in my life.

I am a member of the Gila River Indian Community and a junior at Cornell University. The transition from the deserts of Arizona to the hills of New York was difficult and often lonely. Within Cornell’s Native American and Indigenous student program, I found a support system, a community, and a home.

Cornell prides itself on being an exemplary research institution, and rightfully so. Home to hundreds of laboratories that encompass a variety of subject matter, passion for the subject and drive towards research are the key elements that you will need to be a part of the labs here at Cornell.  

The field of Communication is incredibly vast, covering everything from practical marketing to in-depth social science research. As a new first-year student, this might seem overwhelming. Thankfully, at Cornell, I’ve had the chance to explore so many areas within this field and find my ideal fit in the Department of Communication. 

When I entered college, I was scared as heck. I constantly asked myself “How do I make new friends?” Entering college marks a significant transition in life, adulthood, and independence. You might find yourself with people from different regions or parts of the world you may not have heard of, and that’s okay! College is a melting point in life where you see and hear people with different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. 

Cornell students have a requirement to complete two credits worth of Physical Education classes for graduation. With so many PE classes available as options, it can be difficult to narrow down what you should take. Here are my firsthand experiences taking PE classes.  

I’ll never forget my experience of studying abroad and living in France's ‘pink city.’ I’ll remember my time abroad as those nostalgic halcyon days of the past when I had to explore and adventure into unfamiliar streets and stores. Utilizing the duality of my bilingualism in English and Spanish, I remember being shy because I did not speak French. Yet, the language never hindered my integration into school life or Toulouse, France. 

I’m Bryan Vicente, a senior studying Industrial and Labor Relations from Larkspur, CA. Being born and raised in California, living in Ithaca has been a unique experience. While the most noticeable differences include the trees changing colors in the fall, football starting at 1 pm instead of 10 am, or the fact that I can’t wear shorts in the winter, I’ve learned that Ithaca has much more to offer than just our wonderful University. From hiking along Buttermilk Falls to eating dinner downtown, I’ve made the most of my time in Ithaca.

Have you watched too many movies and TV shows that have influenced your expectations of college and college life? Due to Hollywood’s exaggerated portrayal of college life, many students are overwhelmed when entering college. However, the college experience is often far different from all these myths and misconceptions floating around. 

Among many, here are some college myths debunked: