The moment finally arrived. My parents and I hopped out of our fully packed car, following the workers escorting us into a modernistic, chic-looking building.

Barbara McClintock. These two words were displayed on the entrance.  

On August 20th, Cornell Move-In Day, we opened the doors for the first time to the year-long home for my twin sister and I, who, at that point, were filled with emotions of excitement, fear, and worry for our long-awaited “college dorm experience”.  

Choices, choices, choices… the college process is full of them. What schools to visit and apply to, what to write a personal statement about, what classes to take during senior year, and finally where to go to college. Of these many choices, the easiest one was choosing Cornell.

I woke up this morning bright and early for my 8:40 class. Luckily, as a North Campus resident, I was able to step outside and straight into Morrison Dining to get breakfast before heading over to Ives Hall, the home of the ILR School. While there are some exceptions, the majority of ILR classes are held in Ives, especially when you are completing your required courses in the first two years.  

Prior to graduation, every Cornell student is required to take two credits (two courses) worth of Physical Education classes. While this may seem like an inconvenient requirement to some, the PE requirement is actually very easy to complete and can be a lot of fun!

Ezra Cornell’s iconic phrase “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study” sets the ambiance of a culturally enriched, picturesque campus that wholeheartedly embodies its mission of supplying students with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Since my time here, I have discovered countless things to love about Cornell and its vibrant community. Where every day feels like an adventure, full of opportunities and unforgettable moments, Cornell is an unparalleled place.

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.