As a student at the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy, Isabel found friends and an intellectually stimulating community in the school’s intimate atmosphere. Now Isabel is building a strong foundation in her pre-med track and thriving due to her involvement in the Cornell Policy Group, the Queer Pre-Health Association, The Daily Sun, and the Cornell Healthcare Review.

At the Brooks School, Elliott experiences the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a close-knit community and the vast opportunities offered by a large institution. The School’s flexible curriculum allows him to explore diverse disciplines across the university, giving Elliott the ability to weave together different threads of knowledge into practical policy applications. But his journey isn’t just about academics; it’s deeply personal. Coming from a background where higher education seemed mythical, he seeks wisdom from professors and peers alike. Through their stories, Elliott has found role models and a drive to not to not only seek knowledge, but to create it.

Ariela brings passion and purpose to her community. Her interdisciplinary coursework spanning sociology, economics, law, public policy, and political science, plus her internship at the White House, prepare her for a career in public service. Beyond academics, she founded Refugee Scholars in Ithaca and is hoping to become a volunteer firefighter, part of her commitment to serving the city she loves.

From the vibrant streets of Santa Ana, California, to Cornell’s bustling campus, Anna Cecilia dives headfirst into a whirlwind of activities. She forges friendships across disciplines—speech, music, activism—bridging gaps and celebrating shared interests. Academically, Professor García’s vivid lectures on migration, climate change, and discrimination transport Anna Cecilia beyond the classroom. Paired with her hometown’s spirit, she feels fueled in her fight for underrepresented voices as she pursues a career in international law.

As a Public Policy major at the Brooks School, Daniel is driven by a desire to use his education to impact the world positively. Support across campus, from the Career Exploration Center to the Veteran Services Team, has been invaluable, providing mentorship, career preparation, and a seamless transition from military service to academia. Daniel feels he’s found a home at Cornell that champions community and personal growth.