The Beauty of Cornell: "In the middle of nowhere, but in the middle of everything"

In this last "Cornell Love" post, junior Jendayi describes two of her favorite places on Cornell's campus - one of which is quite literally off the beaten path!

By: Jendayi Brooks-Flemister '18

It's important to take tests and write papers, but it's also important to have time to unwind. One of the most amazing things about Ithaca and Cornell really is how naturally beautiful they are. We’re in the middle of nowhere, but in the middle of everything.

There are so many times where I’ll meet with friends on warm afternoons and lay out on the slope. It’s such a relaxing place to feel the sun and take a moment to de-stress. It’s even better when you can see the leaves changing color, not just in Ithaca, but everywhere around us. If you look out from the slope, you can see thousands of trees and so many amazing colors; Cayuga Lake is also incredible to look at in the fall—it gets so blue!    There’s one spot, however, that I absolutely love escaping to after a prelim or a paper (it’s a secret, so don’t tell!). Next to Willard Straight Hall, there’s a huuuge staircase. Go down the steps, but before you get to the bottom, turn to the left and find a little path. If you follow the path, you’ll find a beautiful hidden oasis. I’ve never gone to this spot and found other people there—it’s that secluded! There’s a nice bench where you can sit and watch dozens of chipmunks and birds playing. One of the campus creeks also runs through it, so if you go at night, all you hear is the trickle of the water. It really is my favorite place on campus.