Anjum Malik: 'Venture into the vast unknown'

Anjum Malik

Anthropology & Archaeology

Islamabad, Pakistan

What is your main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?

The sheer range and diversity of academic and extracurricular opportunities at Cornell might seem like an amusing perk or prerogative to some. To me, it represents a world of unimaginable resources which I never thought I would have access to. I thus came to Cornell with the intention of exploring as many new things as I possibly could, and that has been my main extracurricular activity at Cornell.

What accomplishments/activities are you most proud of while at Cornell?

I am proud to have served as the vice president and president of the anthropology department's official undergraduate student club: the Cornell Anthropology Exchange (CAE). I am proud to have traveled and studied in five countries besides the U.S. I am proud to have gained experience in a diverse range of activities including marching band, international ethnic dance, German language, bird watching, ice skating, rock climbing, scuba diving, Classical Greek theater and fencing. But I am most proud of the times when my fellow students approached me for help and valued my counsel.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?

The Cornell professors, administrators, facilities, staff and maintenance personnel who selflessly put student needs and comforts before their own to give Cornell its special warm and homey feel. It is this selfless compassion and charity which I believe makes humans one with the divine.

If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?

Emerging from one's comfort zone and venturing into the vast unknown in today's global village is not a luxury, it is a must for getting to know the world and, ultimately, oneself. College is the best time to do it so don't waste this opportunity!