This is part of a series of columns this month written by Arts & Sciences Student Ambassadors.
As your first day at Cornell approaches, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious about what’s coming. After all, people often claim that these will be “the best four years of your life.”
While it’s important to focus on your academics and give your best effort in your classes, what you do outside the classroom is just as crucial in shaping who you become during your time here. These experiences go beyond your coursework and will help you acquire skills that serve you in college and beyond. Whether you are considering a club, sport or volunteer activity in your community, you’ll not only gain leadership and time management skills, but also learn how to problem-solve in a way that a professor in a lecture hall can’t teach you.
On campus, I am involved in a multitude of organizations, but I primarily serve as the president of the Phenomenon step team, the vice president of membership on the Cornell Arts & Sciences (CAS) Ambassadors, a volunteer for Upward Bound and a member of the Black Ivy Pre-Law Society.
I have been involved on the step team since my freshman year, and over the years, I have been able to build lasting relationships with my teammates. These connections have not only strengthened my community, but have also been integral in my growth as a leader. We have performed at community events in the local Ithaca area, as well as events like a National Step Competition at the Apollo Theatre in New York City.
I joined the Arts & Sciences Ambassadors to get involved with my college and share its opportunities with prospective students, but it has since become much more. It has strengthened my organizational and communication skills, while also allowing me the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals.
Volunteering for Upward Bound has similarly added to my growth. It’s been incredibly rewarding to give back to the community by helping high school students prepare for college. This experience has taught me adaptability and the importance of mentorship, as I work with students from a variety of backgrounds to help them achieve their goals.
Lastly, my involvement with the Black Ivy Pre-Law Society has deepened my passion for law and justice. By engaging with like-minded peers and professionals, I’ve gained valuable insight into the legal field and further developed my leadership abilities. This group has given me a space to grow as a first-generation Pre-Law student, while also creating connections with like-minded students that will last a lifetime. All of these activities combined have not only enriched my college experience, but have also shaped me into a more well-rounded and confident individual.
In all, my campus involvement is something that I initially didn’t give much thought to. However, looking back over the past few years, I can see how valuable it has been for me. I’ve built connections both on and off campus by not only meeting other students with similar interests, but also participating in conferences and competitions and networking with professionals in my field of interest. While I am grateful for the education that I receive in class, I’m also grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from the people I’ve met around me through my on-campus involvement.
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