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

The Arts & Sciences Student Ambassadors share their thoughts on everything from roomates to coffee to the best classes in the Student Ambassador Blog, which is updated frequently with new columns. Here, sophomore MItchell Lee talks about the classes and people that make Cornell one of his favorite places to be. Read the blog weekly on the A&S website.

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’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.