'The challenge is always worth it'

Bella Swope: History and Environment & Sustainability

5/15/2026

Bella Swope

History and Environment & Sustainability
Boise, Idaho

Why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell for its breadth of programs. I entered Cornell with a potential major in psychology, and I am now a history and environment & sustainability double major. Cornell had a comprehensive and varied choice of majors, and as someone who did not necessarily know exactly what I wanted to do, it was perfect for me. I also wanted to try somewhere new, and Cornell is pretty much the furthest school in the U.S. from my hometown, as my parents have continually reminded me.

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

My main extracurricular activity has been working for the Cornell Intramural Sports program. I started as a referee in the fall of my freshman year, and have worked there for all four years. I have met some of my best friends at Cornell through intramurals. I have also gotten the chance to travel to referee flag football tournaments around the Northeast. I have had the ability to learn and grow in ways I didn't know was possible through the doors intramurals has opened for me.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

I was a recipient of the Frederic Conger Wood Fellowship in the Spring of 2024, which enabled me to travel to the U.K. for five weeks to study and prepare for my senior honor thesis. I was able to study and research at the Royal Entomological Society in England, which was amazing. This experience truly changed my life and allowed me to travel and see so many new things and places.

How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?

I have gained confidence in my abilities. When I entered Cornell, I was sure I was not as smart or as capable as everyone else here. I have discovered that if I do hard things, I will end up learning and developing as a person. The challenge is always worth it.

What are your plans for next year?

I am going Georgetown University to pursue a master's of history.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.