Kate Chanpong
Statistical Science
Bangkok, Thailand
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
My main extracurricular activity was being the vice president of the Cornell Actuarial Society. Since Cornell doesn’t offer an actuarial science major, the club plays a vital role in supporting students who are interested in the actuarial field. When I first joined, I received a lot of help from older club members in my internship search and exam preparations. Now, as a senior and vice president, I get to share insights from my internship experiences in life and property and casualty insurance with newer members. This role not only helped me grow as a mentor and leader, but also introduced me to a close-knit community of friends in the statistical science major who share my passion for actuarial work.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
A Cornell memory that I treasure the most is watching the sunset with my friends at the slope. In the midst of the hectic semester full of coursework, extracurricular activities and internship searches, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate the moment. Watching the sunset together allowed us to take a break from our busy schedules, relax and simply enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful view of Ithaca. It’s a reminder of the importance of slowing down and cherishing the simple moments amidst the chaos.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my role as a teaching assistant for STSCI 2110: Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences II, taught by Kevin Packard. As a third-semester TA for the course, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to refining the course content and teaching approach. It's incredibly rewarding to see how small adjustments we made have positively impacted the students’ understanding of the material. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of statistical concepts but also developed my communication and leadership skills, which have been invaluable both in my academic journey and in my professional goals. Being able to help students succeed while shaping the course has been a truly fulfilling accomplishment during my time at Cornell.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
Since arriving at Cornell, I’ve come to deeply value the meaningful relationships I’ve built along the way. When I first got here, I was a nervous freshman who mostly focused on academics and figuring out my path, but over time, I realized that the connections I made with friends, classmates and professors became just as important as any course or achievement. Late-night study sessions, casual conversations between classes and all these other experiences helped me build bonds that I know will last far beyond college. I discovered that I grow the most not just from what I learn in class, but from the people around me — and that surrounding myself with a supportive community makes all the difference.
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 2025.
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