'I have discovered the true value of my own work'

Bianca Garcia

Anthropology & Harrison College Scholar
Hong Kong

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

For the past four years, I've been a member of the women's varsity equestrian team, and most recently the captain, during my senior year. Being on a sports team has been proof to myself that when I put in hard work, it shows up. There is nothing more empowering.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

I can read! My ability to parse and comprehend any type of text is the most important. It has given me the confidence that I can continue learning long after college ends, and hold a conversation with anyone whose path I cross.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of, either inside the classroom or otherwise?

My honors thesis in the Department of Anthropology was the fulfillment of a vision that I've held for three years, and it turned out to be a piece so special that only I could have written it. The process of seeing a research project through from vision to delivery, including field research, interviews and writing multiple drafts, was the most challenging and enlightening thing I've embarked on since being here.

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

I have discovered the true value of my own work, specifically that my effort is precious, and that prioritizing where you put your energy is not only the sustainable but the ethical thing to do. When I began here, I overcommitted all the time to everything. While that was hard, exploring like that helped me figure out what really mattered to me. To give anything less than 100% of me is unfair to my commitments, but to give everything 100% is unfair to myself.

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 2023.