'I was able to deepen ties with my own culture'

Anees Mitri: Government and Near Eastern Studies

5/15/2026

Anees Mitri

Government and Near Eastern Studies
Chicago, Ill.

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

Being awarded the Arabic Language Award by the Department of Near Eastern Studies was a significant accomplishment for me, especially considering my interest in deepening ties with my own culture. Professor Makda Weatherspoon was a magnificent teacher, and I will always appreciate her dedication to teaching Arabic.

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

Serving as president of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Cornell as it has allowed me to contribute to creating a sense of community for Orthodox Christians on our campus. Additionally, I have enjoyed learning from fellow students about our faith.

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

Since first arriving at Cornell, I have discovered that I truly enjoy learning about the world and engaging in an endless pursuit of knowledge. Many of my professors have assigned a variety of readings and sources that I have found to be truly engaging and beneficial. I only hope to continue my pursuit of knowledge through continuing to read and research, despite having completed my undergraduate education.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

Professor Ross Brann of the Department of Near Eastern Studies had an enormous impact on my education. Not only did he encourage me to engage critically with complex topics that spanned from the history of the ancient Middle East to the present, but he also did so in a caring and dedicated manner. He is a professor who deeply cares about his students and their futures, and his dedication to education is everlasting. Therefore, I would say that he is not only a phenomenal professor and educator, but also a caring and selfless individual.

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.