Rebecca Parish
American Studies
Tenafly, N.J.
What was your favorite class and why?
One class that I loved was PMA 1164: Page to Stage to Kickball Change: Adapting Musical Theater taught by Andy Colpitts. The class examined different Broadway musicals and the source materials that they were adapted from to discuss how stories evolve for our ever-changing society. It was my first-year writing seminar and because it was one of the first classes I took, it opened my eyes to the academic possibilities that Cornell offers. It showed me, right from the beginning, that I could take courses that explored subjects that I was passionate about and would push me both intellectually and expressively. At Cornell, especially because of my major, I have been able to take so many classes in a variety of subjects that I truly enjoyed.
What I have also really valued from my time at Cornell is that I have taken courses that have allowed me to learn beyond the classroom. For example, through EDUC 2410: The Art of Teaching, I was able to be a classroom assistant at Fall Creek Elementary in downtown Ithaca. In AMST 2016: Understanding Global Capitalism, I had the opportunity to learn about service learning and community building by traveling to Jamaica, living with a family and working with the local community. Through my classes, I have visited the Olin archives and the Johnson Art Museum, attended live performances, examined statues and buildings on campus and considered the sacredness of the land we live on in Ithaca. I am incredibly grateful for the academic experiences that Cornell has provided me because it has allowed me to look at the world around me in ways that I had never done before.
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
I am currently the President of the Class of 2025 Cornell Class Councils. Class Councils is an organization that is important to me because of its mission: creating community at Cornell, fostering class pride and encouraging leadership. Through my work with Class Councils, I have had the pleasure of organizing fun social events that are accessible to any student at the university. Some of our events include our annual Fall and Spring Fests, Movies on the Arts Quad and the Carnelian Gala. Recently, I have been working to plan and facilitate events that celebrate our time over these past four years and allow us to enjoy the moments we have left before graduation. Students at Cornell work hard, so in my role, I have tried to ensure that students have had opportunities to meet new people, feel a sense of belonging and engage further with the Cornell community.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
This past year, I have been writing a Senior Honors Thesis in American Studies. My thesis examines the Broadway musical "Come From Away," which is based on interviews with people who were unexpectedly grounded on 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada when the United States airways were closed for the first time in history. I have been able to write about a subject that I am passionate about and am proud of the work that I have accomplished. I have learned discipline, developed my independent work ethic, and strengthened my writing skills. I appreciate all the work that my advisor, Professor Lindsay Thomas, has done to get me to a place where I can clearly and concisely articulate my argument in a confident manner.
During my junior year spring semester, I studied abroad at the University College of London (UCL). As an American Studies major at Cornell, I was enrolled in UCL’s equivalent, the Institute of the Americas. I studied American history and politics while in a British setting, which was a fascinating perspective. UCL has a significant global reputation, and I was surrounded by and met international students from all over the world. I experienced student life at a different type of school — one located in a large, urban environment. I also took advantage of my time abroad to travel to new and exciting places. Whether it was inside or outside the classroom, having new experiences and adventures exposed me to different perspectives, cultures and viewpoints. My time abroad was truly an amazing experience, and I am grateful to Cornell for this opportunity. I would encourage anyone thinking about studying abroad to take the plunge!
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
My family has absolutely influenced my Cornell experience. I am grateful that they have always encouraged me to pursue my passions and interests — inside and outside the classroom. They are my biggest supporters, always pushing me to take risks, challenge myself and experience life at Cornell to its fullest. They have helped me carry boxes up and down stairs for all my move-ins and move-outs, sent sweet treats during each stressful exam season, and loudly cheer for me during my Assorted Aces dance showcases. I am so thankful for their encouragement, comfort and confidence in me because I know that these four years would have been much harder without them in my corner.
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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