Why Cornell? Ambassador Renee Answers...

This week, Renee explains why she chose Cornell, after a visit to campus in high school.

By Renee Girard '20, Government, Law and Society and Public Policy major

I first walked onto Cornell’s campus as a high school sophomore. I knew I wanted to apply, but as a senior preparing my college applications, I decided to visit Cornell once more to ensure that Early Decision was right for me. As a high school junior, I became interested in philosophy and wrote a paper on the morality of drone use in warfare. Through my research on the ethical implications of this modern technology in combat, I had come across a Cornell Government Professor and her extensive work regarding this topic. I reached out and scheduled a meeting with the Professor, and following the College of Arts and Sciences information session, I made my way to White Hall to discuss her research with her. What was scheduled to be a twenty-minute discussion lasted a full hour.

Leaving our meeting, I walked through the Arts Quad and experienced the palpable energy among students and faculty making their way to classes. While Cornell is a large university with diverse interests, the passion among students and faculty is a common factor that unites such a broad range of studies. I had my heart set on the College of Arts and Sciences following my visit as a high school senior. Even as a prospective student, I had experienced first-hand the commitment the professors of the College of Arts and Sciences have to undergraduate students. I knew that if admitted to Cornell, I would be immersed in an incredible learning environment that would allow me to thrive as I pursued my various interests. As a current student, I know that I would like to apply my Cornell government degree to a career in public service. I knew that Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences was the only school that had the resources to offer me the opportunities and skills I need to succeed in my field.