This week, junior Sam Cohen '18 discusses how her sociology major at Cornell (on East Hill) inspired her to apply for a summer internship in Washington, D.C., (on Capitol Hill), and how that experience helped her discover a new appreciation for politics and government. By Samantha Cohen '18, Social ChairBefore this past summer, if you had asked my opinion on the latest Democratic vs. Republican…
Jasmine Edison '15 Major: MusicHometown: Warner Robins, GAWhy did you choose Cornell?Believe it or not, what really decided it for me was getting lost in the Music library during Cornell Days. I wandered into the stacks and was so distracted by the books I'd found that I lost track of my family. I eventually ran into a friendly grad student who struck up a conversation with me about the books I…
By Shanna Smith '18 My friends from other schools think I’m crazy when I say the best class I’ve ever taken is organic chemistry. Across the country, organic chemistry has been characterized by its “terrifyingly difficult” reputation, and generally feared by all students who know this infamous course is in their near future. I was also afraid when I entered lecture for the first day; however, my…
The professional fraternities on campus are one of Cornell's best kept secrets. Well, they aren't necessarily "secret" but many people don't immediately think of the professional fraternities on campus as being a main part of "Greek" life. However, having recently been initiated as a part of Alpha Chi Sigma, informally known as the Chemistry fraternity on campus, I thought I'd highlight a few…
This week, Ambassador Eric writes about his favorite class at Cornell.By Eric Shen ’20 Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Music majorsThe class that stood out to me the most was definitely honors organic chemistry. In the moment, it felt like one of the greatest mistakes I could have made; but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made here. It was an intense but great mix of…
Happy March! This month, ambassadors will be writing about academic research they conduct on campus. For the first post of the month, I am sharing a little bit about my experience completing a psychology honors thesis! By Suzy Park '18, Economics and Psychology double major, Law & Society minorOne of the biggest decisions I made as a senior was to participate in the psychology honors program…
This week, sophomore Dean discusses how Arts and Sciences' language requirement and Asian Studies department helped him explore his heritage and culture as a Korean American. By Dean Kim '20, Chemistry major, East Asian Studies minorLooking back to just over a year ago when I arrived at Cornell, it is hard to imagine that I am the same person now as I was then. To think that the very same person…
Mark Essig’s Lesser Beasts: A Snout to Tail History of the Humble Pig is an ambitious, free-ranging book. It draws not only on history, but also on anthropology, folklore, paleontology, archeology, sociology, contemporary food studies, and probably a dozen other disciplines to weave a compelling narrative that, while centered on the pig, explores less tangible, heavier stuff such as faith, taste,…
Here in Ithaca, we've just finished classes for the semester and are hard at work studying for final exams. For high school seniors interested in Cornell, however, December means something a bit different. While some are waiting to hear back about their early decision applications, many other seniors are polishing their own applications to submit for the January 2nd regular decision deadline…
We've made it to May! As seniors approach graduation and underclassmen look forward to summer break, we at the Ambassadors blog have decided to focus on "Looking Forward." Senior Samantha Briggs starts off the month with a post about her experience deciding on her next step: Columbia Law School. By: Samantha Briggs '16I think I speak for the majority (if not the entirety) of the Class of 2016…
Jeffrey Breuer '16 Major: GovernmentHometown: Essex Junction, VT How did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?Growing up in a deeply accessible political environment in Vermont, I started volunteering for campaigns when I was 12 years old, distributing yard signs and participating in outreach events for then-Senator Barack Obama during the democratic primary…
By: Kathy Qingyu Xu '16 Where can you find elegant ladies dressed in ball gowns and spooky wizards casting spells on a Friday night? At Cornell University’s Herbet F. Johnson Museum of Art’s Night at the Museum: Masquerade Ball of course! The Museum Club at Cornell University hosts a variety of free events at the Johnson to promote the beautiful artwork on display, special collections, and…
Connor Foster '15 Major: Biological SciencesHometown: Woodbridge, CTWhy did you choose Cornell?Cornell has always been a leader by providing an education to anyone, regardless of the contemporary societal trends. That kind of leadership was something that really appealed to me. Also, Cornell gives undergraduates access to world-leading research, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I also…
Krystin Chiellini '17Major: Biology & SocietyHometown: Riverview, FLHow did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?Knowing from the very beginning that I wanted to minor in Spanish, I originally applied to Cornell as undecided in Arts in Sciences. This was the best option for my indecisive nature, as it gave me the most freedom to explore my interests in…
Photograph by Lloyd Llewellyn Jones, https://persianthings.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/184/darius_tomb/ We go way back, this rock relief and I. At this point, it’s difficult for me to imagine what it must be like to encounter it for the first time, unencumbered by a decade of study, reflection, and silent conversation with the reticent rock. Perhaps to you, the sculpture looks like just one more…
Roslyn Jin '15Major: China & Asia-Pacific StudiesHometown: Great Neck, NY Why did you choose Cornell?Going into college, I hoped to pursue international relations, politics, and business, but had no clear vision of the exact capacity and context in which to do so. What drew me to Cornell was the diversity of opportunity offered by a huge research university, along with the strength of a…
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 majorI 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…
Danielle Burgess '15Major: LinguisticsHometown: Horseheads, NYWhy did you choose Cornell?I attended the Cornell Summer College program after my junior year of high school and experiencing the beautiful campus that summer, along with meeting so many thoughtful and ambitious peers and faculty, really solidified in my mind that Cornell would be a great place for me.What is your main Cornell…
This week, junior Emma Bryan talks about how the flexibility of the Arts and Sciences curriculum helped her discover her passion for French and reconfirm her interest in Economics, setting her up for an exciting junior year. By: Emma Bryan '19, French and Economics double majorAfter spending the summer in Ithaca, August finally rolled around, and I couldn’t wait for people to come back to campus…
Happy Halloween! In our last post for October, senior Anna Ravenelle discusses her experiences with the creative writing program within the English department. For her and for many others, creative writing classes provide an opportunity to explore the arts while earning credit and getting feedback from esteemed authors and poets. By: Anna Ravenelle '17 As an English major, I’ve known for a long…
By: Solveig van der Vegt '18 I got my job at the Office of Campus Life through an email that was sent out to Balch Hall residents last year. There are many places to get jobs around campus, but this one particularly interested me because it was in the building that I already lived in. I applied and luckily got the job and it has been fantastic ever since! I work not only with fellow students but…
by Malika Sharapova '16Collegetown, and Ithaca as a whole, offer a plethora of wonderful things to do on and off campus. Collegetown alone hosts a vast array of restaurants as well as bars and cafes. From getting bubble tea after class at the Old Teahouse, or the newer Yogurt, Tea, Salad, to satisfying late-night pizza cravings at CTP, and to enjoying Wednesday night fishbowls (for those 21 and…
Swati Sureka '15Major: Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Chemical BiologyHometown: Jacksonville, FL Why did you choose Cornell?I visited and loved the campus, but what really pushed me to choose Cornell was the breadth and flexibility that the school, particularly the College of Arts & Sciences, offered. I really felt like I could study anything I wanted here and accommodate a lot of…
In our last post of the year, junior Zoee shares her excitement for a summer internship in healthcare consulting, not necessarily a position of her utmost expertise but one Arts and Sciences' holistic education helped her attain. By Zoee D'Costa '19, Biology & Society major, Psychology minorThis summer I will be working in Chicago interning for a consulting company focusing on healthcare…
Jessica Barragan '15Major: Government & SociologyHometown: Deep River, CTWhy did you choose Cornell?From the moment I stepped onto campus for the first time as an admitted high school senior, I knew that I could call Cornell my new home. While visiting during Cornell Days, it was immediately clear to me that Cornell was an academically rigorous, heavily research-oriented, and diverse…
This week, senior Samantha tells us about her challenging yet incredibly rewarding five months in Sevile, Spain, through which she learned to embrace the uncomfortable. By Samantha Cohen '18, Sociology major, Business minorLearning a new language is difficult. And for deaf people, it is very difficult. That is why it was a bit surprising to my parents, and even myself, when I officially decided…
This week, meet junior Suzy Park, an economics and psychology double major who was recently inspired by her experiences in Arts & Sciences to pursue a career in law. Suzy will be taking over the Ambassadors blog next year - see what she has to say below! By: Suzy Ji Soo Park '18, Economics and Psychology double major, Communications minor When I introduce myself as an economics and psychology…
Serge Petchenyi/Cornell University
2021-22 Cornelia Ye Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award winner Zachary Grobe
The Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI), along with a committee made up of faculty and students, has selected doctoral students Janani Hariharan and Zachary Grobe as recipients of the 2021-22 Cornelia Ye outstanding teaching assistant award.
“Their commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and engaging all students in a welcoming environment made our two winners rise to the top of a…
The last member of our Arts & Sciences Ambassadors E-board is Kasey Han '18. After spending most of her summer conducting molecular and cellular neuroscience research at Stanford University, Kasey returned to campus early for training to be a Student Assistant on West Campus. It's fitting that Kasey's post closes out our September collection just after Homecoming Weekend here in Ithaca - her…
By: Austin McLaughlin '18 Arriving back in chilly, cloudy Ithaca for the spring semester was in stark contrast to the 95-degree sunny days in Cambodia. Altogether, I spent 14 days in Siem Reap and 5 in Phnom Penh. I didn't get a tan, but I did leave with an enriching experience.This is in part because GOVT 3434 was not like other classes. While the course offers a few days of in-class lecture, it…
Patrick Molligo '15 Majors: German Studies & EconomicsHometown: Manhasset, NYWhy did you choose Cornell?I wanted a school where I wouldn't feel pressured to fit a mold. The motto "any person, any study" doesn't feel tired, even after four years here. Like most students, I didn't have a very clear plan when beginning my freshman year. I found it comforting that Cornell, and the College of Arts…
We close out November with a post from junior Maya Golliday, who is studying abroad in Cuba. She provides an exciting perspective on academics and student life outside of Cornell's campus in Ithaca, NY. Enjoy! By: Maya Golliday '17What’s good, prospective students and parents!? I am currently almost finished with my semester abroad in the beautiful “La Habana” and would love to tell you a little…
Despite pandemic challenges, the College of Arts & Sciences expanded its faculty with 17 new hires this year, bringing exciting new ideas into wide-ranging fields, including moral psychology, Indigenous studies, cosmology, genetics and African American literature.
Read about new faculty for 2021-22
by Jillian Holch '16"Did you get my message? 'Cause I looked in vain." "Can we see each other Tuesday if it doesn't rain?" "Look, I'll call you in the morning or my service will explain."– “Another Hundred People” from Company by Stephen SondheimIn the busy world of extra curriculars, classes, homework, and job/internship applications, it’s a wonder how some of us manage to get any sleep…
Kemar Prussien '15Major: PsychologyHometown: Philadelphia, PAWhy did you choose Cornell?I never really put much thought into where I was going to go to college for most of my high school career. However, I underwent two incredible experiences the summer before my senior year that put me on a path. First, I volunteered at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp--a pediatric summer camp for children with…
This week, senior Solveig writes about her excitement over being able to produce a physical proof of her two years worth of biochemistry research – an honors thesis.By Solveig van der Vegt '18, Biological Sciences major, Mathematics minor One of the greatest opportunities available to students at Cornell is to do research under a faculty supervisor. For the past two years, I have worked in the…
This week, sophomore Renée reflects on how being assigned to a single dorm room in freshman year – something she was worried about at first – motivated her to go beyond her comfort zone and shaped who she is today. By Renée Girard '20, Government major, Law & Society and Public Policy double minorI am confident that Cornell has fostered my growth as an individual and will continue to…
This week, junior Dylan Van Duyne discusses part of the reason he loves Cornell so much: the food. For those of you who are visiting campus and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the variety of options for finding a meal or a snack on campus, here are 10 recommendations for the best items and the best places to eat! By: Dylan Van Duyne '18 Cornell University was recently ranked #3 in the country by the…
By: Christopher-James Llego '17 Last night, as I was eating my salad bowl of spinach and baby carrots (and loathing my friends who were on their cheat days), a thought went through my mind: my summer plans stink. I hadn’t really thought much about my summer plans—and if I did, it usually wasn’t in such a negative way—but after hearing about Friend A’s internship in New York City, Friend B’s plans…
Anthony Halmon '17Major: Africana StudiesHometown: Chicago How did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?It was an interesting journey deciding on my major. Coming into Cornell, I just knew I had to be an engineer because I heard that they made a lot of money, and that it would provide me with the resources to take care of my mother and family. However, I…
As we move into November, our weekly blog posts will shift in focus. This month, our theme is "Academic and Residential Life at Cornell." Samantha Briggs '16 starts us off by explaining how the College of Arts and Sciences' unique set of distribution requirements allows students to explore subjects they never would have considered otherwise! By: Samantha Briggs '16 As students in the College of…
The Value of a Liberal Arts Education To address the greatest challenges in our world today, we must acquire skills that belie singular modes of understanding. As this era is defined by rapid social, technological and economic changes, the liberal arts model of education and inquiry is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. It is the best long-term training for innovation, entrepreneurship…
Rose Hanson '15Major: HistoryHometown: Anchorage, AKWhy did you choose Cornell?I chose Cornell because it gave me a chance to gain an amazing well-rounded education in an environment where people really love to learn. Coming from a high school where everyone knew everyone else, I wanted a school that was large enough that I could create my own community instead of have one chosen for me, and…
