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Life Lessons

CAM asked undergrads in Willard Straight Hall: “What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at Cornell so far?”

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“How to network. It’s important to make connections and build that bond with people later in life.”

Chelsea Onuorah ’15
Human biology, health and society
Lithonia, Georgia

“The importance of collaborating with people and working together to solve problems.”

Evan Greenberg ’17
Environmental engineering
Saint James, New York

“There are so many different people, and everyone has different interests—but still, we can all learn from each other.”

Ryan Ramano ’18
Undeclared (pondering economics)
Quatre Bornes, Mauritius

“The value of diversity. I come from a very homogeneous community, and I’ve learned about different backgrounds and cultural styles. That’s what has fulfilled me most.”

Andres Sellitto ’17
Economics
Caracas, Venezuela

“Keep an open mind. Try a bunch of different things. I’ve gotten involved with things that I never thought I would have, and those have been some of the most rewarding experiences.”

Matthew Clauson ’15
History
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

“Here, there’s always someone better than you. In high school it’s pretty easy to be the top of your class or the best in your sport. It’s a hard adjustment, but it motivates you to work harder and try to get to the top again.”

Brian Steck ’17
Hotel administration
Califon, New Jersey

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The curriculum can be challenging, but there are a lot of resources available—you just have let yourself get help if you need it. Knowing that has helped me improve in my classes and also make a lot of new friends.”

Esther Koo ’15
Biological engineering
Davis, California

“Time management. There’s so much to do workwise, and so many clubs—I want to do it all. When I go home and have less to do, it feels weird.”

Kyla Greenwell ’16
Nutrition; exercise science minor
Kula, Hawaii

“Buy the thickest winter jacket you can find. You need a good pair of boots, and don’t be afraid to wear sweatpants over your jeans if you have to.”

Dora Penavic ’18
Global and public health sciences
Smithtown, New York

“How to truly think. Before, I was a very passive learner, but now I know how to develop my own thoughts and ideas.”

Gail Fletcher ’17
History; government  
Miramar, Florida

“Being open to new opportunities. I transferred from Arts & Sciences to the Hotel school. Taking a class there opened my mind to new experiences, and I decided to change my major.”

Madeline Martinez ’16
Hotel administration
San Antonio, Texas

“To support each other.”

Mia Jovanova ’17
Communication
Barcelona, Spain

“To strike a balance between social and academic life. To try to step out of my comfort zone and experience as many things as possible.”

Ee Khoo ’17
Nutrition; dance minor
Masai Johor, Malaysia

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