Elena W
Elena’s journey in the College of Arts & Sciences has allowed her to see the intersections of natural and social sciences. Paired with her ability to advocate for herself and her future, Elena credits Cornell Career Services and the Cornell Tradition Fellowship for setting her up for success.
What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I’m part of:
- Cornell Votes, President
- Cornell Tradition Fellow
- Tschida Lab, Research Assistant, Honors Thesis
- Memory and Neuroscience Lab
- Andrew Goodman Foundation Campus Ambassador
- Every Vote Counts, Vice President of Internal Engagement
- Alpha Iota Gamma, Professional Healthcare Fraternity
Why is the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) a great fit for you?
I've always loved learning about the intersection of different fields. As a liberal arts school, A&S offers course variety and pushes its students to explore many different breadths of study. I can explore all my passions (neurobiology and social sciences) and more.
What is your academic passion?
My academic passions include neurobiology and social sciences. I am interested in human behavior and how it translates to physical changes in the human brain. My major, Biology & Society, allows me to combine these passions and learn about the intersections of natural and social sciences.
What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?
My go-to campus resources are Career Services and the Cornell Tradition Fellowship. Through Career Services, I had my professional headshot taken, got advice about job recruitment, and fine-tuned my resume. I discovered Career Services by word of mouth since many Cornell students utilize this resource. I am also a part of the Cornell Tradition Fellowship, where I frequently get opportunities for community service and have received funding for summer experiences. I was luckily invited into the program with my acceptance into Cornell, but I know of plenty of friends who have applied to the program in their first and second years at Cornell.
What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?
I wish I had known to be an advocate for myself and to actively search for opportunities. Many of the amazing experiences I have had at Cornell were found by contacting professors and continuously researching the opportunities I am interested in. Professors always want to help and are amazing resources.
Hometown
Portland, OregonGraduation Year
2024College/School
- College of Arts & Sciences
Majors
- Biology and Society
Pull Quote
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
I had a unique experience during my first few years at Cornell due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I could still make friends and connections through different academic and nonacademic settings. I remember going on beautiful hikes in the gorges and exploring Collegetown with new friends during the first week of my first year.
Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?
My go-to place to eat is the Big Red Barn. It's a graduate and professional student center, but it also serves delicious sandwiches for lunch (my favorite is the chicken pesto sandwich). They also serve the best black coffee on campus, and I love to bring my reusable tumbler to get a discount!
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.
My favorite thing in Ithaca is exploring all the hidden spots around town. There are beautiful places to go on walks or hikes, swimming spots for swimming and kayaking, and delicious restaurants, especially downtown in the Ithaca Commons. I love that we are always surrounded by like-minded university students and get to explore what Ithaca has to offer.
Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.
I have spent two summers in Ithaca conducting research for the Tschida Lab. The summers in Ithaca are beautiful, and I love spending more time in nature. There are amazing waterfalls and swimming areas to explore with your friends, and the ice cream from Frosty Cow is incredible!
What is your favorite class so far, and why?
One of my favorite classes has been Ethical Issues in Health & Medicine. It goes over a range of different issues that come up with medicine, and I would recommend the class to anyone considering going into the healthcare industry. I loved that the class looks at the healthcare industry more broadly and holistically. Another of my favorite classes was rock climbing — I took it for two semesters!
Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.
My favorite spot on campus is on the top of the slope. There's an area near the top with trees perfect for hanging hammocks. On warm, sunny days, I like to take my hammock to that spot and finish my work there.