Meet Isabelle
Though she worried about making friends as a transfer student, Isabelle quickly found community as she explored her academic passions in the College of Human Ecology. Isabelle is inspired by her sister pursuing her own academic goals, and now Isabelle takes advantage of every opportunity. She hopes to use her education to pursue a career in law that includes advocacy for special needs and disabled individuals in and out of the classroom.
What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am involved with TST BOCES Career Skills at Cornell, Best Buddies Cornell, and the Cornell Child Witness and Cognition Lab.
Why is the College of Human Ecology a great fit for you?
The College of Human Ecology is a great fit for me because the curriculum allows me to explore various classes while concentrating on my major. The mission of Human Ecology is to improve human lives from a wide range of perspectives and concentrations. Knowing that my peers in Human Ecology share this mission of improving the lives of others, whether it be through fashion design, medicine, or policy, inspires me to challenge myself in my coursework, research, and extracurriculars every day. I can’t imagine my academic journey without the resources and support of the College of Human Ecology. I can't wait to apply the tools and knowledge I have received in my future work.
What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?
I love meeting with my college's advisors and faculty. Your professors know so much about life and can always give you advice; if not, they can direct you to someone who can help. They learn as much here as we do and value their time meeting with their students. The time I spent meeting with professors is just as valuable as time spent in the classroom.
What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?
Don't be afraid of not knowing exactly what you want to do. College is a time to explore new opportunities and learn about yourself. Don't restrict yourself to one pathway, and be open to trying new things!
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
As a transfer student, I was nervous about making friends. However, I made some of my best friends because I was a transfer. I now live off campus with nine other transfer students. Additionally, being part of the Einhorn Center has created an inspiring community for me. Knowing that other clubs, students, and faculty work just as hard as I do to apply what I am learning in class to the Ithaca community and the real world is inspiring. There are so many different outlets where you can find communities and friends at Cornell.
Hometown
Holmdel, New JerseyGraduation Year
2025College/School
- College of Human Ecology
Majors
- Human Development
Minors
- Public Policy
- Law and Society
Pull Quote
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.
I love checking out the local gorges and waterfalls when the weather is warm! I am from the Jersey Shore, so I'm always at the beach and in the water when I'm home. Before coming to Cornell, I had never swam in a body of water other than the ocean. In the winter, the gorges and waterfalls are so beautiful when they freeze.
What inspires you?
My twin sister Olivia! Olivia attends Villanova University as a VUnited Scholar. She has an array of cognitive developmental delays, and as a student with special needs, I never thought college was an option for her. She is so proud to be attending college, and this inspires me every day to take full advantage of what this university has to offer me and to never take for granted the privilege of receiving higher education.
What is your favorite class so far, and why?
My favorite class so far has been Social Inequality (PUBPOL 2208), taught by Professor Kim Weeden. Although this course is not within my major, it solidified my interest in the intersections between social justice, psychology, and education policy. Additionally, this course inspired me to work towards a minor in Public Policy.
What are your plans after graduation?
Following graduation, I hope to join Teach for America, a non-profit organization for those who want to co-create a more just world alongside young people in their communities by teaching for at least two years in low-income schools. I hope to attend law school to further my education and help make a difference. I am particularly interested in advocating for special needs and disabled individuals in and out of the classroom. I also have found an interest in international law! Hopefully, I can find a career in law that merges both of my interests.