Najiullah Basharat

Meet Najiullah

Najiullah is a Cornellian from Afghanistan graduating in 2026. Entering the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) as an Undecided major, he is now pursuing a degree in Computer Science, and appreciates that A&S allows him to continue to explore his broad range of interests like Astronomy and Entrepreneurship.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am a member of the Organization for Afghan Students (OFAS), the Daring Discussion Club (DD), the Big Birds Coed (outdoor soccer team), Underrepresented Minorities in Computing (URMC), and the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates (ACSU). I am also the president of Cornell Artificial Intelligence Generated Art Club.

Why is the College of Arts & Sciences a great fit for you?

While majoring in computer science, I have always loved discovering and trying new studies. The College of Arts & Science provides the best opportunity to select my desired courses from a broad range of diverse academic courses.

What are your go-to campus resources?

I recommend taking advantage of the tutoring sessions provided by specific departments. The instructors repeatedly talk about them in their classes, and tutors always welcome students to their sessions with the utmost love and passion. 

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when applying? 

There are many clubs and project teams; I wish I had done more research about them before attending Cornell because they are all unique and outstanding. I would have known which ones to join sooner had I been more aware of the many options, so I recommend becoming acquainted with them early.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

Cornell has so many diverse students from so many different backgrounds. All it takes is courage to start communicating with people; I promise you will find friends and community.

Hometown

Kabul, Afghanistan

Graduation Year

2026

College/School

  • College of Arts & Sciences

Majors

  • Computer Science

Minors

  • Economics

Pull Quote

I recommend taking advantage of the tutoring sessions provided by specific departments. The instructors repeatedly talk about them in their classes, and tutors always welcome students to their sessions with the utmost love and passion.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

“... any person … any study” is not just a motto at Cornell; it is Cornell’s reality. After learning how Cornell brings together a diverse and global community to study their desired fields, I knew this was the university I wanted to attend. I knew this was the place where I could feel at home.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

Ithaca offers so much beautiful scenery, so whenever I can, I go for a walk to get out and enjoy the beautiful nature in Ithaca, New York.

Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.

I enjoyed it when everyone in the class gathered together in a very organized manner for the class of 2026 photo.

What is your favorite class so far, and why?

CS1110 has been my favorite class so far because I love spending hours trying to find a single extra colon in my code. The instructor, Walker White, is truly fantastic.

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

I love the view of the bridge, which you can see from the other side of Beebe Lake.