30
April
2008
“It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to . . .” -Lesley Gore
Yes, my big fat 22 b-day is in less than a half hour. And guess where I am?
OLIN LIBRARY.
Yep, I’m finishing a paper up about about democratic stability in the decentralized education systems of Switzerland and Northern Ireland. As riveting as this sounds, I think most would agree this isn’t the ideal recipe for one’s last birthday in college.
No fear though, I have plans to go to the Regent Lounge in the Statler after my last Cornell class EVER tomorrow at 3pm. It’s advertised as a place to, “unwind with your favorite beverage.” Case in point why you should go to a university with a school specializing in hospitality.
So cheers to birthdays and the last week of class Cornell. Currently I’m doing this with myself and my many caffeinated beverages.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia, Senior Shenanigans
21
April
2008
“[Spring is] when life’s alive in everything.” -Christina Rossetti
All day long, I’ve been walking like a tourist with my head towards the sky, enchanted by the trees that were bare yesterday and today are full of pink buds. The campus smells gorgeous.
I’m sitting here behind McGraw Hall on a stone carved out with a seat just big enough for me and my little old laptop. Ezra’s behind us and keeping an eye on the Arts Quad while I watch the sun literally set across the lake behind the west hill.
Cornell is in bloom my friends, and it is beautiful.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia
19
April
2008
Charlotte: Don’t listen to her Carrie, it’s only been a month. It takes half of the total time you went out with someone to get over them.
Carrie: I always like a good math solution to any love problem.
-Sex and the City
I’m in Mann library, working away on a final project for my art history class. For no particular reason, I just got hit with a huge freak-out-I’m-graduating-moment (maybe because I’ve been listening to Coldplay? They always make me feel sappy and nostalgic . . .) Like literally, I almost just started bawling next to the circulation desk.
Before you write me off as a freak, consider the situation I’m in along with over 3,000 of my other classmates – we’ve been hanging out in the same places with the same people for the last three and a half years. We’ve all had our ups and downs, but for the majority of us, Cornell has offered an incredible college experience. Many of us have our plans ironed out for life post May 2008, and those of us who don’t will undoubtedly have settled on something fabulous in the near future (note to economy – stop stinking).
Although many of my friends are excited to graduate, I think we’re all nervous and sad too. I’ve never been very good with goodbyes because I have trouble dealing with the fact something could be gone forever. I guess I prefer to admit things will be different – which isn’t necessarily bad – instead of donezo forever. And in my short 21 years, I’ve found life usually has this funny way of throwing your past back at you in the most random of ways.
So I finally faced up to the math and the calender. I have five weeks (and one day – crucial) left here. I feel pulled between projects, parties, papers and people who I may not see again for a very long time. Kinda scary, but I guess it’s just how this all works.
I guess my Mann libe moment is an indication of how the reality of graduation hits people at weird times. For example, a few weeks ago I had a completely illogical Niagara Falls moment walking down the Slope right after sunset. Despite that I curse the Slope on mornings when I get all sweaty and nasty practically running up it to be ontime, it suddenly had the audacity to spur a nonstop sob session. I quickly decided I was being hilariously emo and started laughing at myself (ok, now I just sound crazy but you get the picture).
Yet, the reality of the moment struck me – I’m going to miss Cornell. And yes Cornell, because we are going to have to be in a long distance relationship, you will not probably, but most definitely make me cry.
Ok, back to Thomas Nast. And don’t worry, I put on some Nelly so I’m shaking instead of sobbing in my seat – at least for now!
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Senior Shenanigans
7
April
2008
“I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that’s the only way of insuring one’s immortality.” -James Joyce
I’ve wanted to take this class for a long time, and I finally worked it into my schedule this semester. As part of the course, we not only create our own pieces of poetry and prose, but we also edit our peers’ work and read the products of renowned writers.
We also attend readings by writers on campus, a type of function I’ve never experienced before this semester. I went to one recently and it was amazing to hear the authors tell their own stories and reflect upon what influenced their works.
An early assignment for the class was to compose a sonnet. Keeping in mind this style of poetry is often used in admiration of one’s love, I wrote my sonnet in honor of a delectable treat.
A Sweet Southern Sonnet
So tall and big, a fluffy giant mound -
A piece, I know will never go to waste.
The icing, soft on top, as if of down
It sparkles – gems with a sugary taste.
It’s South the Mason-Dixon where you hide,
Ruby with riches, pleasure but not health.
Forever, you’re on Paula Dean’s dear side.
You’re made with threads of satisfying wealth.
It flashes bright – a sharp arch nemesis
And plunging in, a cut so deep it bleeds,
A knife unwanted on the premises,
With exception – lovers of cake, it feeds.
A scrumptious forkful of red velvet cake,
Dessert of choice, none better could one bake.
After writing a love poem to food, I’m feeling like a hotelie.
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia
4
April
2008
“Still in your hour of need, / Let it be understood no man can supersede, / Our sacred bond of sisterhood. / Omigod! Omigod you guys!” -Legally Blonde The Musical
When looking at colleges, I was usually put off by schools sporting large Greek systems. With Animal House in mind, I figured anything this group had to offer would be a little over the top for my Midwestern, nerdy (and admit it – if you’re coming to Cornell, you’ve probably felt nerdy at least once) self.
When I came to Cornell, I never even realized how many students were involved in the Greek system. I met a whole range of Cornellians – engineers, athletes and international students – all involved in different houses. At Cornell, our Greek system is made up of three facets – the Multicultural Greek Letter Societies, the Panhellenic Association (sororities) and the Interfraternity Council (fraternities) and there really is a house for anyone who wants to be involved. We do a second semester recruitment at Cornell, which I think is beneficial because students have time to adjust to Cornell and decide if the Greek system is for them.
My brother Daniel and I at his Egyptian themed pledge party
I felt the Greek system was a good way to be involved on campus, so I decided to go through recruitment. Despite freezing temperatures and tons of snow, I actually found the process to be pretty fun. I liked meeting all of the different sisters and visiting each of the different houses.
The pledging process can be time demanding depending on the organization, but many students also enjoy it. Cornell has a very strict anti-hazing policy not only for Greek organizations, but all groups on campus.
Most Greeks choose to live in their house sophomore year, and sometimes upperclassmen do as well. All of the houses are scattered around campus, and many are quite large, historic and impressive. Most have their own chef who cooks dinner every night.
So what goes on in the Greek system? Last weekend, for example, I dressed up as Tinker Bell for the Tridelta (my house) invite party, one of our many social events this semester. The next evening the Deltas and I walked throughout the night to raise money for the American Cancer Society at Relay for Life. We also have intramural sports teams, dinners with professors and participate in a variety of Greek community activities – in fact, we won Greek Week last year!
Tink!
When I say on tours that Cornell has “one of the largest Greek systems in the country” because of our size or that “about 30% of students are Greek,” it may seem like it takes over the campus. The Greek system is a large, active and positive presence on our campus, and it is important to note our organizations are very inclusive, not exclusive. Some of my best friends are Greek, some are not, and almost every student on campus would say the same. Those who are not Greek often take part in Greek activities, and vis versa.
The reality is that the Cornell Greek system is a great way to find a community at Cornell with common interests. But guess what, there are endless other ways to also find a community to live in or be part of on our campus, such as the hundreds of student clubs, co-ops and program houses.
Posted: Cornellia
1
April
2008
“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this – decide what you want.” -Ben Stein
Congrats! Welcome to the wonderful world of Cornell. I know when I received my acceptance I felt excited, nervous, happy and unsure. Was Cornell the right choice for me? How would I make my decision?
Here is my advice.
Think! Explore! Discuss! Surf (the web – or ocean if that is a possibility). Smile – don’t take yourself too seriously, you ivy leaguer you! And come to Cornell Days if you can (what ultimately made me decide Cornell was right for me). Oh and check out this blog! I’ll be posting many entries in the coming days about all of the Cornell info that can seem befuddling as an incoming student. But be sure to let me know if you have any specific topics you’d like me to address!
And most of all . . . Welcome to Cornell!
Posted: A Day in the Life of, Cornellia
