I went to the interview event on Thursday to learn about more tips from GRF Seema. First, we talked about how to effectively prep for an interview. On top of reading the job description, job/internship seekers should go to the company’s website, social media pages, and LinkedIn. We should know what the employer is looking for in candidates and we as candidates should know how our skills and experiences could be valuable for the job. Seema also talked about how eye contact and dressing professionally is very important and contributes to how you present yourself. Candidates should remain calm even if they are thrown off by a question. She stressed how important practice is and how mock interviews or even just recording yourself can show potential struggles and places to improve on. During a panel interview, there may be a person that looks at how you’re dressed, another that looks at body language and sees any signs of nervousness, and others who are interested in the answers to the questions. I will be sure to think about these things the next time I have an interview!
Author Archives: dtc68
Gourd Lights
When I read about this event, I did not realize that the gourds would be dried. I figured I would be able to have them for a couple days and then I would have to throw it out. So when I realized that they were dried and could last for awhile, I was pleasantly surprised.
First, we got a demonstration on how to design the gourds; there were different sizes of drills that we could use to get the design that we wanted. I’m happy that we were also given a practice part of a gourd so we could practice drilling the holes before actually making our night light. Our instructor also showed us a couple of examples of gourd night lights that she has made in the past to inspire us all. Everyone in this activity was fascinated and for many of us, this experience was entirely new. I had trouble brainstorming design ideas but finally settled on palm trees and a wave. I added the final touch by making sun rays at the top of the gourd. All in all, the experience was amazing and I was so happy to have learned a new skill. It also helped me forget about my prelim the next day which I was very stressed about. Like the previous couple of creative activities, I believe these events are very helpful for students as it takes them away from their academics and brings out their artistic side.
Spooky Season
Fall has always been my favorite season. I’ve always been excited for the changing colors of the leaves, sweater weather, football, hot chocolate, and Halloween! Pumpkins are such a crucial part of fall; many foods are made from them and pumpkin carving is a fun activity for people of all ages. While I’ve only carved one pumpkin in my life, I was glad I was able to carve the second at Rose house. Because there weren’t enough pumpkins for all of us, we paired up and carved pumpkins together. This was fun because I was able to further bond with my suitemates! We took turns carving and taking the guts out of the pumpkins. Finding a design for the rather large pumpkin was difficult, but after browsing the internet, we decided on a haunted house and tree. I enjoyed the extra perk of Halloween music and candy that was handed out about halfway through carving. I would have enjoyed if we could use the guts of the pumpkin for other uses, like in food or other things. However, all in all I thought the event really put everyone in the Halloween spirit and added a spookier feeling to the Rose community. I’m always happy when I walk around and see awesome pumpkin designs around campus.
Come out to clay!
This past weekend, I was able to harness my artistic abilities (or lack thereof) and make a mug out of clay at the Johnson Art Museum. I’ve made things out of clay before but only when I was very young. In fact, I hadn’t done any hands-on artwork in a long time, only some painting and drawing.
Upon arrival to the museum, we gathered around the instructor and watched her demonstrate how to make the mug. In sculpting the three different parts: the base, cup part, and handle, the mug would be made and would dry in 48 hours. Though it took me many attempts, I was finally able to get the shape I wanted. Originally, I was just going to make a standard mug, like how the instructor demonstrated. However, after seeing what other people were doing, I gained inspiration to make the top of my mug have a wave pattern. Throughout the experience, I realized that I wasn’t stressed about my upcoming prelims at all. Although I felt stressed after the event, that 1 hour was a nice break for my brain to just relax and focus on creativity instead of exams to come. I think that taking mental breaks are essential for academic success – we can’t be focused on schoolwork all the time or we’ll get burnt out, fast. In the future, I will turn to art as an outlet for creativity and a break from school.
How to Email 101
Knowing how to write a good email will surely increase your chances in getting the information that you want. At tonight’s mini-seminar, I learned how to properly research whoever I am emailing, saw some examples of bad emails, and learned the steps to writing a good email. I even got some tips on how to write a follow up email without sounding annoying.
In “stalking” the person you’re emailing, I knew that I should do my homework beforehand, researching with google, LinkedIn, and twitter. However, I didn’t know about research gate so I’m glad I learned about that resource. It’s important to know about the person’s research and what they’re studying before reaching out for a job opportunity so it shows that you have a real interest in what they’re doing. To avoid writing a bad email, make sure you spell the person’s name correctly, be polite, and prevent any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Proofreading is key!
To format a superb email, be sure to have a subject line that summarizes the purpose of the email. Add a polite salutation and spell the person’s name correctly! Be clear and concise with the information you provide and with your request. If your email is too long, the person may not want to read it. Adding a professional signature to make your email look and sound more professional. If the person doesn’t get back to you and you want to write a follow up email, ask them if you need to do anything else on your side and restate your request. This event was extremely helpful and I am sure to use these techniques the next time I write an email!
Llenroc Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is a true work of art available for all Cornellians (and locals!) to visit. Located just a short walk from the Ag Quad, it is a remarkable place to walk around and relax. Upon arriving, we met our tour guide Peter Davies, a retired professor from Cornell. We learned about the history of the garden, including the fact that the land that the university sits on was indeed Ezra Cornell’s farm. He mentioned that corn was likely grown where we stood and that the rest of the land was probably flat, as opposed to all the trees we see on campus now. It was interesting to find out that the garden came about through the CCC, information that I had not known prior. In addition, I found out that the rock near the welcome center is named llenroc, which is actually just Cornell spelled backwards!
I found it funny when our tour guide kept mentioning all the buildings that were built for the university, taking away some of the open green space. I do appreciate the fact that we have so much nature within and around our campus because it provides a place to relax and not have to worry about the stress of school. The convenience of the gardens was also appealing, as finding something similar at Harvard would require a longer drive.
I loved seeing the variety of plants in the botanical gardens. I was surprised to hear that the plants near the entrance of the welcome center are all tropical plants, the banana tree among them. I plan to come back to the gardens before it gets too cold and also in the spring to see the flowers bloom.
A Beautiful Day for a Farmer’s Market
I had been wanting to go to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market ever since I got to campus. A couple of my friends had gone a week-ish before and it was spectacular – they went at night and got to walk through the fairy light lit pavilion and watch the sunset on the dock. So I jumped on the opportunity to go with my fellow Rose Scholars.
Before heading over to the market, we learned a couple cool facts. The vendors comprise of locals within 30 miles of Ithaca, proving to be geared towards the local community. Away with big company owned products, all of the produce and crafts are hand-grown or handmade. Because the market attracts over 5,000 people, it is a huge economic hub for the Ithaca community.
The market definitely exceeded my expectations. Upon our arrival, we saw the beautiful waterfront and pavilion with a wide variety of goods including fresh produce, flowers, food, wine, wooden crafts, and jewelry. Though I didn’t get any food, I bought a little succulent that will make a nice addition to my plant collection in my dorm room. Locals and live music contributed to the atmosphere and authenticity of the market. I plan on coming back with my suitemates to have a meal, sit by the water, and have a great time (and maybe catch the sunset too!).