Author Archives: mc2529

You are trying

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At first, I felt a bit intimidated talking within such a small group with GRF Magdala and guest speaker Ineke Demuynck about such personal matters of mental health.  Nonetheless, once one person opened up, I felt more comfortable as well.  When we talked about methods of dealing with stress, I realized how people had different preferences.  For example, my choice would be to talk it out with my sister over Facetime.  For me, speaking out my problems, concerns or rants helps me process it more than just internalizing it by myself.  Once the thoughts leave my mouth, I have the opportunity to rethink and re frame my perspective about a stressful situation.  Nonetheless, someone else in the group internalized it differently.  Two other students preferred to be alone when dealing with stress.  Instead of speaking with someone, they wanted time to decompress and think by themselves.

Additionally, I noticed that most of our stress stems from comparison with others, and feeling as though we are not doing enough compared to others.  Nonetheless, I believe it’s important to stay clear of these comparisons because everyone is on a different path.  Everyone has a different goal and destination, so it would be reasonable for us to have different paths and methods of getting there.  Therefore, it’s unfair to yourself to compare, because you will get to your destination with time.  In the past, it was difficult not to compare to others, but now I value myself and all the work I put into my work.

It’s also quite interesting to hear Ms.Demuynck speak more about the science behind stress and how stress is not always a bad thing.  Furthermore, we ended with creating a mantra to repeat to ourselves every day.  Though a bit cliche, I chose “You are trying.”  This mantra resonates with me because it lets me know that even when situations aren’t in my favor, I put all my effort into it.  Therefore, I will not beat myself up because I know I tried my best.

Though I had a prelim the next day, I left the table talk with an open and calm mind.

Ready, Relatable and Retrospective

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I’m not gonna lie, I joined this event because it was the only one that fit my schedule this week, but I’m glad I went.  Sam taught us valuable tips for writing over letters and personal statements.

For example, he mentioned the importance of cover letters and personal statement in distinguishing yourself from other applicants; these writings “humanize” you to the recruiters.  Looking at a typical resume, you see the typical list of experiences, skills, etc.  Nevertheless, you could remove your name from the resume and slap another name, and it wouldn’t be much different, meaning you need a cover letter or personal statement to stand out to the recruiter.

During the seminar, we read and critique a sample cover letter and personal statement.  I particularly enjoyed this part, since we had concrete material to work on. We were able to apply the tips that Sam taught us about writing quality information.  Thing he emphasized included the importance of weaving personal anecdotes to show your personal development and how you’re a good fit for the company.  Additionally, the cover letter that we analyzed was able to show different qualities of themselves (being responsible, determined, ambitious) in an efficient manner.  I tend to ramble whenever I write, but I will definitely keep these tips in mind, since there are often word limits on cover letters/personal statements.

Honestly, I have yet to write a cover letter for any job or internships, but applications for summer internships are already up, so I have the opportunity to apply these tips.

 

Halloween Vibes

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When I heard that they were showing “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, I was prepared to come to the dining hall with my scarf (which is basically my own personal blanket to be honest), fuzzy socks, and a warm cup of tea.  I love this movie because every year around Halloween, they show it on television, so my sister and I always go all out with a plethora of snacks, blankets, and hot cocoa on the coach.

Honestly, I also love the graphics that producers and animators create.  I appreciate how much time and effort goes into creating these animated films.  Additionally, watching the film transports me into a whimsical world of fantasy and magical creatures.  It gives me a break from the stress of schoolwork.

Also, it’s feels different watching this film every single year, because I always notice something different every single time.  For example, when I watched this as a kid, I just saw it as cool, creepy characters in a movie.  Nonetheless, with each passing year, I see the different lessons they’re trying to teach us: responsibility, balance, and expression.

For example, with the end of Halloween, Jack wants to help Santa Claus with Christmas.  Nonetheless, with a series of unfortunate events and miscommunications, he almost destroys Christmas and kills Santa Claus.  Therefore, it teaches the importance of not taking on too much and how your actions have consequences.

Since my parents were always working long hours when I was younger, my siblings and I would usually be playing outside or lounging on the couch watching television.  Honestly, I feel like watching movies and shows on television taught me many lessons of being kind, considerate, etc.  Television is often demonized for “ruining the minds of kids”, but I don’t entirely believe this.

I believe that in moderation, television is a good way of learning, whether it be life lessons or new languages.

Google Yourself

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During the Personal Brand seminar, the first thing Beverly told us to do was to google ourselves and to see what pops up.  I was surprised to learn that recruiters may just google your name to get more information about you.

“Make sure nothing inappropriate comes up, so keep your social platforms clean and professional for the most part,” she said as we whipped out our phones to google ourselves.   It’s amazing how much information one can grasp about a potential employee online.  Therefore, Beverly stressed the importance of regularly updating our resumes, Linkedin profiles, Handshake profiles, cover letters, etc.

To be honest, I don’t follow this advice quite well, and often end up scrambling to touch up and fix my resume right before the career fair or submitting an application for a potential internship.  These times are often stressful and makes the whole application process longer than it needs to be.  I’m going to try to update my profiles and resumes more frequently as I gain more experience.  Also, she mentioned that you can adapt your resume when applying to different types of jobs.  For example, if you’re applying to intern at a pediatric office, you can include experiences involving working with children or in similar setting, and omit the experiences that don’t directly relate to this field.

This was quite valuable to me, because I often send the same resume when applying to different jobs.  Nonetheless, now I know how to customize to fit the company’s requirements for a potential job.

Additionally, another thing that Beverly emphasized is the fact that you should have a loose idea of what your personal pitch should be.  She explained that you shouldn’t have a set script of what you’re going to say, because then it sounds like you’re giving a presentation instead of having a conversation with the recruiter.  This especially struck me, since I went into the fall 2018 career fair using the script method.  Now, I know how I can improve for next time, by using the personal pitch as a springboard for greater conversation with the recruiter.

I’m pleasantly surprised about how much stuff I learned during this seminar; I feel like having someone physically tell us some tips and tricks makes me remember and learn more than from just reading some tips online.

An Apple (donut) a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

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After a grueling week of the first round of prelims, there were two things I was looking forward to during the weekend: sleep and Apple Fest.  During the week, as I banged my head against my desk while applying Gaussian surfaces, I chanted to myself, “Apple Fest, Apple Fest…“.  In all seriousness, we all needed a break from the boring routine of school work, and what better way than by devouring delicious treats by locals?

I was surprised when the GRF mentioned how Cornell makes its own apple varieties.  Additionally, it’s amazing how many different varieties of apples there are.  My uncultured self only knows about Gala apples.

When we got to Apple Fest, my friends and I had our eyes set on one thing: apple cider donuts.  We waited on line for around 20 minutes before we got our small donuts, but it was well worth it.  The fresh donuts melted in my mouth, with the crunchy exterior giving way to the fluffy dough inside.  The delectable scent of apple pies, apple cider, candy apple, and other apple dishes in the air put a smile to my face.  However, nothing could compare to seeing some many families and students enjoying a beautiful sunny day at the Commons, with parents giggling with their children and people walking their beautiful dogs (it was dog heaven, I tell you!).  Apple Fest was such a nice contrast to the mundane routine of school work.  I can’t wait for next year’s Apple Fest!

Just talk, they don’t bite

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As someone who feels intimidated to approach professors, I discovered a new perspective on networking with faculty members from Christa Downey.  They are just normal people like us.  We often don’t want to appear “stupid” in front of them, but they’re here to help us and they usually love to speak with their students.

Additionally, we talked about group dynamics.  We talked about the two types of unhealthy group dynamics: a group with unmotivated people or a group with a bossy leader.  The first one often puts a strain and it can become disheartening to feel like the only member putting in the work.  Nonetheless, it’s all about communication; let the group know that you feel overwhelmed and that everyone needs to step up their game.  Don’t be passive aggressive, but be proactive about your sentiments.  Everyone is an adult here.  In the latter, it’s important to communicate to the “bossy leader” that everyone is capable of doing work.  During the conversation, someone asked whether it a good grade was worth dealing with an unhealthy group dynamic.  This question struck me, because in the end, it’s all about the grade, right?  However, through the conversation, I realized that I’d rather work and learn together as a group to get an average grade than let one person do the work to get a higher grade.  There is more to projects than just the superficial grade; the sharing of perspectives and the satisfaction of seeing the culmination of everyone’s work form into something cohesive and presentable.  Instead of worrying about the post-project grade, focus on the process of getting there, on the bonding experiences with your group mates.  Christa Downey also mentioned that in a real life setting, you are not going to have the option to choose your partners, and you may end up working with people you don’t get along with.  As a result, everyone needs to be mature and set out boundaries even before the work starts.  While passing your group project in class is only a small aspect of your student life, having the ability to create healthy group dynamics will aid you in your career and for the rest of your life.

 

10 Minute Uber Ride to Great Food and Goods

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Despite being a sophomore this year, I’m ashamed to say I have never been to Ithaca’s Farmers Market.  I never had the need to, with Target and Greenstar Co-op a couple of bus stops away.  Therefore, I was excited to visit the market with the others.  We walked downhill to reach the market and Ubered back to campus.

Upon arriving there, we were immersed in a social hub of families enjoying food and fresh produce with their family, other Cornell kids walking around with their friends, munching on some samosas or locally baked bread from a stand.  It was interesting to see the variety of goods people were selling: glass blown ceramics (I bought myself a glass straw!), jewelry, grass-fed beef, organic beeswax lip balms and deodorant, rows of meticulously displayed succulents, and more.  I love the whole idea behind a Farmers Market: supporting local businesses.  Talking to the merchants, I see their passion in how they market their goods, how they support sustainable and ethical conditions.  Despite the fact that being environmentally sustainable is usually not as profitable, they continue to do what they believe is right.  I commend them for that. Though I am a Target enthusiast, I would rather support a small business that depend on every customer to keep their businesses thriving and open.  Target will not go bankrupt with one less customer.

It was amazing to go off campus and see what this beautiful city can offer.  I still find it slightly shocking to see couples rolling their babies in strollers; while, Ithaca is only my temporary home, there are families who have lived here for generations.  Although Cornell students (including myself) tend to rant about the never ending prelim season, onslaught of psets, and the bone chilling Ithaca weather, there is a charm to this city that draws me in.  Whether it be the proximity to gorgeous nature or something just as simple as people allowing me to cross the street (back at home in NYC, people will run you over…).  I appreciate that, and sometimes I think I could see myself living here long term.