There’s a Bigger World Outside of Cornell

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Thursday was my first day volunteering at BJM! It was very grounding to remind myself that there’s an entire city outside of Cornell (flourishing with non-college students!). It also saddened me, however, when the two kids who I tutored, mentioned that they are used to interacting with many different college students (from other volunteers for A+, or with Best Buddies). Since they encounter so many college students, it may be hard for them to form a deep connection with one. Even if they do form a connection, however, the college student eventually graduates and leaves Ithaca, severing their ties with their mentee(s). I am reminded that Ithaca is a college town, and that anyone living or growing up in Ithaca will be influenced by college in some way. Will they be encouraged to go to college? Would they be sick of Ithaca and want to go to another place? What qualms do Ithacans have against college students here? I want to be reminded that outside of the bubble of Cornell, there is a much bigger world with so many more opportunities.

2 thoughts on “There’s a Bigger World Outside of Cornell”

  1. I couldn’t agree more. Though Cornell offers students many volunteer opportunities to engage with members, both outside and inside the Cornell community, I feel that the connections that are made are rarely maintained . I feel like as though providing a service and not maintaining connections, actually thwarts progress within regards to the service that was provided. It is unfortunate and a common dilemma amongst volunteer groups both within and outside of Cornell’s community.

  2. I sometimes have the same thoughts myself. Where do young Ithacans want to be when they’re our age? Will they end up pursuing an education in Ithaca or try to venture off in pursuits of a different lifestyle and education outside of this small town? As one who was born and raised in NYC, I think one of the factors that pulled me to Cornell was its setting outside of a big city. Although I love being encompassed by the vibrancy of the city and its fast paced nature, Cornell is my quiet oasis- a place for momentary release and to reflect. I think finding a good balance between these two disparate energies is important for everyone to find.