At the Rose Scholars Fall Plenary Meeting, all Rose Scholar participants got to meet and reflect on the semester. For me, it was really meaningful to hear about other experiences in the program and get to talk with others who I had seen at events. The ‘9 Whys’ exercise that we did was unique, and forced us to really examine what we like about the Rose community! I love the Rose Scholars program because we get to learn about interesting events outside of our major, meet others in the Rose community, and learn from each other. After talking to others, I realized they feel the same way! This reflection event helped us to share our experiences with the program and learn from each other even more. I can’t wait to continue with the Rose Scholars program next semester!

Attending the meeting this afternoon, allowed me the opportunity to not only meet new people but share/listen to experiences  that differed from mine. One the occurring question during the meeting, asked group members what they really enjoyed about the Rose Scholars Program. It was really heart-warming to see that a majority of Rose Scholar  members appreciated the Rose scholars program for its sense of community. Many said that it was easy to feel alone and unacknowledged at Cornell,  because of its size and remote location. Others said that they felt especially alone, when they desired to do things outside of of academia and were discouraged by peers. I, personally, felt the exact same way and found solace in the Rose Scholars Program because it gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to partake in non-academically related activities that peaked my interest. I also enjoyed the Rose Scholars Program because it  allowed me to view a variety things within in both my social and academic life in a new and exciting way.

I found the end of the semester meeting very valuable. I especially enjoyed hearing other people’s experience in the program and learning about different series. The last activity (the 9 whys) revealed common themes of what people valued the most out of the program. In my group, we found that the scholar program was the perfect bridge to learn more about Cornell culture. Being a Rose Scholar, also, makes you feel apart of a community, which is essential for college. The program events were the perfect break from the busy Cornell academic life.  Without the program, I do not imagine myself ever experiencing a tour of the Art Museum or carving pumpkins. I especially found the Rose Cafe guest lectures very interesting, and these lectures exposed me to topics that I do not usually encounter in my normal classes. Most of my classes are large lectures, so; hearing a professor talk in a small group, discussion setting was very enjoyable. Through the program, I was able to see and learn more about Cornell and Ithaca.