Packing up this year was very bittersweet - comparing doe-eyed pre-first year Cornell me to doe-eyed and burned out post-first year Cornell me (only half kidding) was a roller coaster of emotions.
Two years ago today, I imagined I would be putting on a cap and gown to graduate from Fordham, but on Tuesday when I packed up my room, I imagined putting on a cap and gown to graduate from Cornell instead. It’s been a whirlwind two years, but it’s official. As of the other day, I’m halfway to being a Cornell University graduate - ew.
Flashback to August 20, 2015 when I was driving up to Ithaca and terrified out of my mind for my first semester at this new school. Sure, I had been through freshman year of college, but it was freshman year at a different school. This was Cornell - a giant Ivy in the middle of nowhere (read: Ithaca) and I had no clue how I would fit in.
Sure enough, I joined the rugby team and I could not have made a better choice. The amazing friends I have met and the sport I have grown to love will always be one of my greatest choices I’ve made at Cornell. Throughout my first year here, rugby has taught me to love and stand by the choices that I make, regardless of what anyone may think of them.
Okay, so cue the corny but it’s true. I can absolutely say that I have learned so much about myself and about others from my time so far at Cornell. I know, I know, it’s grossly cheesy, but honestly, I don’t know if it’s just a sophomore year figuring yourself out thing or something about Cornell, but I have absolutely grown as a person.
I have of course had my ups and downs this year -- there have been moments where I was sad the year was ending, moments I couldn't get over how much I love this school, days when I was so proud to say one day that I'd graduate from Cornell, and days (typically post-prelims) when I never thought I'd never hated a place more. Honestly though, I could not be more proud of how my year ended, and I'm so excited to relax and take on my next, and second-to-last, year at Cornell!
Peace out sophomore year -- it’s been a crazy ride and I learned a lot from you.
