Peer Advisor Spotlight: Ruminations from a graduating senior
By Katelyn Walley, CALS Senior majoring in Animal Science
Serving as a Peer Advisor in the Student Services office has been an incredible experience! It’s given me the opportunity to work with students from all walks of life and learn the ins-and-outs of CALS. Now, as a January graduate, I’ve had some time to reflect back on my Cornell Career and pass along some (for what it’s worth) “wisdom” to all the CALS undergrads as my last blog posting.
Stop Freaking Out.
Things will really be okay. Take a deep breath, learn from your mistakes, and don’t get caught up in the details. Don’t feel like a failure if you drop a class. Don’t get down because you bombed a pre-lim. Don’t have a panic attack when your summer internship falls through at the last minute. Things happen. I feel I’ve learned the most when life threw a curve ball, and I had to duck.
Spend a semester or summer abroad.
One of my biggest regrets is not going abroad. Cornell has so many opportunities to have an international experience. Working with students and hearing their stories has me realize the incredible experience I’ve missed out on!
Find a great on-campus job.
Probably the best thing that ever happened to me as an undergrad in CALS was to have the opportunity to work in 140 Roberts Hall. An on-campus job provides you with schedule flexibility, an inside look at Cornell, a little money to help pay rent, and amazing real-life co-workers. Most of whom are mothers, and always know where the closest dentist, best restaurants, and best area locations are.
Take classes outside of your major.
Looking back, I know that some of my favorite classes were those that weren’t related to animal science. My favorite class of all was HORT 3100: Production and Marketing of Greenhouse Crops – something I’ve never had any experience in and knew nothing about. I met new people and professors, had a great experience, and learned so much! I also found a new interest, and regretted not taking something “out there” sooner.
Make friends that raise you up.
They say that you’re the average of your five closest friends, who should those be? I’ve chosen the people that make me a better person when I’m around them, which may not be the first you think of. Stay close to the ones you want in your life after college, and those that always challenge you to be better.
Call your mother.
Or your sister. Or your teacher from high school. Or your best friend from high school. Or anyone. Talk to the people that care about you the most. Keep them in the loop. Bounce your ideas off of them, and show them how much you’ve grown. Don’t lose touch with the people that helped you get to Cornell.
Be open to new experiences.
Don’t miss out on something just because it isn’t within your comfort zone. Make yourself vulnerable, learn something new, and take a risk. I feel leaving Cornell as the same person you were when you got here is the only way to fail. College changes you. The adventures you are willing to embark upon change you. And these changes are definitely for the better.
But most of all, appreciate your time here at Cornell, and the people you meet along the way! Best of luck to everyone on your future experiences!