Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hometown: New Bern, NC

Why did you choose Cornell and/or Cornell Engineering?
I chose Cornell to both challenge myself and broaden my horizons. I knew Cornell would allow me to collaborate and learn with a diverse group of talented people. I believed Cornell Engineering would challenge me academically and intellectually, and help me grow as a result.

What is your favorite thing about Cornell and/or Cornell Engineering?
Cornell Engineering has really cultivated a collaborative environment despite the challenging, competitive nature of engineering. In the ELL, different project teams share equipment and give advice to help each other out. Forming study groups is very common and natural, so it’s very easy to meet people and make friends in your major. There’s a lot of space in the engineering quad to collaborate, talk, and make friends even through random interactions.

How did you get involved outside the classroom?
I started by finding non-academic clubs that I enjoyed. In my first semester, I went to club fest and signed up for every club that piqued my interest. I attended some only once, and others almost every week. When project team recruitment rolled around, I went to a ton of information sessions and project team fest. I joined CUAIR, which helped me make a ton of friends in engineering, at all grade levels. The project team system has provided mentors, friends, and collaborators to shape my time at Cornell. Additionally, I am a member of the Community of Rural Engineers, which has helped me meet people with similar backgrounds and experiences.