“I could even spin yet another first-generation, son-of-an-immigrant, Ivy-league-student, overcame-obstacles-and- made-everyone-proud-by-sticking-to-my-family-values story, if it really came down to that. But all that’s not only missing the point, it’s making the point out to be something a lot less nuanced than life really is. . .” - Taimur Kouser (Harvard University 2020)

“When I got to campus I always played with a chip on my shoulder. The love of the game in conjunction with a desire for every coach to think, “How did I miss out on this kid?” provided plenty of motivation. I wanted to play and represent all of the kids who were not given the opportunity to play in College. I saw myself in each and every one of them, and knew I had to make the most of the opportunity. . .” - Matt Morgan

“I was frustrated, and my dad even told me he was concerned about me going to an Ivy League because he knew I would experience hardships related to my race and socioeconomic status, but I told him that I wasn’t going to sacrifice a great education because of ignorant people. News flash: they’re everywhere. . .” - Jada Stackhouse (Cornell University 2020)

“It’s a well-known fact that Ivy League schools are PWIs (Predominately White Institutions). Until lately, I would often feel like an afterthought as a person of color at an educational institution like Cornell…” Anonymous

“It is safe to say that the most instrumental thing that has kept me going throughout my undergraduate career has been my family. Though the household’s traditional upbringing remains firm, as my parents pride themselves in their outdated Sudanese ways, I have significantly decreased the amount of effort I’ve put into being somebody that I can no longer be for the sake of simply being there, as I hope to accomplish more than just that for them one day…” Jamila Bakhit (Cornell University 2019)