“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 Though the household’s traditional upbringing remains firm, as my parents pride themselves in their outdated Sudanese ways, I have significantly decreased the amount of effort I’ve put into being somebody that I can no longer be for the sake of simply being there, as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)

“So here I am, not even a day into the beginning of my education at a prestigious Ivy League institution. Cornell University, an academic environment filled with some of the country’s brightest and most promising minds. An environment offering an array of worldviews and life experiences. And still, an environment filled with microaggressions…” Grace Keller (Cornell University 2019)

“That night in my sweltering apartment, Anthony Bourdain helped me begin to make sense of my relationship with Cuba. What mattered wasn’t what I did or what I could talk about, but that I was there. . .” Jesse Gonzalez (Cornell University 2017)

“Ultimately basketball is a tool to learn from, to enjoy, and to love. In high school, I singularly defined myself around basketball, but as my college career progressed, I was able to open myself up to other avenues. . .” Jordan Abdur-Raoof (Cornell University 2018)