Cornell University

September 19, 2004:
It is hard to pick a story or two for this week. I had dinner with a great group of friends, I attended a political event, I watched a women's rugby practice, I swam under a waterfall in a gorge, I visited architecture students in their studios at 2 a.m., I attended a theater production, and I went to an epic party at Sigma Alpha Epsilon. So instead of telling a story, I'll write a bit about Cornell students in general.

Many students told me, "Cornell is the easiest Ivy to get into and the hardest to get out of." It is the easiest to get into because it accepts so many students—although it turns away approximately five students for every one it admits. It is the hardest to get out of because grade inflation is minimal and the course work is exceptionally rigorous.

Granted, the academics are tough at Cornell, but that does not seem to be the only reason why students struggle. Life at Cornell is a challenge because the students are incredibly ambitious. Double majors abound, and people seek academic challenges. Students volunteer in the community, participate in intramural sports, attend student organizations, and play musical instruments. And, of course, they party. In fact, first they party, and then they do all of those other things. The challenge of Cornell is in the breadth of the students' interests.

Another theme of my trip has been the attractiveness of the students. Several people commented to me, almost with surprise, that the students at Cornell are hot. The consensus seems to be that students stay fit because of the hilly and expansive terrain on campus, although I suspect the actual causes run deeper. In any case, it is hard to deny that the students are very attractive as a group.

Cornell students seem to have strong opinions about how people at the other Ivies look. I've heard to expect good things at some places, and some bone-crunching trolls at others. I'm anxious to find out whether their ideas are true or not.

In closing, I am extremely grateful to the students at Cornell. Many people gave their time and energy to help the project. Thank you.

September 10, 2004:
This was a week of great people. I met and spoke with about 100 students this week, all of whom had interesting insights to share.

First, I met a student from the College of Human Ecology. She proved to be a great source of information and opinion about Cornell. She also took me jogging. We started at 8 am and by 8:30 I was nearly dead! She was fast and fond of running on trails that a street-runner like myself avoids. I made it up and down the hills; I stumbled several times without actually falling; but when she said that the only thing left to do was to run up Buffalo Street, I finally just started walking and wished her well.

I also met an Arts and Sciences student who has proved to be a valuable source. She took me to one of the best (and weirdest) classes that I attended at Cornell. It was a Critical Thinking class in the Department of Space Sciences, where the topics ranged from the nature of time to paranormal experiences to extraterrestrial life. In addition, I asked her if she could help me to get my story into the Cornell Daily Sun—the independent student newspaper. She not only reached out to the staff at the Sun, but she agreed to write the article! It should be out next week.

Finally, I was adopted by Hotelies—students in the Hotel School. (Quick fact: the School of Hotel Administration is a "school" because it only offers one major; whereas the College of Arts and Sciences is a "college" because it offers multiple majors.) Hotelies are incredibly friendly and social, and you can tell a Hotel class just from the atmosphere when you walk into the room. The students, who are essentially business majors, are incredibly motivated, and the classes are extremely rigorous. In the end, I had to force myself out to explore the other corners of campus after finding such a welcoming environment.

Next week will be my last week at Cornell before I head for the uncharted—and potentially unfriendly—waters of Brown.

September 4, 2004:
I have never made such a wise decision as the day I decided to start this project at Cornell University.

The administration has been extremely cooperative. Everyone from the VP of Communications to the Dean of Students has welcomed me onto the campus. The only major reservations that they expressed about my project concerned student privacy, and I easily agreed to protect the identity of their students.

I have had access to the facilities, buildings, and people of Cornell. Professor Maas, who teaches the most popular course on campus, has agreed to allow me to sit in on his class. Glenn Galbreath, a friend and faculty-in-residence, invited me to dinner with the undergraduate students in his hall. The Director of Campus Relations, Peggy Beach, has not only facilitated campus tours for me, but she has also arranged for me to speak with a group of undergraduate tour guides next week. As a result, I am gathering information and experiences quickly.

The students that I have met are eager to help me with the project. Students have welcomed me in several classes and parties. A couple of students brought me to a lecture by Oliver Sacks, neuroscientist and professor-at-large. Another student invited me to the Student Assembly meeting. I am especially grateful to the brothers at Phi Delta Theta for introducing me to Greek life.

Next week, I will post a story or two about my adventures at Cornell.

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