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by Philipina A. Marcelo
The Cornell University Product Development Team (DMI 2003):
Ten people, nine countries, four continents... and one University.
One of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to forge friendships with different people from different regions in the world. And when the opportunity becomes a real experience, it is personally enriching as it is professionally envigorating. It opens one's mind to the varied perspectives on global concerns - from serious to mundane - of individuals whose minds and personalities were shaped by the varied societies where they come from. Societies that, in turn, evolved through unique cultures and traditions, spiritual formations and common experiences of its members.
Cornell University is one of those academic institutions where diversity in academic pursuits - and openness in their pursuits - is encouraged in many levels. Such
My Rheology class - 14 people from 8 different
countries and four different fields of study.pursuits are always defined by dynamism and incredible enthusiasm that bore through one's deepest realm of interest... almost bordering obsession - formidable in its fierceness, joyful in its purity - and always defined by excellence. Cornell's campuses (there are four: three in New York State - Ithaca, Geneva and New York City, and one in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East) are some of those campuses where one, regardless of race and culture, religion and creed, will find a place... to grow and flourish, both as an individual and as a member of an academic community. A community where the only thing that's required to be common among its members is the discipline... and where hardwork is rewarded with the bliss of sweet academic fulfillment.
Being an Ivy League University, while prestigious, is not what makes Cornell special. It is the very reason for its foundation that makes it a
Homecoming... Cornell, in Ithaca, NY (June 2010).great academic institution. "Any person, any study." This is how Ezra Cornell, the University's founder, envisioned Cornell - a place of diversity. And now, with its nationally and internationally topnotch Academic Programs in the fields of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture, Planning and Design, Hotel Administration, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business and Management, and Medicine and Medical Sciences, among others, anyone with a serious intention to pursue a desire to search the depths of his or her academic interest, with an
Goofing around with "Uncle Ezra"... :) intention to use his or her findings to humanity's common good, will find a place there. Cornell will not only provide space for such individuals, but will also give a feeling of inclusion in its community. And the exciting pursuit is made wonderful and, indeed unforgettable, by friendships forged that span the globe... defy societal backgrounds and individual origins, and seek understanding in rather immensely delightful ways. And through those friendships, individuals transcend the biding of fulfilling personal goals, and seek, instead, to become a part of a global community where a greater goal is pursued. All these while having tremendous and outrageous fun... that sometimes even surprises one of his or her capacity for fun! :)
Ah, yeah... the thoughts of Cornell do bring warm feelings of
Great friends... six people from six
countries and three continents
(New Orleans, USA, July 2005).nostalgia... especially when I think about the people - great friends all - who made that part of my journey such a delightful and incredible experience. Such wonderful, wonderful people! I will always feel indebted to them.
No... I didn't just attend Cornell... I experienced Cornell, and it did transform many aspects of my life, especially those that needed transformation badly, in truly satisfying, absolutely fulfilling and delightfully unexpected ways. It showed me the many avenues where I could maximize God's gifts - avenues where narrowmindedness and shortsightedness have no place. And Cornell did become a part of me... a beautiful part that I will always cherish and value.
Nope, this most definitely won't be my last post on Cornell! :)
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