What impact has OADI had on your academic or professional experience?

Before coming to Cornell, I had never been exposed to any academic rigor like this. So naturally, I wasn't doing well in my classes and even lost myself a bit trying to grab a hold of this new environment. It took me a while to build up the courage to seek out the help I needed. However, through the encouragement of the EOP/HEOP advisors, I developed enough courage to go to office hours and seek out help from the Learning Strategies Center. The students and faculty in the LSC were also very welcoming and encouraging to keep coming back whenever I needed help. Through these efforts, my academics improved a lot, as I developed study methods tailored to my learning style and had somewhere I could ask for help when needed. Professionally, OADI has helped me grow my skills in leadership through their Emerging Leaders program and by becoming an EOP/HEOP ambassador. I've also been able to have advisors who can help me on my journey to becoming a veterinarian, whether that's through meeting with them and asking if they can connect me to people, having them take a look at my resume, or even asking for a pep talk. 

What has it meant to be recognized for an award and as an award recipient?

Being recognized for the Gloria Joseph Award serves as a reminder to me that even though I may feel or think that my impact is small, its actually not as small as I think is. It's also an encouragement to continue bettering myself while also serving as a support to others who are on a similar path to me or who need someone, they can rely on. It will remind me of all the wonderful people I have surrounding me, and in the moment itself, remind me of the smiles and cheers of the people I was sitting with when I received this award.

What values guide you and inspire you?

Most of the values that are integrated in me come from my mother and grandmother. Who always worked hard and did the best they could to raise their children. They taught me to work hard and smart, nurtured my love of learning, they fueled my curiosity and applauded my arts and merits no matter how small. Through their actions they taught me to be kind to others and lend a helping hand when possible. As I've grown up, I've been able to refine some of my values. Ive learned that you can lend a helping hand but also receive a helping hand when you need it. If you truly are kind, it shouldn't just be to others, but it should also include yourself. Ive also come to value friendships a lot more and to live in the present.

What are you most looking forward to this summer or this upcoming year?

This summer I look forward to taking a long overdue trip to Mexico, to visit family and eat lots of food. I also look forward to returning to Ithaca in the fall and seeing the leaves change once again. I'm also excited to take on new challenges and overcome them, meet new faces, and create new memories. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

Fun fact Ive ridden a camel before but not a horse, yet.