Cornell Declassified: An Insider's Guide

CornellIED DECLASSIF AN INSIDER’S

Guide

S L O P E M A G

v

FALL ‘ 18

CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chief Colleen Sorge Creative Director Arleigh Parr Photography Director Chiara Fontaine President Joseph Hines Vice President of Content Shelby Gosset Designers Megan Chang Jennifer Guo Rebecca North Jenny Park Alice Rhim Alex Rosenberg Crystal Wu Editors Katie Fehrenbaker Ally Minoli Via Romano Aliza Schub Tatiana Whitman Writers Gabi Berchtold Josephine Davis Katie Fehrenbaker Mary Gaffney Amaris Janel Henderson Sora Lee Sofie Levine Amanda Madenberg Gaby Maurice Katherine Nelms Priya Pradhan Via Romano Ana Schonander Aliza Schub Tatiana Whitman Photographers Melissa Gao Hanna Tess Haiman Adam Riesenfeld

Our n o i s s Mi As Cornell’s multimedia powerhouse, Slope Media Group is a leader in Cornell-related media and entertainment, delivering a creative, student perspective on everything that matters to the Big Red community. Slope is for students, by students.

Read and learn more at: slopemedia.org

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, When Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide was in its heyday on Nickelodeon, I wasn’t yet in middle school and a lot of Ned Bigby’s advice regarding the jungle that is junior high went straight over my pigtail adorned head. In fact, I often confused it with Disney staple Max Keeble’s Big Move, a cardinal sin. Still, I remember being impressed by his candor and bravado. Ned and his trusted allies Moze and Cookie endured some truly traumatic catastrophes, but they weathered them with smiles on their faces and jokes galore. Sure, Ned had some bad days at school, but he had his famed composition notebook in tow and his friends to rely on. Sometimes that brings the ultimate security and joy to an event; the knowledge that you are not the only one experiencing it.

Thus, we give you Cornell Declassified: An Insider’s Guide. Our Fall 2018 issue is relevant to all because it focuses on topics important to all of us as Cornellians. We come from extraordinarily different backgrounds and none of our days are the same, but as students we have an enormous amount in common just because we traipse this campus each day.

This issue hinges on that commonality. Within these pages you’ll find insight on topics including Greek life, Cornell’s weird weather patterns and equally bizarre campus skunks, the infamous sophomore slump, and maintaining mental health in this undeniably stressful environment.

This being the second issue of Slope Magazine that I have helmed, I am once again tremendously honored to be able to work alongside such brilliant people who have poured their collective talents into this biannual magazine. Thank you to 2018 EBoard for the many hours spent creating something wonderful. Thank you to the Slope writers and editors for tolerating my incessant emails, for pretending to understand what I’m talking about when I don’t, and for sharing your gifts. Thank you to Slope for being such a warm, vibrantly creative community and to Cornell for providing so much inspiration. Thank you to my friends for making life fun and for reading all of the pieces I send to you.Thank you to Chico Chinchilla, my roommate, for your patience during print mag season when I was at my zaniest.Thank you to my Poppy for introducing me to the joys of writing and to my family for supporting me in my pursuit of writing and in everything else. I hope this issue is reflective of the genuine excitement that went into making it.

Colleen Sorge

Table of Contents

4

SLOPE MAGAZINE

6

An Open Letter to Half of My Cornell Experience Amanda Madenberg

8

Freshmen Expectations vs. Reality Gabi Berchtold

10

In Defense of the Humanities Aliza Schub

12

Cornellians on YouTube: Changing the Cornell Narrative Amaris Janel Henderson

14

Top Ten Cornell University Stereotypes: Are They True?

Mary Gaffney

18

Salad On Campus Sophie Levine

20

Mental Health at Cornell Katie Fehrenbaker

22

Cornell Hidden Gems: A Photo Story Slope Media Photographers

30

Finding Balance as a Student Athlete Ana Schonander

32

To Those Considering Taking Computer Science with Zero Prior Experience Tatiana Whitman

34

Freshmen Living: A Snapshot into Donlon Sora Lee

36

How Real is the Sophomore Slump?

Via Romano

38

An Ode to the Skunk: Cornell’s Unofficial Mascot Colleen Sorge

40

Home Away from Home Priya Pradhan

42

5 Truths about Ithaca Weather Josephine Davis

44

Not Being Greek Gaby Maurice

46

Some Life Advice from Someone Without a Life Plan Kat Nelms FALL 2018

5

An Open Letter to y M f o f l a H Cornell e c n e i r e p Ex Amanda Madenberg

6

SLOPE MAGAZINE

long these people life that I will call friends.

Dear Cornell, d a wards so many upperclassman, an for guiding me to u yo k an Th w I’m a junior, an ho asses and ng interests. My cl etown. I am learni t eg en ll rr Co cu of my nt de of si enjoy re to d I am preparing ve showed me how I an ha , rs od la fo cu n ri ow ur my ac tr to make facts ex ill not yet sure mester. All these time, though I am st ng di en sp t go abroad next se ou ab As a Human one thing: I’m do with my life. an to me nt wa lf se I my at t wh ou le at ab I learn about peop ege. r, ll jo co ma h t ug en ro pm th lo y ve wa De ich half of their lives, wh es ag st d an es ag resting. I in high all life even more inte u as a senior al re my s ke ma When I chose yo ce kids in en my college experi chance to work with e ed th ct pe en ex tt go I , ve ol ha ing scho The as adults approach ll g and rewarding. we in ng as le al en ch rt ga th er bo to be those kind many different not only exceeded h birthdays, and 0t 10 r ei th past few years have so me allowing me have also taught n. Thank you for t ee bu tw , be ns in io at es ct ag pe ex terest take classes that in to y . it lf il se ib my ex t fl ou e ab th much volunteer with ll as the time to we as , me to s an , including hing me what it me nizations on campus ga or le ip lt mu Thank you for teac ed Hillel, er ogy Ambassadors, dule. I have discov ol he Ec sc n n ow ma my Hu te e la th es. regu y, ntal health servic e relatively earl me ar d at an th , s ty se ri as ro cl so I enjoy e for my school are e afternoons to us ces I have had at en ri pe ex e Th so that I have th op day, they I st d I know that one tracurriculars. an ex , d le an ab lu rk va wo in me ho t, and adult life. ly at 11:30 at nigh serve me well in my ll wi d working productive en sp to ys when I have I know that on da nger attending I will sit still lo the privilege of y, r ar fo br u li yo a k in an s Th ur ho ts at at has exciting even ercised. I’m good at ex th y ad ty re si al er iv ve un ha if I prefer a to class each when I can, but I . I love walking rn tu y er ev a getting work done in t r. I love the ks of time to si e the cold weathe it sp de y, da to have large chun If ly being many assignments. my legs continuous te e le it mp sp co de d an s, y ll ar hi eing s libr over the gorges, se ack several classe g st in to ss pa er ef ve pr lo I I , . possible time on sore , and waking have little class leaves in the fall ge an or e th on some days and s, nd e spring. ie cted snowfall in th ting meals with fr pe ea ex ke un li an I to . rs up he ace; ot ng I have found my pl do, because laughi ke to li rk g wo in ve el ha fe I ve en lo I even wh longer rprises. I am no gives me energy. there are few su throughout the day t ou making ims or worried ab el pr by ed ar sc ve done of my ekend because I ha ucing me to some we od tr ch in ea r r fo fo u s yo an k pl outd Than ow to expect a line rld. When I starte kn wo I e . th re fo in be s l nd al ie best fr ople, this ery weekday, rvous to meet new pe Terrace at 12:15 ev in or do eth college, I was so ne ly for first tual that I hadn’t ac to campus at 9:55 g lf in se lk my wa g b in mo nd a mi ng on re on d of people loungi veral years. As so ow se cr in a nd d ie an fr s, w se ne as made a was not cl day Ithaca hits here, however, I ad the very first Qu ts Ar e th as I got involved at th g iends was somethin ng. worried. Making fr g of above freezi in nn gi be e th at me and came naturally to en ege any other way, nce other freshm ll si co ly ve al ha ci ’t pe dn es ul college, weeks, I wo in store for my For the first few it to see what’s wa t n’ ca I had the same goals. to le socially acceptab . it was completely ght. second half si in everyone to lf se ur yo e introduc ble, I ttled and comforta Now that I am se out so ine my life with ag im ot nn ca ly al re se of I met over the cour many of the people only ve ha ese friendships freshman year. Th grateful ertime, and I am grown stronger ov FALL 2018

7

Freshmen Expectations vs.

Reality Gabi Berchtold

“It’s in the middle of nowhere!”

Before I came to Cornell, I had a lot of ideas swimming “Ugh, you’re going to hate it, around inside my head about there’s never anything to do.” what it would be like to actually be a student here.

“It’s full of stuck-up rich people I heard about the students that couldn’t get into the other pulling one all-nighter after Ivies.” another, and about the hours of studying in libraries.

More than anything, I heard “Easiest Ivy to get into, hardest about how terrible prelim to get out of!” season was, and that a common mantra here was “C’s “Oh.” get degrees.” People told me about students that wore expensive, designer with this school on my tour in April jackets. They walked fast, of my junior year in high school, and squared their shoulders, and when I received my acceptance letter, I avoided eye contact with was beyond ecstatic. Yet I couldn’t help others. but wonder: if everyone thought these things, there had to be some truth to It seemed that whenever I them, right? Despite talking to people told someone that I would be who actually attended Cornell and loved attending Cornell, they threw it, and despite the feeling I had while another negative thought at I was on campus, the negative ideas me: seemed to settle into my mind.

All of these comments came from people who didn’t In the weeks leading up to Move-In Day, attend Cornell, and because I became exceedingly nervous, and it of this I was hesitant to wasn’t only because I was about to move believe them, but as they across the entire country and begin my continued, some worry began college journey. I was dreading the to form in the back of my thought that these people with negative mind. I had fallen in love opinions could be right. However, once

8

SLOPE MAGAZINE

I got here my fears were completely assuaged.

Cornell completely surpassed my expectations in my first semester of being a student. Though the talk of its difficulty was a little frightening before I arrived, I’ve found that nothing is unreasonably hard.Yes, the coursework is challenging, but it has also pushed me to grow as a student in ways that are exciting and new. I have yet to pull an all-nighter, and to be honest I prefer to do work in my room or in the study lounges than in the library. Studying for my prelims wasn’t fun, to be sure, but it wasn’t altogether that different than studying for finals in high school, and I’m proud to say that I’ve done pretty well so far in all the classes I’ve received grades back in.

Ithaca might be small, but I’ve found that it’s the people you’re with who make it fun. There’s plenty to do if you just look a little. And sure, people wear designer clothing and walk fast. This is New York, after all. But I’ve also come to realize that the people I’ve met at Cornell are some of the realest, nicest, and most downto-earth people I’ve ever met. I did Outdoor Odyssey as a pre-orientation program, and as anyone could tell you, I am not really an outdoorsy person.

The trip just exemplifies one of the ways Cornell has pushed me to become a better version of myself in the short time I’ve been here. I was completely out of my element, but I was inspired by the amazing people in my group to rise to the challenge and have a great time.

When I actually arrived on campus, as far as adjustments went, mine were pretty easy. My parents even admitted they weren’t as reluctant to leave me as they thought they would be as they could see how excited and comfortable I already felt. I was surprised at the sheer number of people I was able to meet without even trying. It seemed as though everywhere I went, I was making another friend and adding them to my contacts.

For all the comments people made and the doubts that they raised, Cornell really has become home.

FALL 2018

9

In Defense of the Humanities

Aliza Schub

For all those people who have a favorite Shakespeare play or love to correct your friends’ grammar mistakes, this one’s for you.

There’s a great emphasis on STEM here at Cornell.

Everywhere we turn, someone is comparing their orgo Sapling answers with their lab partner’s, and someone else is complaining about their CS problem set due the next day. While I’m a big proponent of research, I think that this emphasis often takes away from the importance of the humanities. Science, technology, engineering, and math are great advancing fields and yes, they are the future, but the humanities are important too! Don’t be fooled by the overwhelmingly STEM-obsessed culture here; the world has always needed, still needs today, and will always need writers and readers.

First things first, the humanities preceded the STEM disciplines. Colleges and universities were originally founded to teach the liberal arts. Among the very first few buildings built

10

SLOPE MAGAZINE

on our campus were Morrill (in 1866), White (in 1867) and McGraw Hall (in 1870), all humanities buildings. The humanities, like English and history, were the basis of higher level education. They paved the way for the rest of the university’s fields and to forget about them now would just be disrespectful.

As an English major, I need to point out the oh-so-obvious importance of grammar. Even in text messages with friends, if you’re someone who always gets frustrated with the You’re/Your Phenomenon, then you appreciate the need for English classes! Texts aside, to do anything in life, you need to know how to read, write, and communicate. It’s effective and persuasive communication that yields success, regardless of your profession. Business proposals, research grants, scientific research papers, emailing your bosses- everything comes back to writing.

Writing must not be exclusive to people pursuing writing as a career; everyone needs to be a writer.

If you’re thinking that I’m biased because of my major, that’s fair. But guess what, I’m also pre-med. So while I will fight for the humanities every day, I’m fully immersed in STEM as well.

From my personal experiences, I know that my success in the pre-med track relies on English more heavily than people might think. When it comes time to publish a paper on my research in the lab, or to hand in my weekly lab reports for chem, I realize that my English curriculum is aiding me, one paragraph at a time.

There’s so much to appreciate about humanities courses at Cornell, and I see and live the difference between my English classes and my science classes every single day. While my science courses are impersonal as ever in Baker Lab Auditorium with 800 other students, my English class is all cozy, taking place around a circular table with a max of 30 students.

The small, conversational dynamic of my English courses provides me with more of a voice in our discussions, whereas I wouldn’t dare raise my hand

to contribute to my bio lectures with hundreds of people. The experience of participating in my small humanities classes even helped me to present my research experiment to my biology lab section last semester.

That’s the thing about the humanities- they stretch far beyond the subject matter of their courses. What I learn in English follows me into the sciences and improves my performance there. The humanities teach us how to compose our work thoughtfully and clearly, how to piece puzzles together, and how to make meaningful observations about the world around us. It is the humanities part of your brain that can make connections from one thing to another.

It’s time to appreciate more departments outside of the STEM fields, because the departments over there in the Arts Quad are key, I promise.

FALL 2018

11

Cornellians on YouTube

Changing the Cornell Narrativ Amaris Janel Henderson Type ‘Cornell’ into the YouTube search bar.

What are the immediate results? Cornell Ross vine compilations and music from the late Chris Cornell. It’s not until a few scrolls later that content creators such as Anna Fang ’19, better known as Anna From Indiana, and videos like “Shit Cornell Kids Say” appear.

While Cornell University related videos have yet to become instant recommendations on YouTube, their visibility has significantly improved.

Two years ago, that same online search would have required some extra digging. From Daniel Stabile’s quirky “Sounds of Cornell – A Day in the Life” video, to recent grad Lionel Chambers’ 2018 docuseries The Good Ol’ Days, Cornell’s online presence is blossoming. As light-hearted as it seems, this is groundbreaking work. Cornell is an institution plagued by misrepresentation and students who document their Cornell experience are allowing for the realities of studying on The Hill to finally shine through.

“I originally started because when I was in high school, I was applying to Cornell and I was looking it up on YouTube and there was no one…not a single Cornell vlogger… I realized if no one is making videos about what it’s like to go to Cornell or what it’s like to be at a school like this, then I might as well make a channel,” said Anna Fang, a pioneer in growing Cornell’s YouTube community. Her video “A Day in My Life at Cornell University” has gained over 350,000 views. Other uploads such as “Things I Hate About Cornell” and “How Hard is Cornell?” are popular and for good reason. Fang does not shy away from the truth. She discusses all challenges faced here, from failing prelims to problems with mental health. For too long, Fang was the only consistent provider of online Cornell related content.

12

SLOPE MAGAZINE

As a college vlogger, she chose not to post her application essay online. A bold and rare move. “Although I was proud of my essay, I didn’t feel like sharing it would add anything to anyone else,” said Fang. “I think so much of college applications is based on luck. I’ve shared stats before because people were curious about it. When I look back at it, I kind of wish I didn’t.” Fang is adamant about making sure she does not leave her audiences with elitist impressions. “There’s this notion that people who go to Ivy Leagues, their brains work differently…they’re superstars,” said Fang. Her content reveals that students at prestigious universities are in fact just like all other college students, struggling to find their place in this world. Her videos also challenge the popular misconception of Cornell being a breeze in comparison to other Ivies.

Fang’s work has not gone unnoticed. She is often approached by students, and these encounters leave her with what she describes as a “fuzzy heart.” “I’ve had people come up and tell me their life story and how they never thought they would come here. Then they watched my videos and something changed. That’s always very, very humbling,” said Fang. This sentiment is shared by fellow Cornellian Katie Go ’22. Go said, “The craziest thing I’ve realized is what I do actually makes a difference in people’s lives.”

She is eager to help those who reach out to her for college advice. Go recalls how meaningful it was for YouTubers to respond to her when she was applying to Cornell and she is now returning the favor.

The online presence of first-year student Katie Go has expanded on the foundation set by Fang.

Go has already made a slew of Cornell related content from a dorm room tour, to her morning routine, to vlogs of her first impressions of campus. “Coming to Cornell is an incredibly different experience because I’ve lived in the Philippines my entire life,” said Go, who felt

e:

ve

her decision to welcome her online community to her time on The Hill came naturally. Go began her lifestyle channel, Katie Tracy, 4 years ago. As of today, she holds a large following known as her “Alohana.” Her most popular upload has nearly 2 million views. Unlike Fang, Go posted a video of her application essay, because she thought that watching college vloggers present their work was great insight for her during her own application process. “Because I gained a lot of inspiration from other college vloggers, I knew that if it was my turn and if my viewers wanted to see similar content, I would do it,” said Go. She was sure to include a disclaimer for the audience, explaining that her essay must not be accepted as a model for success, but rather as encouragement.

Although Go does not believe that she has debunked any Cornell myths yet, she is keen on debunking the dated tagline “easiest to get into, hardest to graduate from”. This tagline is so widely accepted that even when Cornell surpassed Columbia as the 13th best university in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges 2018” list, the profile read “Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is the easiest of the eight Ivy League colleges to get into but Cornell students maintain that it’s the toughest place to stay enrolled.” Cornell myths spread in a variety of ways. In forums on College Confidential and Reddit, the term “fake Ivy” commonly appears alongside Cornell University. “I feel people who call Cornell a ‘fake Ivy’ are only projecting their own insecurities about not being viewed as legitimate. They cite rankings or acceptance rates to try and reduce us, but I believe we as Cornelians know we are more than that – and we don’t need data validation to prove that,” expressed Go.

zone and showcase Cornell’s charm, “Go for it! There’s a lot of demand for Cornell vlogs but not enough people making that content.”

Additionally, the more YouTubers Cornell has displaying our diverse student body, the easier it will be for students from underrepresented backgrounds to gain information about a place which they can potentially call home. I never knew that Cornell existed until I was 16 and decided to google “The Ivy League.” When I found myself announcing my decision to attend Cornell two years later, I wasn’t shocked to learn that many of my high school peers and teachers were unfamiliar with the university, due to the lack of online content. That truly is unfortunate because Cornell is a gift, and a gift we should share.

It’s time to grab your cameras Cornell and share the Big Red gospel. The world is your stage.

In order for the online content to continue and progress, other Cornell students must embrace their passion and drive to create content wholeheartedly. Fang suggests to those interested in starting channels of their own to consider the following: “Anyone can make videos but not everyone can be really conscious about what they’re putting out.” Go hopes students starting channels will go beyond their comfort FALL 2018

13

Top Ten Cornell University Stereotypes Are They True?

Mary Gaffney Having been here for three full months now, my personal experiences and professional freshman opinion enable me to create a fairly comprehensive list of some of the most wellknown stigmas and stereotypes that relate to all things Cornell, and determine whether they are true or false: 10. Ag Majors - FALSE First off, we’re going to talk about the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, better known as CALS. It’s one of the three land-grant colleges at Cornell (which means NYS residents get reduced tuition wootwoot!!!), and offers studies in the Life Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Environmental Sciences.

If you hail from a city, or have never lived near the countryside before, it’s possible that you were surprised at some of the unique majors in this college, such as Agricultural

14

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Sciences, Animal Science, and International Agriculture & Rural Development. No, this doesn’t mean that all of the people in these majors lived on a farm, woke up every day having to milk their cows before school, and drove tractors instead of cars. For some of them, yes, maybe that is how they grew up, but the stigma that anyone who is a CALS student or has any major related to agriculture is all “yee-haw,” is completely out-of-date and simply not true.

9. Bear Necessities - TRUE Anytime you need a little bit of grease in your diet, Nasties can be your savior. For residents of North Campus especially, this place is the bomb.com, and if you haven’t had an order of mozzarella sticks or a calzone at 1 AM, you are missing out on a truly unique Cornell student experience. If it wasn’t for freshmen drunkenness, this place probably wouldn’t be in existence, and definitely wouldn’t be as iconic. Nasties is unhealthily delicious and amazingly convenient, and for that we thank it.

8. Posting about off-campus adventures - TRUE This one is embarrassingly true. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can never go off campus without letting all of your social media followers know. Whether it be posting Apple Fest pics on Instagram, cider and macand-cheese in hand, or putting the beautiful views of Taughannock or Buttermilk Falls on your Snapchat story (peep the location filter), we’re all guilty of this at one point or another. But I guess that’s what social media is for amiright? #gorges 7. Okenshields - TRUE(ish?)

For some reason, Okenshields is known for being the worst of the Cornell Dining options.

While it’s not my personal favorite, I can deal. What’s really irritating, though, is the fact that it’s the ONLY place on Central Campus where students can use meal swipes.

Despite its convenient location, many believe that this dining hall was created to get away with serving cheaper food since we’re essentially forced to eat there.

On the bright side, even though you may find yourself eating the same meal every other day, it’s almost impossible to listen to the same song here twice. While the food is lacking, Okenshields’ throwback playlist is among the best compilations I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to, and all 43 hours and 29 minutes of it can be found on Spotify.

Oh and Happy Dave. That is all.

6. Ithacalves - TRUE Before coming to college, everyone warned me about the “Freshman 15,” but I’m pretty sure that at Cornell, it simply doesn’t exist.

These hills are no joke! Wherever you’re trying to go on campus, you need to plan at least 15 minutes to get there, and expect that you (and your heart rate) will climb. On my morning walk to class across the footbridge to the Ag Quad, I can usually close about half of the daily exercise goal circle on my watch! But again, this isn’t a bad thing.

20-30 years from now, when we’re all old and looking back on our glory days in college, we’ll appreciate how in-shape this campus kept us. Personally, I think the hills add to the ~character~ of our campus. They don’t call them “Ithacalves” for nothing!

5. Mary Donlon Hall - TRUE Whenever I tell people that I live in Donlon, it’s usually followed by “Oh the party dorm,” “That’s the social dorm,” or “lucky,” and my answer is always a simple “Yes.” Everything you’ve heard is most likely true, and this year’s freshmen residents of Mary Donlon Hall have certainly kept with tradition.

This is in no way meant to come off as a bad thing. Donlon is unapologetically social and outgoing, and I am extremely thankful for that. Almost all of the friends I’ve made here at Cornell so far are on my floor (shoutout D2!) or at least live in the building. It’s also big enough that there’s always someone new to meet. If you come around Donlon on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night, however, you’ll find it’s pretty quiet. That being said, people here do like to party a lot; we’re where the PGs are, and it’s not too uncommon to wake up the next morning to find that someone maybe went a little too hard the night before (yes, the occasional hallway vomit is always a nice surprise).

4. Westchester - TRUE & FALSE When asking someone you’ve never met before where they’re from, there is a good chance their answer is going to be Westchester, which refers to Westchester County, New York. Westchester County includes towns like White Plains, Scarsdale, Yonkers, and Rye, and is located just north of New York City.

Personally, I hadn’t heard of any of these towns before coming to Cornell, but could now name at least five people I know from each one. I don’t know why Cornell loves Westchester students, but sometimes I feel as though I’m among a minority of students at this university who aren’t from that area.

FALL 2018

15

While we know that there are a lot of students coming from New York City and Long Island, there also tends to be a stigma concerning personality types that comes along with them.

Let’s just say they’re known to be pretty... strong. Don’t get me wrong, some of the nicest people I’ve met since coming to college also hail from these areas, but some others live up to the hype.

3. Hotelies - (sorta) TRUE Even though they’re part of the esteemed SC College of Business, Hotelies, or Hotel Administration majors are considered the “slackers” of Cornell University as far as workload is concerned. But come on everyone, it’s the best hospitality program in the WORLD...and that has to mean something! People say that Hotelies don’t ever have any work to do for their classes, but that’s simply not true; they have a whole three hours of homework EVERY night. In addition to the 800 hours of work experience required to get their degree, a major part of their grade is not prelims or projects or papers - it is cleaning a bathroom. What a doozie.

On the other hand, I know we all love the Statler - it’s where we find some of the best food on campus, and where Intro to Wines is held, so let’s give them some credit.

2. Collegetown Bagels - TRUE If you don’t have a CTB sticker on your laptop or your water bottle, are you really a Cornell student? In coming to school here, it’s almost expected that Collegetown Bagels will become a staple in our diets. In fact, I’m pretty sure Collegetown Bagels exists solely because of Cornell students. From pizza bagels and avocado toast, to Purity ice cream, pastries, and top-notch coffee, we love CTB because it offers us anything we could ever ask for. Whether we’re honoring a

16

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Sunday morning tradition or stopping by on our way home after a night of partying, CTB is always there for us.

1. Weather - TRUE We all claim to know how to handle the weather...until we get to Cornell. It doesn’t seem too bad the first few weeks here; in fact, it’s inevitable that students will break a sweat on their daily walk to class.

But once October hits, the cool breeze begins to stick around and finally we’re trading in our Birkenstocks for our winter boots.

New York weather is something else. No matter where you live in this state, you experience all that Mother Nature has to offer. One day it’s 90 degrees, the next it’s 65 and pouring rain, then the week after it starts to snow and our fellow Californian students have broken out their newly purchased Canada Goose jackets. When your tour guide on your college visit here said that Ithaca only has around 88 days of sunshine a year, you laughed, but now it seems completely accurate. Everyone always complains about the weather in Ithaca, but after four years we can be sure that we are prepared for just about anything, be it job or weather-wise.

FALL 2018

17

Salad On Campus

Sofie Levine

At a school like Cornell where it is difficult and necessary to balance your academics, social events, extracurricular clubs, and getting sleep, eating healthy plays an important role.

An easy way to stay healthy on campus is by eating salad. Cornell’s campus is filled with plenty of great salad options. Here are my personal favorites, so far, ranked from my least to most favorite. #5 Appel/Robert Purcell Community Center A salad that I eat regularly, but is most certainly not my favorite, is from the salad bars at Appel and RPCC. It’s hard to pick healthy options in the North dining halls, but something you can always count on is the salad bar. Both salad bars are stocked with many different toppings to choose from. Plus, these salad bars are located in two highly social dining halls, so you can have your healthy meal while simultaneously meeting new freshmen.

Pro Tip: At Appel, take the large Cornell Dining

18

SLOPE MAGAZINE

salad bowls from behind the salad bar. They make the salads look and even taste better. #4 Terrace At the Terrace salad bar, the line is usually quite long, but it moves impressively quickly.

The salad makers there are speedy, and get the job done fast. Terrace has a large variety of toppings, many of which are great sources of protein, like chicken, tofu, and tuna. Terrace salads always fill me up; they’re not too heavy or too light.

Pro Tip: Get a table before you get on the salad bar line. The seating at Terrace is very limited and it is always busy during lunch time. #3 Trillium The Trill salad bar is one of my favorites because of its perks, like a) the short line and b) the miso ginger dressing, which is todie for. At Trillium, the masses tend to go to

for quesadillas or pho bowls so the salad bar is more than accessible. This salad bar has tofu (one of my favorites) and a good variety of dressings and toppings.

Pro Tip: On Thursdays, Mac’s salad bar has shrimp, a great and healthy protein for your salad that is difficult to find anywhere else on campus.

Pro Tip: Right next to the salad bar is the quesadilla station, so it is easy to grab some chicken or guacamole from there for your salad.

#1 Martha’s

#2 Mac’s I love Mac’s salads, specifically because of two features. The salad is made by someone (similar to Terrace and Sweetgreen or Just salad), and the salads are chopped. While this salad bar has fewer options than others, its presentation makes up for that. These chopped salads are very big and filling and it is easy to change your order up so you don’t get bored of the same salad every time. If Mac’s upped its amount of available toppings each day, it could etch out the rest and be #1, but for now it’s resting comfortably at my second favorite.

I saved the best for last - my absolute favorite salad at Cornell is one from Martha’s. With vegetables including sweet potatoes, beets, fresh black beans, heirloom tomatoes, and protein ranging from tofu, grilled chicken, and falafel, the health is in the air. More of my favorites include the goat feta cheese, fresh avocado and toppings like almonds, cranberries, and chips. Then you can take your salad and dine in the beautiful and new Martha Van Rensselaer building with large open windows and different kinds of seating.

Pro Tip: Try a different dressing every time.

The avocado poblano is a must-try and unique to Martha’s.

FALL 2018

19

Mental Health at Cornell

Katie Fehrenbaker

When I found out the theme for this semester’s print magazine was Cornell Declassified, I felt compelled to shed more light on one of the most important issues facing Cornell’s campus— the mental health crisis.

An overwhelming number of Cornell’s students deal with anxiety and depression. In this Insider’s Guide to coping with mental health struggles during your time on campus, I hope to impart some advice and tips that have gotten me through some of my toughest moments here.

First off, the mental health crisis is not unique to Cornell.

In fact, over 40% of college students across the country suffer from depression, and countless others face their own struggles with anxiety.

At a university that prides itself on having its very own term for exams, the stress that comes along with every “prelim szn” is an unfortunate phenomenon across campus. While the shared experience of prelims unites the student body, there is an undertone of severe stress, anxiety, and fear that few seem to be talking about. There is an unnecessary stigma

20

SLOPE MAGAZINE

surrounding the mental health crisis that is still preventing some students from seeking help.

It doesn’t seem to make much sense. After all, if so many students reportedly suffer from mental health issues, then why is this subject so taboo? If Cornell’s mental health service, CAPS, provides assistance to over a fifth of the student body each year, why does it seem like students are still hesitant to reach out?

While CAPS strives to aid any student in need, because of the current stigma of mental health, many students do not want to seek help. Maybe they blame their ongoing panic attacks on their lack of sleep from studying for their biology prelims. Maybe they fear that by being prescribed medication, their friends will view them differently—label them depressed. Maybe it really just is a phase.

But maybe it isn’t.

By writing this article, I hope to encourage more dialogue about this significant issue across campus, between students and their families, students and their peers, and students and the faculty. In my experience, many of my professors have expressed an openness and willingness to accommodate any student’s needs when it comes to mental health. Cornell is receptive to the needs of its students; we just have to show them what we need. However, if you are having trouble advocating for yourself, or do not feel comfortable talking with a CAPS professional or even a professor, there are many other ways to better your mind and body.

I am gr ateful

Cornell Minds Matter is a student-run organization that works to end the stigma of mental illness and to foster a welcoming environment on campus by promoting healthier lifestyles amongst the student body.

According to their website, CMM “runs over 200 programs a semester: Yoga, Zumba, mental health education and awareness programming, relaxation and mindfulness events, etc.�

If a club like CMM isn’t for you, there are plenty of other ways to cope with stress that have helped me. You can try using a free meditation app like Headspace, which has been proven to help reduce stress and bring peace of mind. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to do each day! Another mood-lifter is keeping a gratitude journal. Even if you just type it in your iPhone Notes, writing down a few things that you are grateful for each day can help improve your mood.

Other good mood-boosting activities include getting crafty, trying out adult coloring books, spending time with friends, cuddling with a puppy, or calling a friend or family member on the phone. Moreover, getting some fresh air and exercise

for...

- my fa mily - my fr iends - my do g - music - the g ym - sunse ts - guaca mole

are incredibly h e l p f u l ways to not only take breaks from schoolwork, but also to recharge your mind and body.

The release of endorphins from taking some time to do so will likely have a positive effect on your mood. Check out the Mood Booster playlist on Spotify the next time you go for a jog around Beebe Lake!

The mental health crisis at Cornell is not something that can be resolved overnight, but hopefully by encouraging more dialogue and being a resource for yourself and your friends, it can get a little bit better.

FALL 2018

21

CornellRY PHOTO STO

HIDDEN

Gems

y Lincoln Librar

Sage Ch apel

22

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Cascadilla Hall Parking

Arboretu

m

FALL 2018

23

Warren

24

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Basemen

t

dge Straight E

FALL 2018

25

HIDDEN GEMS

a m e n i C l l e n r Co

26

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Green Dragon

FALL 2018

27

Catherw

ood Libr ary

28

SLOPE MAGAZINE

rden a G n a g r o M

FALL 2018

29

e c n a l a B g Findin as a Student Athlete Ana Schonander

30

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Recently, I went to a talk given by Bob Dutkowsky, a former Fortune 100 CEO and Cornell baseball player. He said that as athletes we make a difficult academic experience even more arduous. I wholeheartedly agree. When I tell people I’m on the sailing team there are a couple of typical responses. The first one is: “Oh, I didn’t even know we had a sailing team.”

This statement is usually followed by, “Oh cool, I used to sail at summer camp.” But the kind of sailing we are doing on Cayuga is not nearly the same as the leisurely afternoon activity people are doing at camp.

Trying to balance school, sports, a social life, and sleep is not an easy feat. It takes grit, sacrifice, and above all, time management. Some weeks it feels like I am on a hamster wheel, but others I am thankful for the structure. My schedule looks like this:

Monday Class and 5:00pm team workout Tuesday Lift, class, then practice Wednesday 7:00am team workout, class, & practice Thursday Lift, class, & practice Friday Class, then either a free weekend or leave to go to a regatta

There are days when it feels like there are not enough hours to accomplish everything I need to-when every second outside of class is devoted to trying to finish a paper quickly, meeting for group projects, or trying to get to office hours, even though most are held during practice. Yet there are the days when practice is canceled because of the weather or to give us a rest and I think to myself that I would not know what to do with myself if I always had that much time during the day.

Sometimes it is hard to give each part of my day 100% focus without thinking about what is coming next. Living in the moment is difficult when you have so many things going on at once but you have to try and just focus on the task at hand. Knowing how to let go has become an important skill for me to work on. Letting go of a bad prelim grade or a race at practice that went poorly and learning from it is the only way to move forward. I went to Catholic school and there is a prayer that was often read to us during exam periods called “The Serenity Prayer,” and the first paragraph goes like this “God grant me the serenity / To accept the things I cannot change; / Courage to change the things I can; / And the wisdom to know the difference.”

Dwelling in the past is a recipe for driving yourself insane. The past has obviously already happened and cannot be changed. What is in your control is the future and that’s what you should have your eyes on. We may want to control everything that is going on in our lives but that is just not possible, so the ability to take a deep breath and take an objective look at what lies ahead is key.

Above all, the best part of being on a team is having other people who understand exactly what you are experiencing. This year there are twentyfour people on the team, which is small for us, but still enough to have someone be able to solve almost any problem imaginable. Homework help? I know who to call. Car trouble? If I had one on campus, I would know who to call. When I need to vent, I know who to tell to come over. You never have to struggle alone, which makes balancing the student-athlete lifestyle a little bit easier. When people experience hardship, some feel like they are the only person in the world who is feeling that way; that they are alone.

That no one will understand. But that is simply not the case. We have people on our team in almost every college at Cornell, from different coasts, with different life experiences. Yet we are all able to come together to form this body of people who love to be on the water from the warm weather days of September to the ice cold days of late February, and we would do anything for each other.

FALL 2018

31

To Those Considering Taking Computer Scien ce

with Zero Prior Experience

Tatiana Whitman

have previously accumulated a reservoir of knowledge on the subject.

Taking a new language can be daunting. Taking a new language that uses both letters and numbers can make it even more terrifying.

Now try taking that frightening new class alongside students who have already learned it, and have experience with it ranging from one to six years. That is what it’s like taking an Introduction to Computer Science class here at Cornell.

All introductory modern language classes at Cornell bar students with quantifiable experience from joining, and in doing so these language departments successfully maintain the metrics used to gauge the breakup between intro and advanced level courses. Unfortunately, the Computer Science department does not work with the same protocol, even though CS 1110 is a language course at its core.

The department does not have the luxury of placing students into proper groups based on previous experience. 10% of the student body is interested in taking computer science, and only 3% of faculty are equipped to teach it – an abhorrent ratio that is unfair to everyone involved.

The Facts:

College students are all capable of learning something new. Therefore, inherently, CS 1110, Intro to Python, is a doable class.

However, the odds stack up against the newbies in the class, because they’re being graded alongside and compared to the students who

32

SLOPE MAGAZINE

As if that wasn’t enough, CS 1110 is also a part of ABET accreditation for the College of Engineering. ABET stands for: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This means that the class is held up to the standards of an engineering computer science course, and therefore moves 1.5x faster than a normal introductory class would progress.

But don’t psych yourself out! This is not saying that you shouldn’t learn to code or take Computer Science! Rather, this is an attempt to clear away the confusion. That way, you’ll know what to expect walking into the lecture hall.

Tools and Tips for Success:

For someone new to coding, assignments in this class can consistently take upwards of 10 hours. Personally, I spend 17 hours on an assignment, with others coaching me through the whole process. To combat this exorbitant time commitment, I recommend two things: first, find a partner to work with. It’ll shave off hours of work and help you to maintain your sanity. Second, create a call list of people who are in the class, who have experience, and who can help out. Having people “on call”-yes like doctors-is the greatest resource. The call list should consist of people with different teaching methods and levels of experience, because the greater your span of helpers the less time you’ll spend confused. And remember, office hours and consultant hours are a must.

No matter what, make sure to use every possible aide the class provides.

A Reality Check:

The class started this fall semester with 800 students enrolled. By the end of the drop period, that number went down to 690. The expectation that 15% of the class would drop is normal – but it isn’t the most reassuring statistic for newcomers to the subject.

Unfortunately this class is required for all engineers, and they aren’t able to place out of the class unless they have specific standardized test credit. Therefore, the students from other colleges eager to learn

for the sake of gaining a new skill are stuck in the same class as many experienced engineers because the engineers learned using some platform that wasn’t the AP and couldn’t place out.

Cornell lets everyone try; in this regard, the school motto is upheld and any student may try any study. It’s important to remember that this is a privilege compared to other universities, such as University of Washington, where students are barred from taking any and all computer science courses if they didn’t specifically apply for that major.

In reality, many students who take the class without any prior knowledge stick it out and come out victorious. That victory comes in two forms: first, they reconcile receiving a poor grade, but learn a lot of Computer Science.

Second, they earn a good grade through blood, sweat, and tears.

Remember! No one is ever truly alone in this class. There’s always someone else experiencing the same exact problems and the professor and TAs are ready and willing to help in any way they can.

Final Note:

In the end, I couldn’t sustain spending more than 20 hours a week on CS1110 and, sitting in lecture on the last day of drop period, I unenrolled from the course. All week preceding that click on Student Center, I battled with the decision. Did the grade matter so much more than learning such a valuable life skill?

Realistically, I may have minored in CS, but Python isn’t a part of the minor’s course requirements. Therefore, I decided there was nothing to gain from sticking it out and having a C- on my transcript. I wasn’t grasping the content quickly enough to score even decently on the prelims to do better. If the option for taking the course pass/fail was still available, I would have stayed in the class without a second thought. You will not fail the course if you complete every assignment, the labs, and give your best attempt on the prelims, but sometimes your GPA just can’t sustain a C-.

FALL 2018

33

Freshmen Living A t o h s p Sna into n o l n o D Sora Lee It’s Move-In Day. There are boxes everywhere.

Student volunteers are scrambling on trolleys while parents and new students are hustling to unpack. Whichever dorm they were sorted into will be their home for the next year.

When first approaching Donlon, you might notice its unusual shape, each wing filled with an eclectic group of students that make up the community. Donlon has six floors, each one with its own personality. Each floor is comprised of doubles with the occasional quad featuring a common room and a kitchen--I live on the

34

SLOPE MAGAZINE

sixth floor with my roommate. And though it’s a long elevator ride up, the view is worth it.

Though Donlon gets a bad reputation for being loud, messy, and chaotic, what you might not expect is that this creates an incredibly tight-knit community. The easy access to friends on different floors lends itself to a warm and inviting environment that is crucial for new students adjusting to college life. Not to mention the fiftystep walk to both RPCC and Nasties which is key when it comes to late-night eating.

The Donlon Resident Advisors or RAs have a lot to handle when it comes to dealing the students. Enduring a closed kitchen for two weeks due to a broken, flipped over fridge is not a typical experience, nor is hearing about a friend whose snake went missing on D5. Each day brings a new and amusing event that not only bonds the students together, but also provides a never-ending opportunity

for new experiences. A special part of my day is being able to see my friends who live in Donlon since the structure of the building helps facilitate close bonds with the people who live next to you. Donlon’s setup is unmatched as there is always something to do or someone to talk to.

Although Donlon is special to me from my own time here, each residence hall will give you a unique and special freshman living experience.

Freshman year is a whirlwind of juggling the college adjustment while taking classes and being with friends. Each dorm facilitates the common struggle first-semester freshmen face upon arriving at Cornell. In the end, we’re a bunch of kids living alone for the first time, navigating through the newness of what it means to be at college.

FALL 2018

35

l a e R w Ho is the Sophomore Slump?

Via Romano Halfway through the semester between prelims seasons I could feel it breathing down my neck: the dreaded sophomore slump. I had hoped the sophomore slump wasn’t real, and before this year, I was convinced that it didn’t exist.

Regardless, I figured I was immune.

However, after multiple papers, prelims, and one memorable midterm, I grew less sure. Was the sophomore slump really inevitable? I decided to investigate.

I began my investigation by talking to my roommate. I asked her opinion on the sophomore slump, and if she thought it existed. She didn’t have to pause for more than a moment before commiserating on its existence. It was nice to know that I wasn’t alone in suffering from the sophomore slump, but I still wasn’t convinced. I decided to get another perspective and talk to a friend who’s a junior and see if she’d had the same doubts I was having. She agreed that sophomore year was particularly difficult

36

SLOPE MAGAZINE

for her in terms of her academic load, and that now she was looking to raise her GPA. Both discoveries made me wonder why the slump happens, and what about sophomore year is so special.

The new responsibilities people take on after their first year likely contribute to this phenomenon. Unlike freshman year when we come to school for the first time as blank slates with no prior commitments, people have more responsibilities upon their return as sophomores. Some joined Greek life or other on-campus organizations.

Others committed to many clubs or have internship responsibilities that didn’t wrap up over the summer. Since all of these commitments are new, sophomores don’t have the experience of balancing them all that a junior or senior would have. That said, we join these things because we want to do them and they’re fun--way more fun than studying.

Sophomore year, classes tend to be a lot harder than freshman year. Lots of students are still figuring out what they want to do freshman year and are taking exploratory classes, but by sophomore year people start to focus on their major’s requirements. Classes can become more major specific, and as a result, a lot more challenging and technical.

And with an increased focus on a major can come the realization that the grades for classes outside of your field don’t matter as much, so we focus more on the classes that are difficult and important, which means we’re not able to put as much effort into others.

I’m trying to budget my time better and am cracking down on my study habits a bit more, but I’m not going to drive myself crazy stressing about it. Part of transitioning to college is learning how to prioritize and having realistic expectations, so I’m not going to expect myself to ace every class. If you’re one of the lucky people that are immune to the sophomore slump then I’m in awe of you, but if you’re like me, no need to freak out: the sophomore slump is only as scary as you make it.

Even though I reluctantly concluded that the sophomore slump is a real thing, I’m doing my best not to worry about it.

FALL 2018

37

An Ode to the Skunk

Cornell’s

Unofficial Mascot

38

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Colleen Sorge As a new writer at Slope fall of my freshman year, I was bursting with potential article ideas, but I struggled to find The One; the perfect inaugural article idea to kick off my tenure at Slope Magazine, which I knew even then that I wanted to be lastingly involved in. My inspiration came in the form of a furry black and white messenger that appeared below my Balch Hall window one night and eagerly ate the Whoppers I had dropped there after trying to toss them to a friend. A skunk. I was spellbound.

Surprisingly enough, this wasn’t my first run-in with our campus’s night time patrollers, more fearsome than CUPD. I had participated in Outdoor Odyssey and during our first night, which was spent sleeping on the Arts Quad, a skunk had eaten the

something of an inside joke among my friend group, as we theorize about the adventures of Pepe (the North Campus Skunk) and Brayan (the Central Campus Skunk).

Let me pause here to acknowledge the fact that I probably sound like a lunatic. I’m well aware of that. In all reality, there are probably more than two skunks roaming the campus; I don’t keep running into the same individuals. I also realize that most people don’t deem our stink-sacced friends worthy of such praise, and I sound like the Animal Science student of lore; the one who wanders the streets feeding anything with four legs and singing to myself a la Snow White. I assure you, I’m sane about most things. And I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about campus skunks that has earned my adoration. Perhaps it’s their brazen confidence, their tendency to pop up like Hidden Mickeys at Disney, or their ability to appreciate all food forms they might encounter here at Cornell.

All I know is that in late August when one of my housemates screamed for help, claiming that her boyfriend couldn’t leave his car because a skunk was on our front step, I was nearly delirious with joy. I ran to our window and pressed my forehead against the glass, searching for the furry offender, weak with laughter. If only she had found it so amusing.

bagels out of a fellow tripper’s bag before dozing on the end of her sleeping bag.

Thus, I penned my first article about the marvel of the Cornell Skunks, a piece that has since held a special place in my heart.

Perhaps the skunks heard of my favorable take on their presence, because since then, they have continued to pop up in my path from time to time, inspiring shrieks and bursts of profanity among unsuspecting students. In fact, the skunks have become

When I was walking home after dragging out our trash bins and a skunk crawled out from beneath my car (I believe it was Brayan), I nearly dropped my phone on the pavement driveway. I then proceeded to call my friend for help, and when she didn’t answer, accused her of plotting to kill me. But somehow, I was also thrilled. I’m halfway through junior year, and while nearly everything has changed for me since my Cornell journey started, it’s nice to know that the skunks haven’t. Besides, I knew Brayan would never spray me. That’s not how friends treat each other.

FALL 2018

39

Home Away From Hom Priya Pradhan

College is a step out of everyone’s comfort zone.

It’s a time when you leave behind the familiarity of home for a small, and often stuffy, dorm room. But when you’re an international student, not only are you leaving behind your home, you’re leaving behind everything you know.

You’re moving to a whole different country or perhaps even continent. It’s a step into the unknown, and quite literally, a whole new world; it’s terrifying, but ultimately it’s the experience of a lifetime.

If you have never visited or lived here before, the America you probably know comes from popular TV shows & movies, songs and social media.

Despite what you know, moving here can still be quite surprising and even disorienting. What was hardest for me was having to deal with the simple decisions - I’d always want to ask for my parents’ thoughts but I didn’t have them by my side. I procrastinated opening a bank account for days because it gave me anxiety to think about having to go through all the paperwork. The reality? It took less than an hour and I was all set. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t let your nerves get the best of you, because everyone on campus is ready to help you out. All you’ve got to do is ask.

40

SLOPE MAGAZINE

More than my anxiety about making decisions, a little voice in my head kept telling me I wouldn’t be able to make any friends. I felt bad that most of my friends back in Nepal would still be with each other whereas I’d be in a polar opposite time zone. I’d wake up with my phone full of notifications from my friends who’d been up and about, chatting and posting - all the while I’d been asleep and missed out. But the thing is that you’re surrounded by thousands of other people just like you, people who’ve left their friends behind, looking to make new connections. You just need to put yourself out there and be open to what college has to offer. Do that and you’ll find yourself making friends left and right. And for us international kids, there are events all over campus that’ll help us find other internationals who can relate, give advice, and help out. Cornell’s International Student Union (ISU) works with numerous clubs to host events like the Africa Night Market, International Gala, or the MINT mentorship program. With so many unique events and programs, we can and should branch out to make Cornell feel like home.

me And while Cornell may be our home for at least the next four years, our families and real homes are thousands of miles (and even oceans) away so homesickness is bound to happen. What I didn’t expect was how the homesickness creeps up on you. Homesickness doesn’t just hit you for a week and then dissipate. For the first week or so I didn’t even miss my family.

Instead, I reveled in my newfound freedom and sense of control. But then it strikes. Maybe you smelled something that reminded you of the favorite dish your mom would make. For me, I missed the smell of my dog, finding golden hairs on my sweaters, and having my furball to cuddle with on cold nights. You’ll find yourself looking at photographs, feeling a little empty and a little too far away. But all that is totally normal and its part of the process. It’s been half the semester but I still have waves of sadness where I want nothing more than to wake up in my bed at home with my dog beside me, the smell of my mom’s cooking wafting through the air. During times like these I find it helpful and important to call home. Talk to your parents, siblings or grandparents and speak your native language for a couple of hours. Don’t hesitate to reach out and tell them you miss them - they miss you

*Photo from Emery Bergmann’s My College Transition

just as much, probably even more.

Perhaps you miss your favourite bakery, that one bookshop you loved, or home cooked traditional meals. Maybe the gloomy weather and tough classes are getting you down.

Whatever the case, it’s up to you to take the initiative to adjust - you have everything you need to do just that. Khan Academy videos helped me learn all the American versions of math terms, Insomnia Cookies filled in for my bakery cravings, and at the Farmer’s Market I found Nepali-style dumplings, which I devoured plate by plate. It’ll take some time and some exploring but gradually you’ll find Cornell, and Ithaca, becoming your home away from home.

FALL 2018

41

5 Truths About Ithaca Weather Josephine Davis

Ithaca, New York. Even the name makes me shiver. What would the true

Cornell experience be if you never trekked up the slope battling the brutal wind or walked outside for your 8:40 realizing you need about five more layers then you have on? But Cornell weather is more than meets the eye.

1. Be careful what you wish for We spend most of the year wishing and yearning for it to be just a little bit warmer. But have you ever walked to class in the 75-degree weather? It starts out great, there’s a light wind, no need for a jacket. But about ten minutes into the walk you realize you’ve made a grave mistake, and by the time you reach class, you’re drenched in sweat just wishing for a cool breeze or some AC.

2. Remember your rain boots Snow boots, winter jacket, mittens, check; but there’s something else you’re forgetting … it rains in Ithaca. It starts off warm in the fall, but don’t be fooled. As soon as October hits, you’re bound to be walking to class realizing your sneakers were the wrong choice as the freezing cold rain soaks through your sweater.

So, remember your raincoat and an extra pair of socks.

42

SLOPE MAGAZINE

3. Don’t underestimate the power of the wind Sure, your weather app says its 50 degrees.

But that didn’t take into account the 30 mph winds. Don’t get this confused with the light breeze you’re used to at home. This wind is brutal, and it’s out to kill. When it says “feels like 35 degrees”, listen, layer, and be prepared.

4.

“

Grab an extra coat, hat, or gloves; you’re going to need it.

”

Frostbite is a real thing

No one wants to wear their big sweater and a pair of fleece pants out, and I’m not saying you should.

But don’t think a crop top and jeans is going to cut it in the Ithaca winter. Frackets were made for a reason; use them.

5. When you think you’re wearing enough layers, add one more Getting ready in your cozy apartment or dorm with the heat cranked up to 75 is fabulous, but remember what lies outside. Just because you’re sweating in your sweatshirt and sweatpants inside doesn’t mean that you’re going to feel the same when you walk out the front door. Grab an extra coat, hat, or gloves; you’re going to need it.

I hope this article with help protect you through the different types of weather Ithaca can throw your way. Get bundled up because this winter is going to be a doozy.

FALL 2018

43

Not Being Greek

44

SLOPE MAGAZINE

Gaby Maurice So, you didn’t join Greek life. It’s the first day back from winter break, the night before classes start, and half of your friends are gone. They just finished a long week of girl-on-girl flirting and boy-onboy bonding and are now reaping the rewards.

They’re off celebrating their new brothers or sisters on bid night. Ladies, on the first day of classes, you’ll see your friends wearing new shirts and sometimes hats with their new Greek letters. They will also form new cliques in classes, all because of the letters they are wearing. For the next month, they will be busy bonding and learning the new rituals of their sisterhood. Also, during this month, they won’t be able to go out with you.

Guys, well, you probably won’t envy your friends for the initiation process they are about to go through. But you might regret missing out on a week of literally just chilling and hanging out with fraternity brothers.

After the month is over, the mixers start.

Unless you have a best friend, a significant other, or a relative in the frat, or are a Cayuga’s Watcher, good luck getting into the mixer. Houses that were open during Orientation Week will no longer be so, and get ready to be asked “Do you have a wristband,” or the infamous “Who do you know here?”

life, then it is fine. But if you’re like me and have a lot of friends in Greek life, it feels like you’re missing out on something.

When you go to mixers, sometimes the people don’t talk to you because they know you aren’t a part of Greek life.

Unless invited to a formal or a date night, you never get to go. Instead, you get to hear stories about what happened and get to listen with an interested expression on your face. When it comes to going to fraternity parties, there will be certain frats that you won’t even attempt to go to because it will be impossible to get in to. You can make friends with these people but won’t feel as close to them because you’re not a part of their social circle. Because you are not Greek.

Cornell is a diverse campus with people from all over the world, but one thing it fails to mention is that Greek life is a bigger part of social life on campus than it seems. At Cornell, it is a separate social system within itself that is hard to crack especially when you’re not a part of it.

You can totally find your own community and still have all the social aspects that Greek life has. And don’t get me wrong, I see the benefits of going Greek. But if you have a lot of friends in Greek life, and you’re not a part of it yourself, you sometimes feel a bit like you’re missing out on something.

If you have a community outside of Greek

FALL 2018

45

e f i L e m o S m o r f e c i v Ad Someone Without a Life Plan Kat Nelms

46

SLOPE MAGAZINE

place re not at the same u’ yo if it t ea sw t don’ you have u. Whether or not as those around yo vidual is up to each indi your life together a lot emselves, although th r fo ne fi de to r their rs as a metric fo of people use othe ing to rk been actively wo own success. I’ve sing on set by instead focu nd mi is th me co er ov ng, “I’m Rather than thinki personal growth. es,” I sm ace as my clas at not at the same pl x skill “I have developed try to recognize, ecking of myself since ch rt pa y ed ov pr im or

another ent at one time or Every college stud get my tted, “I need to mi ad y tl an ct lu re has being put r the most part, act together.” Fo and daymanaging classes together entails a large lities. However, bi si on sp re ay -d to rsuit of ege student’s pu part of the coll jor and ma udes choosing a happiness also incl of their ast a rough idea le at ng hi is bl ta es tive g towards defini in rk Wo s. al go career jectives one of the main ob post-grad plans is gh many experience, althou of the college dated in.” cluded) are intimi in f el ys (m ts en but it stud ram. has helped a lot, icular degree prog t rt if pa sh a al to nt ng me ti it is by comm oice is Th wareness and is ingly major life ch r lots of self-a fo ed ll ca al For some, this seem on ok me three pers than done. It to d on well-defined se id ba sa er er in si ra ea -b no d I’m a ople field of study, an a was one of those pe I se t oo gh ch ou th to I s . ar st comes s; ye intere ything else that at CSU Los Angele er ev ar ye on g an in hm rk es wo fr l during my ntly decided neering, stil ving only very rece d the idea of engi Ha . ds ar rw te af g I knew that I love in m racing I often feel like I’ mechanical engineer , ed an ar pl cl ee de gr y de kl a ic qu on t . I am so I work themselves ou uation approaches d ad ul gr wo as gs up in h th d tc re ca to als and and figu re of my career go now a lot less su from there. pr e essure ly more aware of th ng si ea cr in ow gr to have ged pecially seniors, e then I have chan es nc , si ts d en an ud st d, ar on rw t pu e’s Fast fo st-grad plans. Ther over. I have now po s r me ei ti th l of ra ea ve id se my major terials a good nd caused by nt stress on my mi ed my major as ma se ar re cl -p de er !) ev ly an al in l (f tive to el d and behind rela ansferred to Corn me tr el I wh d er an ov g g, in in el er fe with engine most days I’m okay perience is pretty ex t, Ye My . . ts ar en ye ud or st ni r for my se fe plan othe obably wonder, tely upending my li at. Many people pr m I’ e er wh n unique, but comple ve and still s gi college career ha person such a mess my is th in g is on al ow r “h fa ining t. so My advice for rema ) relatable insigh . ly ?” ul le ef ab op st (h ly of al ty nt me plen n cause me the third most ent in college ca st totally lost at il wh lm ca g: The four years sp in try to make tion ol in the nation: ave students ques ho le sc d an ed ss bt re ou st -d lf having se in this field? What that it’s okay not rk ct wo fa e to th nt th wa wi ly e al ac pe rking do I re I’d like more but long as you’re wo se as el an g pl in th ve me ti so ni s fi if there’ I choose a de it yet? What if s one.

I haven’t found feel like toward n ca r jo ma a g Declarin three . wrong? life to one path ize over the last al re re ti to en me ur co yo ve ng committi causes I ha t together” is an , being undeclared at “having one’s ac th s ar ye et On the other hand “g any) people you scrambling to being that few (if es of av e le at st d l an ea y id et remind anxi ssant Take a step back, due to the ince e. ” ev er hi th ac ge ly to al t tu ac ac let your poster child of capable,and don’t e e th ar u As yo e. at at th li fi lf push to af ’s okay yourse mellow. assure you that it n ca I , on si anyone harsh your ci de u in yo as s me ti nd as many to change your mi choose field of study you need, and that the strictly ably not going to in school is prob feel It’s also okay to . er re ca ur yo ne defi re at in less of where you’ overwhelmed regard be, so where you want to life relative to FALL 2018

47

v

slopemedia.org