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Exchange Experience: Drawing Parallels Between My Experience as a Morningsider and a Cornellian

2020年56日

葉峻亨

葉峻亨

酒店旅遊及房地產 三年級學生
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With Cornell’s University Signage

I was extremely fortunate to have spent my latest academic term at Cornell University in New York State, taking various business management courses that presented eye-opening perspectives. However, the biggest takeaway was not the classroom learning that came with an Ivy League college education, but rather, it was the overall immersive college experience that I will treasure forever. Therefore, for today’s writeup, I will be drawing parallels between being a Morningsider and a Cornellian.

 

Forging New Friendships and Reestablishing Older Ones Through College Activities

 

After experiencing 5 terms as a fully residential college student of Morningside, I was able to build a set of skills that included taking a proactive approach and being open-minded, both of which had greatly helped me in making friends in a new environment. Being an on-campus resident of Cornell, I was presented with plenty of opportunities to interact with other students, including during communal dinners and college events, both of which were similar to how Morningside operates. The three weekly dinners and a multitude of different events hosted by our Student Union, MC Band and MC Rangers create a platform for casual conversations. Besides immersing myself and participating in these college events, I do not see any other way to meet other students from various disciplines. In addition, friendships forged during my college education will stick with me for a long time.

 

While I was in the United States, I visited former Morningside exchange student Hunter Ertz in South Carolina. During that visit, she brought me to various hotspots including Falls Park on the Reedy and historical Charleston, shared her university experience with me and allowed me the opportunity to taste authentic Southern delicacies. In addition, new friendships allowed me to immerse myself in an authentic Cornellian experience, including being a spectator at an ice hockey game on home turf. That experience was unforgettable, the sounds, the laughter, the roasting and the support from fellow Cornellians showed me how unified the university was.

 

During conversations, my new friends each presented a different story on how they had grown up as they came from various states across America. This gave me new perspectives on how I should view life, making me treasure what I have and not take anything for granted. Although I am no longer in Cornell, the friendships I gained at the university over this short exchange will stay with me until the end of time. Whether you are a current or potential resident of Morningside College, I encourage each of you to treasure your time as an undergraduate and create memories worth cherishing.

 

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With former Morningsider; Hunter Ertz in South Carolina

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With fellow on-campus residents

 

Appreciating the Architecture and the Natural Beauty Around Campus  

 

Cornell was established in 1865, and many of the buildings on the campus are over 150 years old; some are associated with a rich heritage, including buildings dedicated to fallen World War II alumni and renowned scientist. Over the years, however, Cornell has also integrated many new structures into the campus to provide a fresh appeal. Adding on, Cornell is in Ithaca, which is in upstate New York, roughly a 5-hour bus ride from New York City, or in other words, practically in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, during my downtime I actively explored Cornell’s college town and interacted with the town’s natural beauty.

 

In Ithaca, there are over 20 waterfalls and state parks which provided an outdoor adventurist like me the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in nature. Potential Morningsiders will be pleased to learn that The Chinese University also offers a beautifully designed campus and a convenient location, with plenty of natural highlights for you to explore throughout your undergraduate education here.

 

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Immersing myself with nature at Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca

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War memorial outside McFaddin Hall

 

With my exchange at an end, I am truly appreciative of this wonderful opportunity to experience a different education system halfway across the world. Although the time has ended, the friendships and exposure gained across my time in Cornell will remain dear to me. Treasure your undergraduate education and engage it with an open mind as you try out new ideas and opportunities. This way no matter where you spend your university years, you will gain the maximum output, creating a memorable experience that is unique for you alone.

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