I would like to apologize for failing to blog last night. Our flight from Detroit to Ithaca was delayed, and so we did not arrive to our destination until the wee hours of the morning. I am here now, however, to update everyone on the happenings of the past day.
It was difficult to see Ithaca and all its beauty the first moment we arrived, for it was dark and there was very little lighting. Fortunately, the light of this morning allowed us all to marvel in Ithaca's extreme beauty. The rolling hills, the vast territories filled with trees, the beautiful architecture of the buildings... it was all truly breathtaking. Even through the rain (yes, it's pouring over here!), Ithaca was still gorgeous. I cannot wait to see how different it all looks once the sun comes out, which, as we've been told, will be on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed!
This morning, we met with Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Crossley and had breakfast with them at the Statler Hotel. (Very yummy, in case you're wondering). Post-buffet, we drove to Syracuse University for our campus tour. Though not as gorgeous as Cornell, Syracuse was quite a sight. The architecture of the buildings in upstate New York are simply divine. Its detailed design you just don't see in modern constructions. It was, however, rather difficult during the campus tour, for the rain was extremely persistent. We did not get to complete the tour, because we had to be up and running by 12:15 PM to make it back to Cornell in time for the day's activities.
Syracuse is a wonderful institution, there is no doubt about that. For me personally, however, I just did not feel a strong enough connection to the environment and the location. I do not think I will apply, but I enjoyed the fabulous opportunity we had to explore our college options and expand our horizons - which is precisely what the ILC is about.
At this time, I would like to thank Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Crossley for driving us to the campus and back. It was an extremely beneficial experience for us all, and I am deeply appreciative.
After arriving back on campus, we did a brief registration. Afterwards, we attended the Cornell University Summer College orientation in Bailey Hall. That building was GORGEOUS. The speakers were very engaging, and they made me feel so welcome. Afterwards, we finally got to meet our professor, Mr. Isaac Kramnick. He was so lively and he seems so genuinely passionate about the program, it makes me even more thrilled to be a part of his class and even more grateful than I already am to have the opportunity to be in the ILC.
Currently, we are on our dinner break. Justine, Ramiah, and I had dinner together, right after visiting The Cornell Store for the first time. I was unaware of the fact that the ILC program also covers a souvenir from the school we're attending. Mr. Ramsey purchased Cornell sweaters for the three of us. It was very, very kind. All this is made possible by all the oh so generous sponsors who continue to believe in this program and continue to support it. A million thanks to you all.
Right after our time block for dinner, we will be having an ice cream social in the lobby of our dorm room. I have yet to meet my roommate, but I am so excited to finally see who I will get to spend my nights with for the next 3 weeks. I also look forward to socializing with the other people in the program. I will blog and let you guys know how the other people are. So far, the program is extremely enthralling. I have high hopes!
- xoxo from NY, Julia.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you.
Sounds like you learned a lot about Syracuse even if it was just that it's not a good fit for you. And now you can say that you've been there and seen it.
I'm glad that Mr. Ramsey was able to fix you up with a nice souvenir from the trip. Is Justine still flaunting her Stanford T-shirt? That can be like waving a red flag in front of a bull.
When you get your roomie you'll have to tell us all about her--where she's from, her background and how she'll be an integral part of your experience.
Once your classes start you'll have to describe the setting for us. I know that one of the things I'm interested in is just how large your class is. I'm guessing that you'll have lectures and then break-out study sessions with TA's? I hope you can remember to describe them all to us.