Reflection

As I look back in my journey, I am astounded that I have been able to complete a summer college course at an Ivy League institution: Cornell University. Most importantly, I am privileged to be able to study under the direction of Mr. McCarthy and Mrs. McCarthy, who have been some of the best instructors I have ever had. I think highly of them simply because of their contribution to the class and their extended depth of knowledge about the hospitality industry.

Taking this course has allowed me to confirm with conviction that studying business is a future prospect I plan on pursuing in the fall of 2010. The Hotel Operations Management course has given me a window filled with insights about the management realm, and ultimately, has provided me a head for business.

To prepare students, including myself, for the world of work, Mr. McCarthy and Mrs. McCarthy specifically have designed the course to emphasize teamwork and group projects. From the get-go, the Hotel School has always fostered group-learning style, which has prompted me to become a better leader. I, along with other students, have been tested all along during this three-week period to see if we can overcome challenges. After taking this course, I can say with assurance that I have learned how to share leadership, to play to another's strengths, and most importantly, to take on responsibility without necessarily taking ownership. These items, by far, are the tools that I have walked away with, and I plan on using them in my lifetime. For me, I believe it is necessary to apply and to utilize these tools. For example, I plan on executing my leadership and computer skills when I take over a school club this fall. This is just one instance, but I am positive that this will not be my last.

Furthermore, being at a college setting for 24/7 has prompted me to make my own decisions for myself. If anything, I must admit that this odyssey is a self-learning process. I have engaged myself with other school officials or representatives, as well as having the chance to meet other students from the East Coast and from countries abroad. Among some of the nations include China, Thailand, and Greece.

The chance of living a dorm life has proved to me that understanding people is key. Being in a household, filled with resourceful residential advisers and other talented students, has shown me what college is all about. The lengths that RAs travel (to put on special events and activities) have demonstrated to me that a wide range of people out there are willing to lend a hand and to take on positions of mentors.

During this three weeks, I have been able to better know my roommate named Remi Ojurongbe, who resides in Landover Hills, Maryland. She is studious, and as her roommate, I especially admire her patience and her flexibility. Having her by my side has allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After this whole experience, I have more drive for myself as an individual.

Being a Cornellian and a Hotelie has been a wonderful thrill for these past few weeks. This institution has a large wealth of academic opportunities available. In addition to that, the Hotel School is populated with professors at large and passionate students who are willing to seek work experience and to demonstrate professionalism and maturity. I respect Cornell University for its well-recognized staff as well as its endless opportunities of preparing students to become innovators in whatever realm they decide to pursue. To describe the campus, I have to say it is modern meets passé, enriched with many, many long-lasting traditions.

Will I apply to Cornell University? At this point, I am still deciding on whether this may be one of the schools that I might add to my list of possible institutions. I will have to say it is rather unfair if I just completely rule out this university, but I do see the light in this school. How much do I see in this school and will it be enough for me to apply are indeed two tricky questions I cannot straightaway answer.

As a member of the Ivy League Connection program, I have worked diligently for my gateway to success. It will eventually allow me to have my foot in the door, be in now or later down the line in the workforce. I have always taken my academic career seriously, but this program has allowed me to set higher standards for myself and to take on other novel challenges. Having the chance to study at one of the most-respected schools in the United States has been incredibly rewarding, which has only whetted my appetite for more. All in all, I have walked away from this program as a sharper student with a keen eye for academic success. If this program cannot do the trick, then what will?