Holy Snow!

It's true what they say...Ithaca is cold...confirmed by the flurry of snowflakes currently falling outside my window. But for those of you who are hesitant about attending a school in a cool climate, I'm here to let you know that this little winter wonderland isn't really all that bad.

Here are some of the good things:

1. Coffee shops feel reeeeeally cozy.
This is important because you'll be doing lots of studying and will want a nice warm place to curl up with a book, a text book that is. I lived in Miami for three years and every time I set foot into Starbucks I wistfully willed the weather to drop below at least 60 degrees. For some reason, coffee isn't quite the same when you order it while wearing shorts and a bikini top. In Ithaca, you will not have coffee confusion...it will make total sense.

2. You can wear turtlenecks. Library fashion is totally IN.
Turtleneck tops not only keep you warm, but they tend to portray an academic and studious look which is sure to get you in the mood to study. While you may feel like you're always on the way to the library while wearing a turtleneck, that's a good thing in Ithaca, because you probably actually are. So stock up in all colors and WORK that library fashion.

3. You will have the chance to perfect your "cold face."
There's a certain face all people make when they're cold. Yes, ALL people. I've analyzed this for years. I've even thought about creating a "cold face" coffee table book. It's only those who consciously take note of what their face is doing, who will emerge as graceful outdoor travelers throughout the winter months. I sincerely hope you have the will to become one of these people, as a controlled "cold face" really has the power to distinguish you from your peers.

4. Cornell University seems to be made for winter.
There's something beautiful about the rolling hills, towering trees, and majestic buildings standing strong underneath a blanket of white snow. While certainly spring and fall are times to relish for all of us - the winter months in Ithaca are not without substantial wonder and sights to see.

So there are four great reasons (if you ask me) to pack up your boots and skis, and look forward to coming to a place gorgeous in all seasons.

As for me, I'm going to put on my turtleneck and go drink some coffee.

Tis the Season

One of the most beautiful experiences an individual can have living here in Ithaca, is observing the fall season roll in and the gradual turning of the leaves. It may sound a bit silly, but the foliage turns to such stunning shades of red, gold, orange, and yellow...that you literally have to stop to admire it all and take in the vibrancy. As each leaf gracefully falls to the ground, we get closer and closer to a wonderful time of the year...the holiday season. Through the winter months, nothing is better than evenings by the fire, time with family and friends, snow falling to the ground, and music in the air. Luckily, as a student, we actually get the time to enjoy all of this as we're blessed with the brilliant concept of...winter break.

This year the Johnson School kicked off the holiday season with a big Halloween bash at a Sage Social. The festivities rolled on as people bobbed for apples, carved out pumpkins, and snacked on caramel covered apples. Later on that evening, some friends and I gathered together at a neighbor's house and in an impromptu turn of events, found ourselves dressed in full costume and headed to a hotel school Halloween party. While at first the six of us didn't really know anyone at the party, by the end of the night we were dancing with "old" friends and making promises to do it again the future.

The change of pace was appreciated by us all, and at the end of the day, is what is so great about going to the Johnson School. At Cornell, the cross pollination of academic institutions is relatively easy to achieve. If you put in just a little effort, it's a natural development for an academic connection to transform into a social connection, and ultimately lead to the strong foundation of a new relationship - be it professional or personal. So whether you're interested in hospitality and tourism, engineering, law, or whatever...being a student at the Johnson School means you're only steps away from opening doors to a whole new world of professional opportunities...or simply to making a new friend.

Tis the season for enjoying new friends, cherishing time with old ones, and making the effort to open doors of unforseen possibilities.