Bittersweet Beginnings

Once I woke up, I had to pack my last few items for check-out My RCA Maisie helped me unplug a few cords and helped me carry my suitcase outside of Balch. My little dorm room was empty again and would soon be occupied by another lucky student. Maisie has been amazing with listening to her residents and hosting hall events. I forgot to take a picture with her, but I know that I’ll always remember her! As we walked out, she told me about the difficulties of being an RCA. Students may leave stains all over the carpet and disturb other residents. Parents will call and complain when their own children violate the rules. There were nights where she had to stay up to pick up emergency calls and today she woke up at 4AM to checkout another girl. And even now she has another three weeks with another group.

Mr.Chan-Law picked the hotelies up and took us to check-in our baggage. We were all afraid our baggage would be overweight, but they ended up being lighter than when we came to Ithaca! It could have been due to some rearranging between our carry-ons and suitcases, but we like to think that Chicago’s scale was faulty.Mr.Chan-Law dropped us off in front of RPCC(our regular dining hall). Tomi and Rochelle ate while I walked to Statler.

Mr.McCarthy let me know that I would be a part of the speech making on July 4. He and Mrs.McCarthy wanted us to keep all the speeches secret to surprise the class and parents. This caused a lot of “rewording” whenever my classmates asked why I didn't have time to hangout because my team needed to practice. We practiced yesterday afternoon and this morning.

By 9:30, all the hotelies were gathered next to the auditorium. We were told where to stand in line and whispers started to circulate as a few select students fell out of order. Butterflies filled my stomach again because I knew it was presentation time.

Reneta gave a brief speech and handed it over to another student, Kamran. He introduced my group and we presented our Marriot PowerPoint presentation. Two other students spoke about CHESS and the definition of Summer College(not summer camp). Our professors surprised us with binded versions of our group reports and a certificate. The TAs presented a slideshow of us in class.

This is where the waterworks began. Their song choice and captured memories struck a nerve and it hit me that this was the end of Summer College at Cornell. The light was dimmed, so I stopped myself from becoming a huge crying wreck before the lights were turned on. We all took pictures with each other, took pictures with our professors, and said some of our final good-byes.

The Cornell cohort met back at the Statler Hotel for lunch. It was great because I finally got some food into my system, but also because I was able to see a true demonstration of the quality service our professors talked about. In the lobby, a man complained that the employees lost his car keys. A helpless employee had to continuously apologize and assure the customer that she would find the keys or make it up to him. This went on for at least 20 minutes and she didn't have a single second of hostility in her voice. Meanwhile, our friend Dustin came to say goodbye while we waited for F&J. On the first day of activities, the cohort met Dustin during the ice cream social. He’s a RCA with a double major in chemistry and Asian studies. I admire his ability to reach out to people and I'm thankful that he was a part of our Summer College experience.

My last time seeing Statler- for now

We ate a terrific lunch with great service from the restaurant once the F&J group arrived. When desserts came, Sherry called me to meet before parting. She’s the best friend I made outside of the cohort and I couldn’t leave without saying bye again. We took a few pictures at Banfi(the restaurant) and I walked her out while the others finished dessert. We said our goodbyes and I erupted in tears. Just writing about this now makes me tear up in the plane. This was someone who would soon be on the other side of the globe. Someone who I considered a sister after only three weeks would be gone and I probably wouldn't see her again until a long, long time. It’s shocking to think that people who I've met for only three weeks could mean so much to me.

Sherry visiting us at Banfi!

The cohort went through security and discovered that two of our hotelie classmates were on the same flights as us! The plane was really small and most passengers were from Summer College. As the plane took off, I frantically searched the window for a view of the campus. I felt like I would feel at peace with a symbolic farewell to the school, but everything just looked like little dots in the ground.

The worst thing about the East Coast is the changing weather. It’ll be sunny and then intervals of rain will occur. This was what my feelings were like today. I was happy to be with my cohort and friends and then sad every time I thought of parting from them. I was glad to go back to the comfort of my bed and family, but I would have chosen to stay at Cornell if I could. We transferred flights in Philadelphia and bought food to eat on the plane. I received a photo text from my friends who were still at Cornell. Surprisingly, I didn't break out into tears again. 

The tiny plane from Ithaca to Philadelphia 

A Bay Area summer sunset

Once we were above San Francisco, I remembered what I love about California: the weather.. All of the city lights were on and the pilot announced that it was only 60 degrees! We all retrieved our bags, took pictures, and went home. I showed my mom the Polaroid and posters my friends got me, and I ended up bursting into tears again. It's been the start of a great journey and I'm so thankful towards the ILC for giving me this opportunity. Before I left, my friends who were in the program all told me it was amazing, but it really settled in once we arrived in Chicago. I'm lucky to have wonderful cohorts who all get along well. Besides our new friends, we'll always have each other. I'm still trying to get over the fact that Summer College is over, but I'll have so much more to reflect on the next couple of days. 

The Cornell cohort showing off our new gear

Back to Life, Back to Reality

I could not sleep much last night. Preparing for the long trip back home and thinking about graduation consumed my thoughts so I only gained a few hours of rest. I thought I woke up pretty early this morning to  organize my room for check out but found that most of my fellow floor mates had already departed. We said our final goodbyes last night knowing we had different check out times but it was still difficult to not see them when I woke up. Instead, hoards of newcomers for the second session of Summer College began to enter the rooms of my floormates.

Last view of North Balch

After exiting my dorm room, the Freedom group and I met with Mr. Chan-Law outside of North Balch to check in our luggage. Fortunately, the process was very quick and smooth since there were not many people at the small Ithacan airport.

Myself and Professor Kramnick

Myself and my TA Nolan

By 10:30 AM, we met with our Freedom and Justice class for the graduation at Kennedy Hall. I could not help but feel saddened by the fact that it was the last time I would see my fellow classmates, several of whom I have gotten to know really well. One by one, each student was called in alphabetical order and was given his or her certificate from the TAs. Even though the ceremony was not too long, I will not forget the sense of accomplishment I felt once I was handed my certificate.

Jenna, myself, and Tamilyn at graduation

After saying our final goodbyes to our classmate, the three of us walked to Staler Hotel to meet with the rest of the cohort to have our final meal at the hotel's Taverna Banfi restaurant. As we passed by McGraw Hall and McGraw Tower, with the unusually cool air brushing across my face, I realized that it would be the last time I walk this path to class for Professor Kramnick's engaging lectures or for discussion sections with my classmates and Nolan.

We had a few hours before we needed to depart for Philadelphia so we enjoyed our delicious lunch with leisure. By 2:45 PM, we headed for the airport.

Boarding for Philadelphia

Despite the slight turbulence, the flight was less than an hour and we arrived safely. The lay-over for our flight to San Francisco was about an hour long so we got lunch to go; most of us ordered a Philly cheese steak for the sake of authenticity. Promptly by 7 PM, our flight to California took off. A feeling of anticipation overwhelmed me once I boarded the plane, knowing that once I land, I would be back home. A family of three, with a newborn infant, sat to my left. Seeing this family only reminded me how much I missed my own and made me even more thankful that I would be seeing them soon. Fortunately, the flight ended approximately thirty minutes ahead of schedule and we arrived at the San Francisco airport early, where I was graciously welcomed by my parents.

Before heading home, the Cornell cohort huddled up for a final group photograph and we said our final goodbyes. I honestly thought I would cry throughout the whole day but not one tear fell from my eyes. Maybe it has not truly hit me yet that this journey is over. However, I know that I will miss everyone I have met, especially my cohort. 

Now I am back in my wonderful room, preparing to sleep in my warm bed after three weeks. It feels so good to be home. 

Safe and Sound

It wasn't until 7:20 AM, that I finally checked out of my dormitory. I reluctantly handed over my room key to my RCA, making sure to thank her for all she had done for me. After gathering all of my belongings I took a moment to take in the sight off my now empty dorm room. I had a number of interesting experiences in Risley Hall-from the fire alarm incident to the Saturday night party-and seeing my room's barren walls made me realize just how much I had come to love the building and everyone in it. 

After checking out, I made my way downstairs and towards Mr. Chan-Law's car, with Rochelle following suit not long after. We later picked up Michelle from her dormitory and together we drove to Ithaca Airport, where we checked in our bags and printed out our boarding passes. 

Next came the worst part of the day, saying goodbye to everyone. I tearfully said my farewells and well wishes to my classmates, taking as many pictures and giving as many hugs as I possible could. In total, I think I cried about four or five times during that short 45 minutes period, each time harder and louder than the last. 

My graduation began at 10:00 AM and continued on through 11:00 AM. The event consisted of the usual fanfare, Mark called us up one by one by group, shaking our hands and bestowing upon us our diplomas. As an added bonus, we were also given lamented copies of our final CHESS Reports, albeit ungraded. Afterwards, we were treated to surprise speeches and presentations from several of our classmates, including Michelle and her group. To close the graduation, the TAs showed us their final project-a slideshow consisting of a series of all the photographs-both posed and candid-they had taken throughout the course. Some were heartwarming, such as the our first group photos and others were rather embarrassing, like the pictures of students sleeping during class. The slideshow was very touching and adorable, so much that I began crying as soon the first reel began to play. 

Once the Freedom and Justice graduation met it conclusion, we all gathered at the Statler Hotel for lunch at Taverna Banfi. I enjoyed a full three course meal, with Swedish meatballs and muscles for my appetizers, a filet for my entree, and a cookie platter for my dessert. I was happy to be able to enjoy my final meal in Ithaca at the Statler, as it provided a fitting end to my time in the Hotel Operations program. 

With lunch over with, we returned to Ithaca Airport. Following a two hour wait, we finally boarded our plane   for a 45 minute flight, followed by a one hour layover in Philadelphia. I spent the following six hour flight to San Francisco Airport sleeping, chatting, and reminiscing about the past few weeks.  

Our arrived plane arrived a half hour early, but luckily my mother had already long since arrived. Once everyone had collected their luggage, we went onto take a group picture and say our goodbyes before finally parting ways.

You're familiar the old cliche "you never know the true value of something until it's gone," right? Well, I've never known this expression to be so until now, as I never realized how much I gave grown to love Summer College until it was already over. I'm going to miss everyone so much; from my instructors, to my classmates, and of course, my cohort. I had such a wonderful time with them that it's hard to believe that it's already over. If there's anything I plan on doing for the rest of this summer, it's keeping in touch with my new friends;  Reneta taught us was not only the importance of fostering bonds, but also maintaining them. I plan on taking this advice to heart and keeping close tabs with everyone. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be reunited at Cornell University once again.  

Don't Be Sad, Be Glad

After almost a month, I’m finally home. I’m so glad to have been given this chance to go to the East Coast. I’ve learned so much about myself, others, and the world around me. I couldn’t have learned so much without the ILC and the Hotel Management course. It was sad to leave because these past few weeks went by so fast.

At our graduation, speeches were given and Michelle’s group presented their hotel company. At the end of the ceremony, there was a slideshow put together by the TAs. It was such a nice touch! People were tearing up from the memories because the TAs put in many pictures of us. We’ve really learned a lot and I’m glad I took the course. It changed the way I work with others and I learned more about myself in terms of behavioral styles. Thanks to Mark and Reneta for being such great professors.

(From left) Reneta, Michelle, Tomi, myself, and Mark after the graduation ceremony.

On the plane ride home, I was getting more and more excited to be home finally. I’d be able to sleep in my own bed and my family would be close by. I’d even have a nice shower in a clean bathroom! I’ve learned to become independent and I’ll be treasuring these moments I have with my family before I go away for college next year.

When our cohort said our goodbyes, I didn’t cry, but I was sad because I knew I’d miss how close we’ve gotten. We won’t be calling each other to meet up for lunch at RPCC anymore. I won’t be able to go up two flights of stairs to hang out with Tomi in her room. I know I’ve always complained about how hot it was in her room, but I enjoyed working and hanging out with her. I really hope all six of us (and Chan-Law) will meet up one day just to have a reunion. Though I’d see most of them at school, I won’t see Michelle or Tomi around anymore.

The Cornell cohort before parting at the SF airport.

Aside from the sadness in leaving people and things behind, I’m just glad to finally be home. I have different goals now and I’ve become a different person. I see things a different way and I can’t wait to share what I’ve discovered.  The Cornell cohort before parting at the SF airport.

Is this Goodbye?

With the comfort of knowing that my report was done, I knew the last day of class would be cheerful and heartfelt. I didn't feel like I had to rush, but it was a lot sadder than I anticipated. Reneta gave us her last PowerPoint about the people you meet in life and success. When she was a manager at a Courtyard Hotel, she met a variety of people who felt that they were successful regardless of whether they were a manager or housekeeper. One of her housekeepers defined success by her family's achievements. Her sons exceeded their grade level's standards and she was able to provide them with a trailer home away from her mother's trailer. It's these simple things that should be cherished, not loads of money or fame. Reneta also ended up working with one of those employees at a different hotel later on.

Since the majority of teams were still working on their reports, my team became slightly paranoid, so we reread our report and added some details. Printing the final copy felt so satisfying. It gave us the feeling of joy. We were finally holding a physical copy of our final assignment. Once we turned it in, we had to leave so that other teams could finish. My team chatted a bit in the hall with the ice-pops we originally bought for our service project. There were over a hundred, so everyone grabbed some to calm down.

My team, Ellis, myself, Irene, and Bhavesh

Irene and I walked to Trillium for our last lunch together. Neither of us could believe that we were officially done with the class. It was extremely vigorous, but we couldn't process the thought that we wouldn't see those 80 people anymore. It was weird to think we wouldn't eat dining hall food anymore or the fact that we wouldn't walk up to Statler every morning. We later met up with Bhavesh and visited the student store. 

Before dinner, the ILC group met up with Mr. Chan-Law to discuss check-outs, graduation ceremonies, and flights. We're scheduled to arrive back in California at 10PM, but our day starts at 7AM. I ate dinner with Irene and her roommate YoungJi, who is from Chicago! We were so tired of RPCC food and the hall was packed with people from sports camps.

 As a showcase of Summer College Students' talent, the RCAs hosted a "Cornell's Got Talent" Students from all around the world sang, danced and played instruments. The songs ranged from operas to musicals and rap. They were also sang in Mandarin, English, and Japanese! Approximately 30 students performed. My favorite was a song named "The Girl in 14G" It was about a girl who had loud, singing hall mates. Each student sang differently, so she constantly changed her voice to portray each character.  Our very own Tamilyn also sang! I'm envious of the courage these students had to go up and perform. I'm fine with making a speech or presentation, but I could never sing or play an instrument in front of a crowd by myself.

Hundreds of students watching the performances 

Lastly and most importantly, two of my closest Summer College friends gave me tokens of friendship. Serena came to my door with a velvet box. There were several rocks inside and she let me pick one. It sounds really silly that I'm excited over a rock. but I didn't expect anything except their friendship and I thought it was a really sweet thought. I ended up picking a red rock with rings in it. It reminded me of a tree stump with each ring representing a year. I hope that even though we'll be on different continents, our friendship will last as long as the amount of rings on the rock. Sherry gave me a Polaroid picture of us.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words and it really is. I've never seen myself so happy and I think that I've achieved success in Summer College. I've made so many friends, learned about the hospitality industry, learned about Microsoft Office, and lived an independent three weeks. I never would have thought that I would have found happiness in a rock either, but I've been learning how to appreciate even the little things in life. My next goal is to calm my emotions when it's really time to say goodbye.

The rock Serena gave me!

My Polaroid with Sherry

Adieu

After the final, Christian and I had our last lunch at Trillium today, and afterwards Gloria and I embarked on our final trip through the Commons. We bought souvenirs and explored more of Ithaca's culture, and after almost two hours we met up with Rochelle, Christian, and Helen to explore the campus. We took pictures on the grass-covered roof of the Cornell Bookstore, with the Cornell University sign, and in various scenic spots near the arts quad. 

After the talent show was paused for intermission, Rochelle and I left to explore the campus. We went through several buildings and even visited the bowling room in the fitness center and discovered an old observatory from the 1900s. While trying to find a path to the actual building on a small hill we saw three deer who seemed oddly accustomed to humans. I stopped to take pictures (without flash of course) and two of the deer simply stared at me while the other one continued to amiably munch the grass. Rochelle and I continued on our journey and eventually arrived at the doorstep of the observatory. There were only two people in the building, but they were very kind and showed us some of the attractions. Unfortunately the telescope upstairs was closed because of the cloudy weather, but we still were able to see many cool new things such as transparent images of astrological bodies. 

On the way back to our dorms, I printed out a picture I had graphically manipulated as a farewell poster to Kevin, and the color printer int he lab printed the image on eight sheets of paper. It was an unexpected outcome, but I managed to borrow scissors from Rochelle and tape from Michelle, and put the sheets together into a large poster I will have my discussion group sign tomorrow before graduation when we will present it to Kevin. 

These past three weeks have been stressful, challenging, fun, and ultimately irreplaceable. I have learned many things, experienced a lot, and I will miss everything about Cornell University, from the people here to the Insomnia Cookies company. I still have to pack among other tasks, and I should rest in preparation for tomorrow's departure. I look forward to seeing my family again, as well as meeting the French foreign exchange student who will be living with my family and I for the next few weeks, but I also am unwilling to leave. However, all good things must come to an end, and after receiving my certificate and bidding farewell to my new friends and to Cornell University's Summer College, I will be on my way back to the East Coast- to home. 

Last Time

After enduring a long night of studying, it was time to make the final leap in completing the Freedom and Justice course: the final exam. Jenna, Gloria, and I met for breakfast to review for the exam to clear up any misconceptions we had. All the students reconvened at the lecture hall for the last time at 9:50 AM for the final exam. By 12 PM, everyone rejoiced in the fact that were we completed this rigorous class. It was at that very moment when I realized that this was the last time I would ever return to McGraw Hall for class and be around my classmates.

Last look of the lecture hall

To enjoy our final hours of being in Ithaca, Jenna, Gloria, Rochelle, her classmate Helen, and I met at the Cornell store to explore the campus before we depart. Of course Cornell has a very vast campus and it is impossible to actually visit each corner of its surroundings, but we did manage to find a couple of small gorges and pass by the engineering halls.

(From left to right) Jenna, Rochelle, Gloria, and Helen walking into the engineering quad

Last view of McGraw Hall on my way from class

We also found beautiful views of the other side of campus! I have been so accustomed to my normal morning route from my dormitory to McGraw Hall that it was refreshing to see other sections of the campus. Unfortunately, our exploration had to be short because we needed to meet with Mr. Chan-Law to go over the final details of our flight.

Tamilyn performing

After dinner, the girls and I attended Cornell's celebratory talent show primarily in support of Tamilyn. I never realized that there were some many talented vocalists and musicians among the Summer College students. One girl gave a very engaging and entertaining performance of the song The Girl in 14G; it felt like I was watching a wonderful musical.

Despite the vast amount of performances, Tamilyn was definitely one of the best with her brilliant rendition of Don't Gotta Work It Out by the Fitz and the Tantrums.

As I finish packing, I cannot help but feel such a conflicting feeling of excitement and sadness. Of course, I have missed my family and loved ones immensely and cannot wait to reunite and share my incredible experiences with them. But at the same time, there is a part of me that does not want to accept that my time at Cornell is nearly over. By Monday morning, I expect to wake up by 7 AM, walk to class, and engage in philosophical discussions with my classmates; unfortunately, this is not the case I realize. Three weeks have literally came and went in a blink of an eye but I am extremely grateful for this rare experience to grow and learn both academically and socially.