East Hill Notes: Lessons learned from a graduate’s college years

By Leah DeWitt
 
Editor’s note: Leah DeWitt is an Auburn, N.H., native who graduated from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences last week, with a B.A. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and a minor in Religious Studies. She plans to do clinical research in Boston before attending medical school in Fall 2018. On her way out of Ithaca, she wrote this piece for Tompkins Weekly, and for Cornell students of the future.
Over the past four years at Cornell University and in Ithaca, I’ve learned some lessons that I’ll take with me forever.
 
In no particular order:
 
Get involved
 
My best memories are from volunteering at Cayuga Medical Center and meeting members of my church community. Find out where you fit in, and be engaged with Ithaca, and Tompkins County.
 
Keep perspective
 
I was 17 when I started Cornell. I had plans, and most of them have changed. Don’t expect to have your whole life figured out right now, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that grades will determine your whole future. That leads me to…
 
Grades are important, but never let them define you
 
Success can be measured in a multitude of ways. For too many students, success is purely academic.
Get out of the library/your room
 
Fresh air is nature’s medicine. Cayuga Lake’s not too bad, either.
 
Explore Ithaca and Tompkins County
 
Yes, it’s cliché. Yes, it’s gorges. Find out for yourself, and it will take your breath away. You’ll also understand why people live here, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
 
Check your privilege
 
When you explore Ithaca, remind yourself of how lucky you are to be where you are.
 
Never be afraid to ask for help
 
Most of the time, I can’t do things on my own. Make friends with wiser individuals and ask for help. Asking for help is never accepting defeat.
 
Persevere
 
Obstacles will leave you battered and bruised, but in time you will heal and look back and smile. You are strong enough to overcome. If you want something, keep trying. Even if you don’t succeed, you’ll never regret trying.
 
Respect yourself
 
Take naps. Eat well. Don’t overload yourself.
 
Be grateful
 
You may never see many of these people, both on and off campus, again. Take time to thank the faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors who made a difference.
 
East Hill Notes is produced by Cornell University Director of Community Relations Gary Stewart. For topics you’d like to see addressed in future columns, e-mail gjs28@cornell.edu. Follow Cornell Community Relations @CornellTownGown.