Bryce Stevens ’26: Team Player
Once Bryce Stevens ’26 was selected for Cornell’s Posse 2 (the college’s second Posse, which arrived on campus in fall 2022), he and his 10-person posse began seven months of pre-collegiate training together. They learned how to navigate college, met virtually with a range of Cornell staff, and importantly, he says, they learned how to rely on each other, care about Posse, and care about their college.
“We’re not here for ourselves. We’re a Posse,” he says. “We help each other.”
After taking a few classes, Stevens says he discovered most everyone is helpful, not just Posse members.
“In a lot of the classes everyone helps everyone,” he notes. “Not everyone knows everything. We’re all here to learn. We can help each other. People are kind here. I’m from Philadelphia where people are not kind like that.”
When Stevens selected Cornell, he thought it was Cornell University (both Cornells are Posse colleges). After some research, though, he discovered the differences and was intrigued by One Course At A Time.
Now he can’t imagine learning any other way, saying it allows him to focus.
“Once you get used to it you feel like you can accomplish anything,” he says. “You have to push yourself. The professors help you. When I was in computer science, I had trouble understanding and the professor said, ‘Come sit down with me.’ The professors care. They know the block plan is moving fast and they are there to help.”
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: Engineering
Activities: Football, Info Desk student worker
Cornell Posse: 2
When choosing scholars the Posse program looks for leaders. Stevens found leadership in an unusual venue—a sport he never played before. In high school he was highly athletic but had never played football. At Cornell he decided to see if he could join the Rams football team with no experience. He has played in almost every game as a defensive lineman.
“I’m always just trying to help and to get better to help the team win,” he says. “Last year we had the Navy SEALs come work with us. At that time I had injured my knee and I literally was a water boy. While it’s nice to be in charge and lead the way, I’m also just there to help however I’m needed.”
His favorite thing about Mount Vernon is the stars, which he sees at night coming back to his room after working at the Info Desk. “Iowa’s really beautiful,” he says.
➤ Read the full Posse series, with profiles of four Posse Scholars and a Q&A with the president
