The values the Class of 2026 will carry with them

Four years at Cornell shape students in ways coursework can’t capture. Through daily experiences that bring challenges, community, and new opportunities, Cornellians learn not only what they value but who they are becoming. As they prepared for their final day on campus, the Class of 2026 reflected on the values shaped over four years on the Hilltop—and the ones they’ll carry into the future. 

1. I don’t want to be afraid to be busy! In college, I had a super hectic schedule, and while I look forward to a bit of a slowdown, I want to continue nurturing my many interests. I hope to stay active in both running and singing after I graduate, as well as continue my other hobbies. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by a busy schedule, but that’s really where I thrive. ~Ava Claussen-Tubbs, marketing individualized major and applied statistics major.

1. 3. Patience. I learned, and am continuing to work on, giving myself grace and room for error. ~Christian Diaz, history major with a secondary education certification.

1. 4. The values of hard work and dedication are ones I hope to carry with me beyond my college career, as they continue to be incredibly valuable. ~Ashley Drake, studio art and English-creative writing double major.

1. 5. Worry less about the outcome and focus on your process and giving your best effort. ~Sean Giffen, biochemistry and molecular biology major.

1. 6. A lesson I learned from Cornell is that it does not come down to how much you are involved around campus, but how well you contribute to the things you are involved in, and how well you cherish the experience. Between athletics, academics, and everything in between, I’ve learned how to push myself, adapt to challenges, and stay committed even when things get difficult. Those experiences have shaped not just how I work, but who I am, and they’re something I’ll carry with me long after college. ~Aubrey Hendrickson, behavioral neuroscience and kinesiology-exercise science double major.

   

1. 7. Forgiveness is allowing yourself to move on, not forget. ~Carson King, finance major, with a minor in political science.

1. 8. A value I am taking from Cornell is to never stop seeking new knowledge and experiences. There is so much value in trying new things, whether you end up liking them or not. I hope to always lead with curiosity and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way. ~Alyza Koppes, German studies and kinesiology-exercise science double major.

1. 9. Explore what you can and never restrain your creativity and wonder. No matter how hard it gets, keep pushing through, because you first have to tear that muscle, to struggle a bit, before it builds back even stronger. Also, always be early, snatch up opportunities when they come to you, and know that time is of the essence and not to be wasted. ~Isabella Leo, English-creative writing major, with an ecology and environmental biology minor.
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3. 10. Have fun and don’t be scared to take risks. ~Ayden Nicklaus, business management and kinesiology-exercise science double major.

1. 11. Keep working hard and never give up on yourself. ~Brett Pelfrey, engineering major.

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   12. At Cornell I learned how to live out my faith life, and I hope I can continue growing in that regard. ~Garrett Roehl, data science and mathematics double major.

1. 13. Putting in the work early pays off in the long run. ~Ian Schilling, biochemistry and molecular biology major.

1. 15. To control what I can control and to be where my feet are. ~Peyton Souhrada, studio art major.

1. 16. Always be humble. You can learn from anyone at any stage of your life. ~Jeannie Thao, biochemistry and molecular biology major, with a psychology minor.

1. 17. Always be intentional with your actions and never say you can’t do something, because you never know. ~Malcom Woodson, psychology major.

1.  18. Everyone deserves some extra kindness and support in their life. ~Jessica Ziemiecki, Bachelor of Special Studies in elementary education, with a minor in psychology.