Corey Reese '24
College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major(s): Entomology
Campus Involvement: I have been actively involved in student research in the Moreau Lab in the Entomology Department and the Jung Lab through the Biological Engineering department. Recently, however, what I have spent most of my time on is an organization that I created with my friends, Kate Bascobert and Sydney Colon, called the Pollinator Garden Initiative.
The group that we created was targeted towards converting urban areas into native habitat for insect pollinators. We were able to convert old, unused beds into active pollinator gardens equaling over 500sq ft of new resources and habitat for at risk species outside of Comstock Hall and the Holley Center. We also spent a lot of time working with local schools and community members to help them incorporate their own sustainable gardens into their landscape while providing resources to them. Forming this group was extremely memorable being able to work with my team and create a more sustainable campus and community for Cornell and surrounding Ithaca area.
What photos did you choose to share and why are they meaningful?
I chose the first picture (above) because it shows how Cornell helped all of us to find each other and make these memorable connections with one another. It introduced me to lifelong friends who I would only grow with over the next four years in ways I never expected (and force them to listen to me talk endlessly about insects).
I chose the second picture (below) because it showcases some of my best friends from the last four years at Cornell. All of these people and more have shaped my experiences and helped me to become the person that I am. Each memory I have with them is something that I will hold on to dearly after graduating and I hope all of them know how deeply thankful I am for having been able to know them.
We were able to make so many memories in our apartment together and with our other close friends that we will never forget as we go on to our pursuing our future goals. All of you from the Penthouse and AFS have shaped Cornell in a way that will forever make it such a special place.
How have you grown during your time at Cornell?
Initially coming to Cornell I was very unsure what to make of being here. I was introduced to so many people at once it was hard to know where to go or what was going on most of the time. I was always a very quiet and introverted person, especially when I entered Cornell. But, from the time between when these pictures were taken, I have been introduced to so many different environments and people that helped to bring me out of that shell.
Most of the change can be attributed to the wonderful group of people found in these pictures because they helped me to grow and change into the person I am proud to be today. They have also helped instill the confidence in me to pursue my dreams and take chances in life by always supporting one another and being willing to go along for the ride of any random idea that we have.
What's a core memory you'll always have from your time at Cornell?
Some of the core memories I will always cherish from my time at Cornell are the study nights I would have with my friends. We would always go out to our favorite spots around campus and tell each other we were going to focus so much that evening. Then we would proceed to talk, play pictionary, mess around with microphones, spin around really fast in chairs or just stroll around buildings for hours.
Looking back we probably could have spent less time studying if we didn’t spend all of our time on these activities. But, I do not regret all of those hours at all because those are some of the moments I look back on most fondly. Being able to experience the highs and lows of school with some of my closest friends made all of those hours more than worth it.
What's the one thing you'll take away from your experience?
Even a small action can have profound ripple effects. Whether it is volunteering in your community or going up to a friend and spending time with them, small actions of kindness and outreach can really transform a community. When I have volunteered at schools for outreach, our group has received enthusiastic feedback from the students. The students excitement engaging with our group really shows how monumental a seemingly small action in the community can be.
While it may be easy to underestimate the impact of a small action, it can ripple out to something much larger. Getting involved with your community or just performing a small action to those close to you are such important things that can really benefit the community in lasting and positive ways.
What advice would you have for new Cornellians?
I think one of the most important things someone can do to make the most of their time at Cornell is simply putting yourself out there. Whether it is making personal or professional connections, taking the chance to push yourself outside of your comfort zone can help a lot.
Also, making connections can lead to whole new opportunities that can benefit you. The Pollinator Garden Initiative only really started because of an initial connection I made with various clubs on campus and came together to formulate our plan leading to all of the opportunities we have had now.
Knowing you are capable of achieving whatever you put your mind to is something that is extremely helpful and important while at Cornell to make the most of your time, opportunities and connections that are available to you.