Martha Kim '24
College/School: Nolan School of Hotel Administration
Major(s): Hotel Administration
Concentration(s): Services Marketing & Operations Management
Campus Involvement: Cornell Tradition Fellow, President of Cornell aKDPhi, Student Brand Ambassador for Cornell Dining, Mentor for Cornell Society for Women in Business, Student Advisory Board Member of 1,000 Dreams Fund
What photos did you choose to share and why are they meaningful?
During my freshman year (above), my friends surprised me with a birthday celebration in my dorm room, which I was extremely grateful for. It was my first time celebrating my birthday without my family, so it made me feel welcomed and thankful for all of the people I have been able to meet during the Covid semester.
Before the Red Hot Hockey game at Madison Square Garden (below), I attended the ice skating event at Chelsea Piers. It was amazing to see how many current students and alumni came out to this event, and it showed that Cornellians can be present anywhere. It was great to see the Big Red spirit outside of the Ithaca campus!
How have you grown during your time at Cornell?
Throughout my time at Cornell, I realized that it's important to step out of your comfort zone to experience the unknown. I was always hesitant to try new things, but coming to Ithaca, I was always excited to take part in various activities. Whether it be through networking events on campus or grabbing food in Collegetown with friends, I was always open to the idea of making the most out of my college experience.
During the time these photos were taken, I've grown to embrace grit, gratitude, and growth. Being around people who genuinely cared about me and helped me to be comfortable in a new setting, I've learned a lot overall. I'm excited to take what I have been able to embrace and retain in my classes to the professional world upon graduation.
What's a core memory you'll always have from your time at Cornell?
My friends and I decided to spontaneously go stargazing on the slope at night. We brought all of our blankets and took a moment away from our studies to cherish the rest of the week before school ended. We tried to identify different kinds of constellations in the sky while talking and catching up about our week. It was a very wholesome moment that was filled with laughter that I will always remember.
What's the one thing you'll take away from your experience?
One significant takeaway from my experience at Cornell would be the community I've grown to be a part of during my four years of college. During my freshman year, I decided to join alpha Kappa Delta Phi. It was truly an amazing experience where I've had the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who cared about the same things that I did. It really made me understand what sisterhood is and I've always wanted to give back by pursuing leadership roles within the organization. I've served as President, VP of Internal Affairs, Recruitment Chair, Sisterhood Chair, and Historian. It's been truly remarkable to see everyone grow, including myself, and can't imagine a world without any of them.
What advice would you have for new Cornellians?
My advice for anyone who is interested is to take part in work experience on campus. There are so many opportunities available where you can learn to grow and meet new people and mentors. As the brand ambassador of Cornell Dining for four years, I'm especially thankful to the people I've met who helped me become who I am. It's truly a rewarding experience where I was given the freedom to bring out my marketing and creative skills for my role. Don't be afraid to dive into what you are passionate about!