What I learned at my 5 year college reunion

Last weekend I made the journey back up to Ithaca, NYC for my five year reunion at my alma mater. While memories of my classes, professors, and academic experiences have already started to fade, Cornell holds a really special place in my heart. During my four years on campus I experienced a ton of new things, made many mistakes, and started to recognize who I am and who I want to be. And beyond the many all-nighters and stressful prelim study sessions, I made best friends, met the love of my life, and had access to a world much larger than I’d known before Cornell. 

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been away from campus for longer than I was ever there. In the days since returning to campus, I’ve spent some time reflecting on my experiences, interactions and adventures in Ithaca as an alumna. Here are my three main takeaways.

I’m in Good Company
Simply put, I have classmates that are doing amazing things! In the five years since graduation my peers have become doctors, lawyers, masters of all sorts of graduate programs, corporate rockstars, entrepreneurs, public servants, and so much more! Titles aside, these people are impressive and humble and remarkably inspiring (AND they know how to have a good time). And while many of us are still trying to figure out how to navigate adulthood and what our next steps (personally and professionally) may look like, it felt amazing to celebrate all that we’ve learned and accomplished since leaving campus.

What’s more, this reunion helped me realize that there is so much I can learn from my peers. As a student and a graduate, I’ve had access to a network thousands of alumni all over the world. But this reunion showed helped me see that, in many instances, I don’t have to look beyond my own class to find mentorship.

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Relationships are EVERYTHING
There was so much love on campus this weekend. I was easily able to connect and fellowship with people I honestly didn’t have much of a relationship with during undergrad—and it felt great! The things that would have stopped me from getting to know them in undergrad—differing friend groups, majors, or interests and affiliations—didn’t pose any barriers to us having a great time. We shared laughs, food, and plenty of drinks.

And the spirit of friendship was truly alive throughout the weekend! One of the most special moments I had during reunion was the surprise engagement party my friends hosted for me! It was completely unexpected and I was so incredibly grateful. And even though my fiancé (who’s also a Cornellian) didn’t make it to reunion, it felt incredible to know that we are loved and supported by such a strong community. It was a beautiful reminder that Cornell (and Cornellians) is home.

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I Can’t Hang Like I Used To
While I didn’t need to travel all the way back to campus to learn this lesson, college parties 1,500 miles away from home can teach great lessons! As a student, I lived for good parties and pregames MULTIPLE days out of the weeks. Now, five years out, drinking before trekking across campus for a party on the Arts Quad or a Sweatbox at Uj was nearly beyond my reach. I’m not sure when old age officially kicked in, but staying out until 3am two nights in a row and skipping out on square meals/leafy vegetables was a reality check!

It’s official: I’m not as young as I used to be…and I’m not mad at it! So, as much as I enjoyed hanging out with my college besties and reliving the days of better knees and higher tolerances, I’m happy to leave the partying to the current students.

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In a few short years, my life has changed pretty significantly, but my fondness for Ithaca, Cornell, and the Class of 2013 endure. Let the countdown to our ten year reunion officially begin!

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