Maxine Chan '16

Why Cornell?

When applying to college, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to study. My interests in high school leaned toward biology and chemistry, but were otherwise largely scattered. Cornell appealed to me because it’s a large university and I knew that I would have the opportunity to explore a variety of interests before settling into one major.

Additionally, Cornell has an extensive (and very friendly) alumni network, and I felt reassured that I would always be able to reach out for help. The famous Cornell Weather Machine™ was in full effect the day of my visit, which also probably had a role in influencing my decision to attend. Though I soon found out that the weather wasn’t always quite as nice.

Leadership positions held at Cornell:

At Cornell, I co-managed the student organization Cornell Health Advocacy Topics, a group focused on helping local Ithaca residents become more involved in their healthcare. I was also a TA for ENGRD 2190: Mass and Energy Balances.

Major accomplishments as a leader:

Having the opportunity to develop relationships with both Ithaca residents and underclassmen made me feel like I was making a positive difference in the community. Being a leader of a large group was definitely something new that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but these experiences have been very rewarding. I think that teaching others is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. It has been very satisfying to help people reach their “Aha!” moment.

Advice for future student leaders:

Develop your relationships in a few organizations that you care about, but don’t spread yourself too thin. Being involved in student groups can be great with the right people, but can also be a burden if you’re overworked. Above all, find something that you are passionate about and your enthusiasm for it will be infectious. There really is something for everyone at Cornell.

Post-graduation goals:

I will be returning to New Jersey after graduation to attend the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). I have not yet decided what type of medicine I’d like to study, but I’m open to exploring the different strengths of the NJ medical community.

Favorite Olin Hall/ChemE memory:

I'm a bit nostalgic, so between the late night/early mornings watching the sunrise from Olin to the kickoff barbecues on the lawn, I don't know if I can choose a favorite. In recent memory however, I had a lot of fun making costumes for senior design's Fancy Dress Day. Parading around Olin Hall and Ho Plaza in ridiculously unwieldy Pacman costumes felt like the ultimate reward after weeks spent dressed in business formal.