Thais Salas ’23, a human development major, shares her thoughts on her time in Cornell Human Ecology and her advice for new students.

What’s your favorite memory from your time in Cornell Human Ecology? 

My favorite memory from my time in Cornell Human Ecology was working with Tashara Leak and all the amazing research assistants in the lab. They were all an integral part of my journey here at Cornell and have all been supportive. I enjoyed meeting the middle school students from the Advanced Cooking Education Program and working with them over the past two years. I also enjoyed all of the bonding activities we did as a lab. 

Who is your favorite professor you’ve had at Cornell and why?

Lauren Korfine has been my favorite professor at Cornell. She is one of the kindest and most authentic professors I have met to this day. All of her classes have been interesting and her passion for her work is reflected in the way she teaches and interacts with her students. She places our needs first and is very understanding. I have taken two of her classes, and I am happy that I got to sit in on her classes. 

What is your favorite class you’ve taken at Cornell and why?

My favorite class I have taken at Cornell has been Gender and Psychopathology with Lauren Korfine. The class was interesting and delved into a lot of topics that are usually overlooked in society. She pushed us to think deeply about some of the issues that exist within the field of psychology and how society may exacerbate some of these gender-related issues as well. 

What surprised you most about CHE?

The profound and long-lasting connections I have been able to create with professors and students. CHE is a community where everyone is eager to help others out and make the world a better place. 

What will you be doing next?

I will be working as a program coordinator at Riley's Way. I will be working with young leaders whose goal is to spread kindness in their communities and the world. It is an organization that is very dear and close to my heart, and it is a privilege to be able to work there after graduation.

Do you have any tips or words of wisdom for incoming first-year students?

Just know that the transition will be difficult, but there are people who will be there to support you and accept you for who you are with open arms. It is okay to try new things and not know what you want as you come here. That is what part of your journey is here at Cornell: to find what drives you, gives you purpose, and makes you happy.