Senior Spotlights
As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we’re excited to highlight students whose Cornell experiences have shaped who they are both inside and outside the classroom. Through these senior spotlights, hear reflections on the communities, opportunities, memories, and moments that made an impact during their time at Cornell and what they’ll carry with them into what’s next.
Watch these graduating seniors reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that shaped their time at Cornell.
Ellie Butkovich '26
Environment & Sustainability
What were you involved in on campus? "Meetings and Events Team Coordinator at the Statler Hotel, Student Sustainability Coordinator at Cornell Dining, Epsilon Eta Member, Environment & Sustainability Peer Mentor"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Growth
What would you say to your freshman self? "Even If I Could, I Wouldn't Go Back And Do Anything Differently. Everything Happened Exactly The Way it was supposed to. But if I could go back, not to change anything, just to have a moment with my younger self, I would make sure she knew that.
I would tell her to give herself grace and stop being so hard on herself. I would remind her that every hard moment had a purpose, even when it didn't feel like it. That the challenges weren't signs of failure; they were important moments to truly challenge the limits of what she could do and who she could be."
Jake Zajkowski '26
Agriculture Science
What were you involved in on campus? "Cornell Team Agr-Ed, Cornell Turfgrass Extension Program, Collegiate New York Farm Bureau, Cornell Traditions Fellowship"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Adventure
What would you say to your freshman self? "Dear Jake,
The community you find is the one you should hold onto. The people who invest in you are worth investing back into. Ships that do not sail right away can still welcome new people aboard. Don’t give up on creating the kind of community you want for yourself — there are others searching for the same thing.
Challenge yourself to pursue thought, not just outcomes. Trust that what you learn, even when it feels disconnected, will contribute to something meaningful later.
Hold onto the values and traditions that brought you here: hard work, career tech, and horticulture. Bring others along that journey, and don’t let those roots get lost. That responsibility is part of your purpose.
Cornell is a special gift — allow it to become one."
Karlah Culver '26
Biology & Society
What were you involved in on campus? "President, Raiser, Sitter - Guiding Eyes at Cornell, Co-President, Weill Ithaca Network, Student Advisory Committee (Co-Chair), The Cornell Tradition, Student Manager, Cornell Catering & Concessions (1/2023-9/2025), Cornell Days Chair, Big Red Ambassadors (9/2023-4/2024), Undergraduate Student Leadership Council Intern, Dean of Students Office (8/2023-8/2024)"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Transformative
What would you say to your freshman self? "Trust the instincts that brought you here, even when everyone around you seems more certain than you feel. They aren't.
Say yes to the things that scare you a little: the leadership role, the honors thesis, the research you don't feel ready for. You'll grow into them faster than you think, and the discomfort is the point.
Call home more. Not when something is wrong, just to talk.
The losses will come, and they will be hard in ways nobody prepares you for. Let people help you carry them. You don't have to hold everything alone to prove you belong here. You do belong here.
Four years from now, you'll leave this place more yourself than you arrived. That was always the goal, you just don't know it yet."
Emily Pape '26
Environment & Sustainability
What were you involved in on campus? "Women's Basketball, Founder of Cornell Student-Athletes for Sustainability, Events Coordinator for Campus Sustainability Office, Red Key Athlete Honor Society, Sphinx Head Senior Honor Society, Student Athletes Advisory Committee, Senior Class Campaign, Student-Alumni Ambassador, Big Red Leaders 2 Leaders (athletic group)"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Transformative
What would you say to your freshman self? "Cornell is going to be one of the best things that ever happened to you. I know it seems daunting before you get here, and you may be doubting your abilities both on and off the court, but I promise you will find your way and thrive here. You are going to leave Cornell an entirely different person than when you came, but all for the better. You will have had experiences and moments that shape who you are in four years, so embrace it all. The highs, lows, and everything in between is all part of it, so work hard and have fun. And of course, enjoy your time here, it will fly by! (P.S. Surprise—you'll get to go to school with your sister for a year too!)"
Jasmine Pearson '26
Information Science
What were you involved in on campus? "Resident Advisor, CIS Teaching Assistant, Nexus Scholars"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Growth
What would you say to your freshman self? "To my younger self, I wish you knew how much you would achieve, grow, and accomplish in your short time at Cornell. Working hard will take you far, but you have already done so much and so well to get here. You will be proud to say you’ve taken on opportunities in clubs, mentorship, and in your career, ending your time at Cornell as a 6 semester Resident Advisor and honored member of the CIS community. You will also be so happy to hear you become a Data Scientist like you wanted from the start. No matter how hard life get, or how impossible a goal seems, as long as you keep pushing forward and remain determined, everything will work out in the end. Keep being the enthusiastic, hardworking, and curious student you know you are!"
Serena Chiang '26
Double Major: Information Science, Environment & Sustainability
What were you involved in on campus? "Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Professional Law Fraternity, CSSA, Absolute A Cappella, Society for Women in Business, CSA, Commodities Trading Club"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Belonging
What would you say to your freshman self? "Hey, you made it!
I know you're walking across campus feeling both excited and unsure, quietly wondering if you really belong here. As an international student, everything feels unfamiliar: the campus, the culture, even the cold. But listen: you don't need to change to belong. Cornell's promise — any person, any study includes you, exactly as you are.
Take the chances that scare you a little. Audition for the A Cappella group even when your inner voice says don't, because that stage will become your second home, filled with friendship, music, and memories.
Say yes to opportunities you never saw coming. One day you'll stand in front of a classroom as a TA for an AI course, leading discussions on technology and ethics, and it will hit you — Cornell shaped not just what you know, but how you think and lead. And don't overlook the quieter moments. As Cornell Dining's brand ambassador, you'll help others find the belonging you once searched for yourself.
Then one day, as a graduating senior, you'll pause and realize: you didn't just spend four years here.
You found your voice. You found your people. You found yourself. And you will be so proud of her."
Kira Pawletko '26
Biological Sciences, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Robert S. Harrison College Scholar
What were you involved in on campus? "Alpha Phi Omega, Psi Chi, Resident Advisor, Writing Tutor at Knight Institute, A&S Dean's Student Advisory Council, NeuroNerds, research"
What is one word that describes your Cornell experience? Extraordinary
What would you say to your freshman self? "Believing in yourself is the key to success. When you first arrive at Cornell, it may feel overwhelming – there will be myriad exciting opportunities and a sea of incredible people around you who appear to have it all figured out. You might feel worried that you aren’t qualified to be here, but don’t fret – you absolutely are, and you are stronger than you think! When you see opportunities that interest you, always take the chance on yourself! You have valuable ideas and are fully capable of bringing them to life. This lesson is one of the gifts of the Cornell experience – Cornell teaches you to trust in yourself and learn that you can climb higher to achieve your goals. If you bet on yourself, you will grow and accomplish far more than you thought possible."
