Reflections on summer in Ithaca with fellow One-Years
By Neha Saini, One-Year MBA ’18
By: Katelyn Godoy
When the One-Year MBA program started in May, most of us came to the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management full of excitement and ready to meet several people from diverse and accomplished backgrounds. Most of us were also a little apprehensive for what lay ahead of us as new students.
The summer in Ithaca, NY has a lot to offer, especially for those who love the outdoors—and we decided to make the most of it. There are many trails to hike and gorges to see.
One of my favorite experiences was kayaking on Cayuga Lake with some of my classmates in early June. Although it was summer, the water at the lake was still a bit a cold. It was a windy day, and we excitedly hopped onto our kayaks and set off. The sun was shining, so it made for the perfect day for kayaking. The best part about the experience was the teamwork, of course, because I was in a two-person kayak; but, the most memorable part of the experience had to be the conversations I had with some of my classmates.
Me and some of my friends kayaking on Cayuga Lake this summer
Ithaca’s natural beauty extends right onto Cornell University’s campus. In fact, there are quite a few waterfalls and gorges to see. Every time I walk to classes at Sage Hall, I get to admire one of them on the way. One evening, a few of us decided to hike to the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which is only a few minutes’ walk from campus. Despite the intensity the one-year MBA core courses during the summer, we all tried to make time for activities that energized us, like hiking the beautiful Cascadilla falls.
Cascadilla Gorge in Ithaca, NY, near Cornell’s campus
As Johnson students, something that should not be missed is the ice cream at the Cornell Dairy. And yes, Cornell processes the milk that goes into the ice cream, too! So, grabbing your favorite flavor and taking a walk at the Cornell Botanic Gardens on campus should definitely be on your list!
And for the aquaphiles, summer in Ithaca is the best time to hop onto a boat and cruise into the Cayuga waters. A talented classmate decided to play skipper and invited some of us to explore Cayuga Lake. There was food, beverages, and fun times with music and a quick dip into the blue waters.
And for those who love the water but only like to admire it from a distance, the Ithaca Farmers Market is the perfect place to grab healthy, organic food, delicious cookies and cupcakes, and homemade lemonade over the weekend. The Farmers Market is open every weekend during the summer. There are several picnic tables to enjoy time with family or friends. My favorite place, however, is the deck where I’ve enjoyed the sun and the beautiful view of the creek.
The summer has been an intense time for most of us! However, in different ways, each one of us has tried to make the best of the summer in our own way. Ithaca has something to offer to everyone, all you need to do is to find that something. And you will always find enthusiastic classmates who will share the same interests and passions as you, which makes for great bonding time with people you will be spending a year with!
About Neha Saini, One-Year MBA ’18
Neha loves to explore new cultures and cities and experience the adrenaline rush that comes from adventure sports. The favorites on her list are: wandering through the streets of London, exploring the Greek islands, and scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia. Neha has lived in 11 cities across four countries. Before coming to Johnson, Neha worked in brand and business management and technology in the Middle East and sub-continent regions in the consumer packaged goods and automotive industries.
