Alumni leaders advise students at Human Ecology forum
By Dani Corona
To thrive at Cornell and beyond, learn to persevere and give back, physician Abiola Dele-Michael '01 advised undergraduates in the College of Human Ecology. He gave the keynote remarks Nov. 3 at the college's Association for Students of Color (ASC) 18th Annual Alumni-Student Forum, "Moving Forward: Directing Your Future," in Martha Van Rensselaer Hall.
At the event, 60 students -- most from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds -- networked with alumni working in medicine, fashion design and management, and psychiatry; received practical and inspirational advice; and bonded over shared Cornell experiences.
"Education is the gateway out of poverty toward success," Dele-Michael, a human biology, health and society major and a cardiovascular medicine fellow at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, told students. "And part of that is acknowledging others' sacrifices for you by helping others yourself."
Dele-Michael outlined skills students must master to graduate and succeed in the workplace, starting with identifying mentors. "We all have different stories and backgrounds, and we each require guidance to navigate the resources at Cornell or anywhere," he said.
Unique people and opportunities at Cornell grew his skills in leadership, critical thinking and stress and time management, particularly his training as an emergency medical technician and as an intern at New York City's Department of Health through Cornell's Urban Semester Program, he emphasized. Those experiences have served him well as a physician, he added.
Similarly, he urged students to be open to new experiences and never fear asking questions.
"Asking for help is so critical yet remains such an underutilized attribute," Dele-Michael said. "Fill your knowledge deficits by being willing to humble yourself."
After his remarks, Dele-Michael joined Verneda White '05, a fiber science and apparel design major and founder of Human Intonation, an apparel brand that supports human rights causes, and Yolana Young '03, a human development major and physician completing psychiatric training at Hofstra Medical School, in a panel discussion moderated by Jasmin Perez '14. The alumni also hosted workshops on career-related topics.
Cathy Xu '15, a design and environmental analysis major, appreciated the alumni's advice.
"At one point, Verneda White said, 'Don't let fear be your decision-maker.' That resonated with me -- and reinforced the need to leave my comfort zone to achieve my goals," said Xu.
Luen Samonte '15, studying design and environmental analysis, likewise received inspiration from the forum. "[Dele-Michael's] emphasis of giving back revealed how my path at Cornell, whether rough or smooth, shapes my impact in the future," she said.
ASC, formed in 1970, seeks to provide a foundation for enrollment, retention, graduation and career placement of students of color, said its adviser Verdene Lee, senior associate director of the college's Office of Admissions, Student and Career Development. In addition to ASC's yearly alumni-student forum, the group supports volunteer opportunities in the local community, admissions hosting programs and high school visits, presentations on career and graduate school outcomes for students, and other outreach with alumni.
"ASC's presence in the college allows students the opportunity to develop leadership skills while fostering a community that serves to increase the recruitment and retention for students of color in the college," Lee said.
Dani Corona '15 is a student communications assistant for the College of Human Ecology.
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