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May 21, 2007 Roulette developed a strong sense of community on campus through his activities with program houses and student clubs.
Student profile: Paulvalery Roulette
Major: Human development Why did you choose Cornell?
I am interested in finding practical solutions to human problems, so I chose the College of Human Ecology at Cornell because it utilizes an interdisciplinary, scientific-based education process. The school's small size promoted a feeling of community while still providing access to the resources of the university. Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is this important to you?
The Men of Color Council has been my main activity while on campus. We are a student-run organization whose purpose is to formulate a cohesive support network to empower underrepresented minority males. As co-chair I helped to expand our annual three-day conference to include more Cornell students and students from Ithaca College. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
Being a member of Cornell track and field as a varsity triple jumper with a nationally ranked team has been a once in a lifetime experience. I also serve as treasurer of Cornell's Association for Students of Color, a tenor in Chosen Generation Gospel Choir, and served as co-chair to Fostering Leadership in Youth (FLY). As a member of FLY, we made weekly visits to DeWitt Middle School's after-school program to mentor students through activities that enhanced leadership skills. Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
Participating in the Katrina on the Ground project last year. I gutted and removed water-damaged material from resident homes in the Lower 9th Ward and worked with neighborhood leaders and families who lost their homes. It motivated me to focus my life on rebuilding communities and sustaining them. Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
I lived in Ujamaa for three years, and during that time I learned about the incredible diversity within the African diaspora. Ujamaa and other program houses, such as the Latino Living Center, were my gateway to other cultures and also gave me an opportunity to express my cultural experience as a first-generation college student with Haitian parents. The counselors in the Office of Admissions and Student and Career Development do an incredible job. I've also received unbelievable support from the university's Office of Minority Educational Affairs. The staff there has mentored me from my freshman year and made my transition to college much more manageable. What are your plans for next year and beyond?
I plan on going to medical school and also securing a master's degree in public health or earning an MBA. One of my future goals is to combine a primary-care facility with a youth center as a model for improving health care accessibility in underserved areas. I also hope to become engaged in international health care and specifically improve health conditions in Haiti. |
