Engaged Ambassadors
Emily Walton ’22
Major: Biology and Society
Minors: Africana Studies and Spanish
The issue of public concern I’m passionate about is … environmental injustice!!!!!!!! (I literally can not stress this enough.)
Engagement experience: Last winter, I had the pleasure of going to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to serve as a teaching assistant to the 5th grade teacher at Park Elementary. This experience gave me an up-close look at the education system, the good and the bad. I gained even more respect for teachers and how they go above and beyond expectations simply because they love their students and are passionate about helping them succeed. It also helped me to see where our education system can be improved to benefit both students and their dedicated teachers. Above all, the kids were so so cute, loving and welcoming! They will always have a special place in my heart.
As an Engaged Ambassador, I … aspire to unite Cornell. This is my goal in every single club/organization I join. I want us to come together as a community and work together so that the work we do is not only more efficient and (probably) better, but more fulfilling. As an EA in the Student Network Building cohort, I aim to change the way the Cornell community views community engagement. I want to make it more of a thing that unites us with our surrounding community rather than something that is solely a formality for resumes.
I got involved because … I believe that serving communities should be something that is simply a part of your life routine. I know how easy it is to get swept up into what you have going on in your own life right now, but donating your time to help others is something that literally reaffirms humanity. It reaffirms that we are not just all on this Earth living our lives separate from everyone else, but that our lives are intricately linked with the lives of others and that by helping just one person, you could touch the lives of many others.
My friends would say I’m … strong minded and talkative.
Best Cornell memory (so far!): Driving back to campus from a day trip to New York and being able to see literally the most gorgeous sun rise.
Fun fact: I actually tried to do the “Cinnamon challenge.”
Future plans: I am going to be an OBGYN who operates a traveling medical clinic (with my awesome team, of course). We will provide quality healthcare to women who lack access to the services they need. Once I am tired of traveling (if that ever happens), I would love to settle down somewhere warm and continue to run my own clinic!
Engaged Ambassadors
A cohort of students who have completed the Certificate in Community-Engaged Leadership and lead a variety of special projects for the Office of Engagement Initiatives