Alison Farrish

Astronomy

Tolland, CT

What is your main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?

My main extracurricular activity at Cornell has been my involvement in the Cornell Women's Rugby Football Club (CWRFC). I have played for the team since January 2013, and I served as president of the organization for two terms (Dec. 2013 - Dec. 2015). The team has been so integral to my Cornell experience and has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing young women from all different backgrounds who share a common interest in sports and women's empowerment. The women's rugby team is such an inclusive and supportive environment, and I feel gratified to have been a part of the organization.

What was your most profound turning point while at Cornell?

In September of 2013, I began working under Professor Martha Haynes as an undergraduate research assistant in the Department of Astronomy. When I first contacted Professor Haynes looking for research opportunities that autumn, I had no way of knowing that she would become a devoted mentor to me and one of the most supportive people I've had the good fortune to meet in college. I am so grateful to Professor Haynes for teaching me everything I know about conducting scientific research and for her continued support throughout my Cornell career.

If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?

As a Peer Advisor for the College of Arts & Sciences, I had to do just that! I mainly emphasized to the freshmen I was advising that Cornell is all about finding the right balance of academics, extracurriculars and relaxation. I think a huge part of this is time management skills, which I definitely developed throughout my undergraduate years.