Luyuan Xing of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (born in Changshu, China), studied comparative literature, German studies
- Why did you choose Cornell?
- I wanted to study architecture. I knew that Cornell had the best program but didn't allow myself to get my hopes up. After receiving a scholarship from a school in California, I thought I was set. Two months later, I was diagnosed with leukemia and told that I had to defer college for at least a year for intensive chemotherapy treatment. California was now too far, but then came a surprise from Cornell - I was absolutely delighted!
- Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?
- I play chamber music, take piano lessons and sing in Chorale. Music has always been the best way for me to get away from the books for a while and to refocus my energy.
- While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
- I am proud just to be graduating, especially after transferring colleges and completing two majors in two years. After relapsing at the end of my sophomore year, I had to get bone marrow transplant. The whole process was so exhausting and I felt so defeated that I doubted whether I was capable of finishing college at all. Since then, I have done a lot of course work and realized only last semester that I have completed enough credits to earn a second major in German studies. I think only at Cornell can such a thing be possible! Aside from academics, I am proud of my work for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. It was an eye-opening experience that was as challenging as it was rewarding. My background knowledge in music, as well as my language skills was put to use, and I learned that analytical and critical skills for literary studies can be applied to the real world. I did a lot of work for the foundation's new website, and also the Young Scholars program, which gives scholarships and all sorts of study and performance opportunities to deserving young musicians.
- Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
- Last spring, everything I was studying began cohere - I spoke up in class more frequently, got my first A+, raised my GPA significantly, played a solo recital for the first time in four years and was accepted to the Telluride House.
- Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
- After my relapse, I realized I had been investing my college education into a projected future career, and in doing so was sacrificing my interests. When illness was threatening the very existence of that future, I decided to focus on the present and do what I enjoyed the most. I decided to transfer into Arts and Sciences for comparative literature, continue with German, study classical Chinese and play music again.
- What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- After graduation, I will continue to work for Lang Lang International Music Foundation, developing innovative music education programs for public schools. I think that graduate school is in the cards for me, but I'm looking forward to first getting some work experience and seeing more of the world before committing myself to a graduate degree.
- What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?
- I received generous financial aid all four years. Without it I doubt that I would have been able to get a college education at all. I have also received a full room and board scholarship as a resident of the Telluride House, which has been an amazing experience.