Jady Wei
Economics & Government
Cupertino, CA
What was your favorite class and why?
One of my favorite classes at Cornell was U.S. Exceptionalism Questioned, taught by Professor Katzenstein in the government department. The class emulated the format of Harvard Business School courses, centered on Socratic seminars which required me to actively participate and engage deeply with the course material. I remember Professor Katzenstein always told us to not take any established ideas for granted and challenge what we hear. Through this class, I learned to engage in debates on global political issues, build a research paper and formulate my own original arguments.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of, either inside the classroom or otherwise?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of at Cornell was during my experience as VP of Business Development for AIESEC, an international non-profit that strives to create stronger global awareness through fostering cultural-connectedness and understanding. As VP, I recruited a student from Russia to volunteer at a local Ithaca non-profit that focused on children’s education advocacy. It was her first time in the U.S., and helping her attain this experience as well as making a tangible impact in our local community was one of my most fulfilling experiences as a Cornell student.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?
My time in Social Business Consulting influenced my time at Cornell the most. Not only did I form lifelong friendships in the organization, but it also broadened my perspectives into new industries and careers. From speaking with the upperclassmen in the club back when I was a freshman, to working on projects with companies ranging from Fortune 500 businesses to a non-profit in Uganda, I was able to explore the many facets of the business world and shape my career interests.
