Emma Ianni

Classics Comparative Literature

Rimini, Italy

What was your most profound turning point while at Cornell?

While I came to school to the U.S. thinking that I would go back to Italy, at some point while at Cornell I realized that I wanted to stay in academia in the United States. I discovered research and I loved it.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?

All the people who had such a welcoming and accepting attitude toward me: never for a second did I feel like I didn't belong. All the people who helped me figure out what my limits were, but were by my side when I decided to overcome them. In particular, my best friends, the classics and comparative literature departments and the Robert Purcell Marketplace Eatery (RPME) staff.

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

Love what you study, don't be afraid of "unemployable" choices. The best things are difficult.