Dearest Gentle Reader,
It has come to the author’s attention that Her Majesty the Queen has once again chosen eight ‘Diamonds of the Season’. However, this judgement remains in question, for a Diamond cannot be rare if there are eight. ’Tis for that reason this author believes that society should declare the one and only this very evening.
Let me introduce you to the Diamonds:
1. College of Agriculture and Life Science
Well, dear reader, there is no denying the uniqueness of CALS. No suitor would find themselves incapable of achieving success given the opportunities it provides. For one, it has formed an alliance with the College of Veterinary Medicine to provide “an accelerated route to veterinary degree.” The callers, if chosen, would attain a Bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine within seven years.
Of course, it is not merely the opportunities that make CALS shine but also the achievements it has accomplished. It has been declared the inventor of the refined chicken nugget that has caused a stir amongst the households. One can only hope that it grants us another chance to grace our tastebuds.
2. College of Architecture, Art and Planning
However, CALS is not the only inventor of the season; let this author present to you AAP.
Though it often attempts to stay hidden at balls, its presence cannot be denied. Indeed, whispers follow as the ton admires not only its benevolence but also its work that goes beyond creating art. Its recent ambition includes the Housing + Property Lab that “examines the effects that global investment in housing is having on local neighborhoods and households’ access to affordable, secure and stable housing.”
Miss Katherine Zhao ’29 has nothing but praise, stating, “There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among peers especially in studio culture. You can go up to anyone [and] ask them how they made their model or how they made their drawing.”
3. College of Arts and Sciences
As of late, there have been scandalous accounts of suitors changing their very selves to succeed in courtship this season. One must wonder — what would be the reason for the excessively shiny shoes?
However, CAS does not require such false pretense, as it is able to bring out the best in each individual. Its suitors remain at ease when dancing together, often discovering shared interests such as comparative literature. Indeed, such a sense of comfort is what might have intrigued the discerning eye of Her Majesty.
4. Cornell S.C. Johnson College of Business
I cannot be the only one wondering how a room falls silent when the S.C. Johnson College of Business enters a ball. It is no wonder that it holds two emblematic schools: the Dyson School of Applied Economics and the School of Hotel Administration. It truly embodies the role of what Her Majesty calls a “sparkler,” as it strides with confidence. Its achievement humbles even the most accomplished, as it has established a program called, “Grand Challenges,” in which the ton can “turn ideas into actions that will impact the world for good.” For example, as a ball must have a glass of wine, one sought to find to “best incorporate sustainable wine bottle reuse into Treleaven Wines’ business.” It is an entrepreneur that only the suitors seek to be and watch from afar.
5. David A. Duffield College of Engineering
There is nothing quite like the sweet-scented smell of success. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the public is bewitched by the COE.
Naturally, it has cemented itself at the forefront of the ton, as questions arise of where it intends to invest the donation it recently received. However, it has continued to maintain a hold of the attention because of the admiration it has garnered. From its coursework to project teams, such as the Concrete Canoe at Cornell, it has established itself as a leader that does not require the approval of the Queen.
6. College of Human Ecology
This author is also not surprised to see HumEc as one of the Diamonds in contention, as even Mister Bridgerton himself was seen enchanted.
There is no question that it will be entertaining multiple callers, as one cannot help but admire its commitment to society. For one, it has established the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research that seeks to “enhance human development, health and well-being.” Despite its absence at the promenades, its presence lingers as the ton whispers about the Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement, "developing research to foster youth development [and promote] intervention studies that find new ways of solving problems affecting [the] youth.”
7. School of Industrial and Labor Relations
There is no need for an elaborate introduction, for the ILR School fails to escape anyone’s memories.
Miss Kaelin Braverman ’29 provides compliments, remarking, “People think ILR is mostly filled with pre-law students, but the part that I enjoy most about it is how eclectic everyone’s backgrounds and career aspirations are ... I’ve seen countless real-world applications from the classes I’ve taken so far, and am excited to keep learning from such a diverse school and student body."
8. Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Our final Diamond in contest: The Brooks School.
Its novelty intrigues this author, for it has created a presence that is undeniably impossible to ignore. It has helped create centers such as the Health Policy Center, serving “as the locus of health policy impact, research and training” in the ton of Cornell. This center carries out various research, including a study on Medicare Advantage and the public attitudes toward opioid policies.
Tis’ I shan’t allow there to be eight diamonds this season. While my eyes are on CALS and The Brooks School, this author does hold bias.
Who shall be the true Diamond of the Season?
Julia Choi is a freshman in the Brooks School of Public Policy. She can be reached at jc3767@cornell.edu.
