This is the first article in a series profiling a variety of students across campus.

As fall classes start Wednesday, lecture halls will be filled with the University’s most selective freshman class yet. But Eric Bloom ’16 says he is not fazed by the sense of fierce competition among his classmates. Instead, he said, he is eager to take on the challenge of juggling academics and extracurriculars with a social life and athletics. 

 “So far, everyone has been friendly and I haven’t really gotten that sense of competition, but I am sure that will change once classes start,” Bloom said. “It will definitely be a tough adjustment being around kids who were all at the top of their classes, but I’m hoping to work with them and trying not to compete. I think that makes for a better atmosphere and learning experience.” 

Hailing from Sharon, Mass., Bloom said he has known for years that Cornell was his first choice for college. His dreams came to fruition last fall when he was accepted early decision to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. 

“There was really no other school out there like Cornell,” Bloom said. “It’s a perfect program within a perfect school.” 

Bloom is particularly interested in writing, reading and the social sciences, and hopes to attend law school after graduation. 

While in high school, Bloom said he pursued a wide variety of his interests that he hopes to further explore during his time at Cornell. 

In addition to participating in mock trial competitions, Bloom was the editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper. He aims to pursue extracurricular activities across different organizations for students interested in law and writing.

 But in high school, Bloom was more than just an athletic observer: He played on both soccer and tennis teams in his hometown. He hopes to create a balance between a rigorous academic schedule and his desire to remain involved with club or intramural sports at Cornell.  

“Even on such a big campus, hopefully I can make my own impact somehow,” Bloom said. “It’s just a matter of finding that one club or activity that really interests you.”

 Bloom said he was particularly attracted to Cornell because of its large and beautiful campus, which he said encompassed not only a highly diverse population but also a wide selection of programs and schools.  

Despite Bloom’s desire to continue being involved in the activities he pursued in high school, he said he wants to explore groups he was not familiar with before coming to Cornell.

 “I’ve had the same friends since I was four years old,” Bloom said. “I’m definitely trying to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and branch out to meet new people.”