Insta-Interview is an interview of a random Cornell student.
Name, year, major? Julia Schneider ’08, Human Development
Hometown? Ithaca
What’s it like being from Ithaca and going to Cornell? At first, it was hard to juggle friends from Ithaca leaving for college and then coming back for breaks. But, now that I’m a senior, it’s really convenient going to Cornell and being from Ithaca. But, I also have serious wanderlust and have always wanted to travel. The summer after eighth grade I went to the Dominican Republic, I went to Nicaragua my freshman and sophomore years with Bridges to Community, a non-profit community development organization and I spent all of last year abroad. In the fall, I went on the Urban Semester program and in the spring I went to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
What did you do in Ecuador? I worked for a foundation called Fundazión Crecer. It’s for kids who work on the streets in the city. A lot of the kids are abused. I got to know the kids really well.
What are you wearing today? It’s all second-hand! Some is from Dump and Run; some is from Trader K’s. The earrings are from Ecuador — I bought them from a man from Peru in Montañita, a beach town that has an artsy, hippie feel.
When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter? The night before I left Ecuador. I wasn’t partying; I was just seeing people.
Are you fluent in Spanish? I can understand what people around me are saying in Spanish. But my grammar isn’t great; I haven’t taken any upper-level Spanish grammar courses at Cornell. Overall, my Spanish is much better than before I went to Ecuador.
Do you believe in God? Well, I’m taking Phil 263: Religion and Reason this semester, which looks into the question of God. I think there’s a good chance we’re not alone, but I don’t believe in organized religion.
How many Facebook friends do you have? I have no idea. But I don’t think I’ve ever friended anyone. When I was in Ecuador, I didn’t have regular internet access, and Facebook was really great for keeping in touch with people — especially when I didn’t have time for long e-mails.
How much money did you spend today? $6, for lunch — a salad with tofu. I’m a true Ithacan. And I’m getting dinner for free at a study abroad reception.
What was the last book you read? Global Women: Nannies, Maids and Sex Workers in the New Economy by Barbara Ehrenreich. It was really good and was about how in the past the U.S. exploited countries for material goods, but how now the U.S. exploits the emotions of the people of other countries. For example, a rich family, one where both parents work, will hire a nanny from Mexico — basically import her as a mother. This affects the children of the other countries, as the child suicide and depression rates have increased in countries where we import nannies and maids.