Laura Bloch

Email: laurajbloch@gmail.com

Position: Attorney (retired) and Asset Manager

College and Class Year: Arts & Sciences - 1988

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I visited relatives in San Francisco regularly. After completing a two-year analyst position on Wall Street, I felt a pull to return to California, but this time I wanted to give San Francisco a try. I’ve been in the Bay Area ever since. I became an attorney, raised two kids with my husband, and currently enjoy concocting travel adventures, both near and far.

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

In addition to having a daughter graduate from Cornell in May ‘24, I’ve returned to campus for reunions (always a blast), served on the Cornell NorCal board for six enjoyable years, and attended the excellent annual Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference (CALC) in different cities.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

I think being an undergraduate research assistant and an undergraduate teaching assistant were two of the most valuable roles I undertook at Cornell. Those roles taught me the value of positive one-on-one mentorship, making me strive to provide that same support to others.

Alex Slezak

Email: afs225@cornell.edu

Major and Class Year: Brooks School of Public Policy - Public Policy, 2028

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

One of the main reasons I was drawn to Cornell was the vast array of opportunities that come with a large university. Transition from a sports focused high school of just 80 students to an institution of nearly 20,000 was certainly daunting, but I'm grateful to be in a college (Brooks) that provided a smaller close-knit environment, making the adjustment smoother.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

A new love of mine that I first experienced at Cornell is rowing, making the Cascadilla Boat House and Cayuga Lake one of my favorite spots around Campus---especially in the fall. I found that rowing in unison with 7 other guys on the glassy waters of Cayuga just before sunset makes all your problems go away.

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

I have been really fortunate to be able to teach my peers about subjects I'm passionate about. Recently, I took on a four-year teaching assistant position at the Brooks School for PUBPOL 2301: I'm excited to play a direct role in shaping how students engage with policy in their future environments---whatever that might be.

Outside the classroom, I've also been able to share a lifelong passion---skiing---with the Cornell community. Fortunately, with a great snow year in Ithaca, I found a way to stay connected to skiing while also sharing my passions with others in the community. As a cross-country ski instructor with Cornell Outdoor Education (COE), I had an amazing time during these winter months.

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

After being on campus this year, I discovered so many professional fields I've never even considered, let alone explored. While I'm still very interested in a career in law, I'm also interested in learning more about fields such as healthcare and hospital management or business and finance.

Zhiqi Wang(pronounced Zee-ki)

Email: zw433@cornell.edu

Position: Design for Excellence (DFX) Engineer at Applied Materials

Degree and Class Year: Masters of Engineering in Materials Science, 2017

Tell us about what you're doing with your life, including what brought you to the Bay Area.

I've been working at Applied Materials since graduating seven years ago. I originally came to the Bay Area to explore the vast job opportunities in Silicon Valley, especially in the engineering field. However, I've stayed here due to many reasons including: great weather - never too hot or too cold (although I do miss the snow in Ithaca sometimes), great hiking opportunities not too far away, a diverse and inclusive environment, and many places to explore my hobbies (soccer, pickleball, table tennis, escape rooms, board games).

In what ways have you stayed connected with Cornell since graduating?

I've stayed in contact with various alumni locally and throughout the globe. I recently went back to Cornell University to propose to my long-time girlfriend, whom I met at Cornell! Got in touch with some professors, and have helped refer recently graduated students to my company, Applied Materials.

If you could go back to your years on the Hill - what one piece of advice would you share with that younger version of you?

To really enjoy my years at Cornell and spend quality time with friends. It is much harder as a professional to make strong friendships and maintain them - usually due to everyone's busy schedules.

What was the most important class, club or connection made while at Cornell that has been important in your career (or life) journey?

The connections made in my Master's of Engineering cohort have been great. Many of them are now well respected in their areas, and some of them even live in the Bay Area!

Sophia Rosen

Email: ser279@cornell.edu

Major and Class Year: Arts and Sciences - Biological Sciences, 2027

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

Cornell seemed like an ideal place to explore my varied interests. The structure of Arts and Sciences enabled me to take many different classes and work with renowned professors who could share their professional expertise beyond the textbook.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Libe Slope because it is the perfect place to watch the sunset with friends or have a moment to yourself between classes.

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

I have participated in clubs like Chromatic (a portrait photography club), seen Saturn from Fuertes Observatory, visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and flipped through medieval bibles in the Kroch Library.

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

I aspire to attend medical school and become a physician. This summer, I am seeking opportunities to gain experience in different dimensions of medicine, including clinical shadowing, medical research, and the legal aspects of healthcare, to deepen my understanding of patient care and the healthcare system.