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About the Cornell SSA

Every year, a large number of Singaporeans enter Cornell to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies, and recently, this number has been increasing. Consequently, the Cornell Singapore Students Association has grown from what used to be a group of 20-30 friends, to a community of over 200 Singaporeans.

It is not a simple task to gel such a big group of people, so the executive committee organizes events throughout the year, creating opportunities for Singaporeans to get together with an aim to develop and strengthen the sense of community. The SSA also reaches out to the Cornell community at large and promotes Singapore's stature among our fellow classmates.

Despite our relatively large numbers, freshmen inevitably feel homesick when they first arrive. To help ease their transition into College life overseas, we also put together an orientation programme for the freshmen, where they are guided along during their first few weeks in Cornell. More importantly, freshmen get to meet the rest of the SSA: many helpful seniors who dispense good advice and who provide valuable support.

Among other events like Graduation night and Mid-Autumn festival, a highlight every year is our Singapore Food Festival, affectionately named Makanmania. Makanmania doesn't simply give us a good excuse to dig into some fantastic food, but also gives the budding chefs among us a chance to showoff their culinary skills, honed from our time here at college. On top of that, it also showcases Singaporean culture to the rest of Cornell. Makanmania started a couple of years back, and the event has always been well received. Last year, we promoted Makanmania as a charity event, and donated all proceeds to the Ithaca Soup Kitchen, our small way of contributing to the local community.

Lastly, in this place so far away from home, it is never easy to feel like we belong. Consequently, close relationships with the people around us take on a greater significance. While every Singaporean strives to make the most of their time here in Cornell, nothing is more heartwarming than the knowledge that there are people around to help in times of need. The SSA hopes to be able to reach out to every Singaporean, to make them feel like part of a family, and see Cornell as a home away from home.

Last Updated: 2005