POV: Young Alumni Voices ‘Real Impact Does Not Always Begin with Grand Gestures’ Coping with a neurological disorder and helping local disabled athletes have taught me the importance of showing up for others “POV” comprises brief first-person essays by young alumni. Do you have a topic in mind? Email us at cornellians@cornell.edu! By Lara Patz ’20 “Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.” This line, written by Charles Dickens, has stayed with me for years. I have come to understand it as a truth that meaningful support should often begin within our own communities, through the people and places closest to us. Cornell has brought people—innovators, top researchers, future leaders—from across the globe to Ithaca since 1865. Their stories often make headlines. But there are quieter ones too, rooted not in arrival but in those who grew up alongside the University. This is one of those stories. At six years old, I would run across the woodchips at recess at Ithaca’s South Hill Elementary, grabbing the chains on the swings and going as high as my little legs would take me—all to catch a glimpse of Cornell’s clocktower above the trees. Cornell has brought people from across the globe to Ithaca since 1865. Their stories often make headlines. But there are quieter ones too. This is one of those stories. That same year, my class visited campus and climbed all 161 steps of McGraw Tower (or, as I called it, “the castle”). I still remember looking out over the buildings and Cayuga Lake while the Chimes rang out. An idyllic view. Not long after this field trip, I traveled to a hospital a few towns over and was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder. The author as an elementary schooler, and playing high school soccer. Doctors explained to my parents that this condition meant my brain processes sound waves differently, with ambient sounds interrupting the message I was trying to focus on at any given moment. Conversations would take extra effort and eventually hearing aids, lip reading, and long hours in the classroom would become part of my daily life. School was not easy. I remember a teacher telling me I would “only be a C student” and that no additional support would be available. It is a strange feeling to be so young and already feel underestimated. I remember a teacher telling me I would ‘only be a C student’ and that no additional support would be available. It is a strange feeling to be so young and already feel underestimated. There were long nights at the kitchen table. Homework that took hours. Frustration. Tears. What ultimately changed my trajectory was not just grit; it was support. My family advocated for me, fought for the tools I needed, and helped me build something deeper: self-trust. Patz (center) at Commencement. I learned to see myself beyond other people’s labels and gave myself grace through each hurdle. I kept building momentum. Other people’s perception would not stop me. Fourteen years later, I stood beneath that same clocktower on my first day as a transfer student, accepted into CALS to study communication. Living with a disability also changed the way I understood education itself. For years, I viewed my situation as something I needed to overcome quietly. But Cornell’s lessons in communication gave me confidence not only in my abilities, but in my identity. It taught me that disability is not rare or distant; it is deeply human. At any point in life—through illness, injury, or age—any one of us can suddenly experience the world differently. That realization made me more patient and more observant. It showed how much kindness matters in everyday interactions and how important it is to show up for others. Cornell’s lessons in communication gave me confidence not only in my abilities, but in my identity. It taught me that disability is not rare or distant; it is deeply human. But long before I could find the language to describe and make sense of it, playing sports had already given me my first real sense of belonging. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad bringing my brother and me to Barton Hall while he played basketball with friends, or dropping us off at Helen Newman for sports camp. I played soccer year-round and joined varsity track and field at Ithaca High School. When classes felt difficult or isolating, sports gave me community. It gave me a place where I felt supported and was able to simply be a kid. Leading a communication workshop for master of engineering students. My first job after college was working at Dryden Central School District—just 20 minutes from Cornell’s campus—where I spent three years as a public relations specialist, highlighting the accomplishments of K–12 students. One of the most impactful experiences came through my time photographing the Dryden Games, which brings together students with physical and cognitive disabilities from school districts across Tompkins County. At any point in life—through illness, injury, or age—any one of us can suddenly experience the world differently. That realization made me more patient and more observant. This Special Olympics-style event—which marks its 10th anniversary in June 2026—promotes physical fitness, builds confidence, and allows participants to compete alongside peers with similar abilities and be recognized in front of a community that shows up for them. Through my camera lens, I watched kids light up as they crossed the finish line, saw crowds erupt with excitement, and witnessed what becomes possible when they are not just included, but genuinely celebrated. Children, volunteers, and high school mascots at the Dryden Games. Real impact does not always begin with grand gestures or distant places. Often, it can start as simply giving ourselves permission to show up for the people around us. As Cornellians, we often talk about doing the “greatest good.” I have come to believe that the greatest good is much closer and more personal than we imagine. Sometimes, it is right next door. As the marketing and recruiting coordinator for Cornell’s 14 master of engineering programs, Lara Patz ’20 has designed and led workshops that help students build the skills needed to clearly communicate their strengths and confidently promote their work. She is passionate about empowering them to recognize their value and translate their experiences into meaningful opportunities—during their time at Cornell and beyond. (All images provided.) Published May 28, 2026 Comments Kathryn Caggiano (Ph.D., '98 ORIE) 28 May, 2026 We are so proud of you, Lara, and thrilled to have you on our team! You exemplify what “Cornell Community” really means. Kathryn Caggiano, Associate Dean for M.Eng. Programs Cornell Duffield College of Engineering Reply Nancy Norton, Class of 1987 28 May, 2026 How inspirational! It’s great to learn of such a dedicated and insightful person working with Cornell students! Reply Lee Humphreys, Class of 1999 28 May, 2026 Lara is one of our many inspiring Comm alumni at Cornell who have gone on to make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing your story and yourself, Lara! Inspiring indeed! Reply Serena Stern, Class of 2020 1 Jun, 2026 What a special piece! Thank you for sharing your story with us all, Lara. The University is a better place for you being there! Congratulations on the impact you’ve been able to have so far, and here’s to more ahead! Reply Laurie Jacoby, Class of 1980 2 Jun, 2026 Exceptional work from an exceptional person! Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Quizzes & Puzzles July / August ’25 Trivia Roundup Cornelliana What Does It Take to Become a Big Red Chimesmaster? Students These Students Are Learning on ‘The Hill’—But Not in Ithaca