{"id":71244,"date":"2026-05-28T12:02:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T16:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/?p=71244"},"modified":"2026-05-28T12:02:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T16:02:40","slug":"patz-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/patz-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Real Impact Does Not Always Begin with Grand Gestures\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">Coping with a neurological disorder and helping local disabled athletes have taught me the importance of showing up for others<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cornell-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2cf2e4222ed7ea261dd47828ebd6b1e2\"><em>\u201cPOV\u201d comprises brief first-person essays by young alumni. Do you have a topic in mind? Email us at <a href=\"&#109;&#x61;&#x69;&#108;&#x74;&#x6f;:&#99;&#x6f;&#x72;n&#x65;l&#108;&#105;&#x61;&#x6e;&#115;&#x40;&#99;&#x6f;&#x72;n&#101;l&#x6c;&#46;&#101;&#100;&#x75;\">&#x63;&#111;&#x72;n&#101;&#x6c;&#x6c;&#x69;an&#x73;&#64;&#x63;&#x6f;&#x72;n&#x65;&#108;&#x6c;&#x2e;&#x65;du<\/a>! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By <strong>Lara Patz \u201920<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">\u201cCharity begins at home, and justice begins next door.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cornell has brought people\u2014innovators, top researchers, future leaders\u2014from across the globe to Ithaca since 1865. Their stories often make headlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are quieter ones too, rooted not in arrival but in those who grew up alongside the University.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Patz\" class=\"wp-image-72226 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A.jpg 614w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-headshot-A-100x125.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of those stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At six years old, I would run across the woodchips at recess at Ithaca\u2019s South Hill Elementary, grabbing the chains on the swings and going as high as my little legs would take me\u2014all to catch a glimpse of Cornell\u2019s clocktower above the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>That same year, my class visited campus and climbed all 161 steps of McGraw Tower (or, as I called it, \u201cthe castle\u201d). I still remember looking out over the buildings and Cayuga Lake while the Chimes rang out. An idyllic view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not long after this field trip, I traveled to a hospital a few towns over and was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"72225\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Patz as a child with a young boy\" class=\"wp-image-72225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-632x790.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A-100x125.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/patz-childhood-A.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"72227\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Patz playing high school soccer\" class=\"wp-image-72227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-632x790.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A-100x125.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Playing-soccer-in-high-school-A.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The author as an elementary schooler, and playing high school soccer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School was not easy. I remember a teacher telling me I would \u201conly be a C student\u201d and that no additional support would be available. It is a strange feeling to be so young and already feel underestimated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I remember a teacher telling me I would &#8216;only be a C student&#8217; and that no additional support would be available. It is a strange feeling to be so young and already feel underestimated. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>There were long nights at the kitchen table. Homework that took hours. Frustration. Tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Patz (center) in cap and gown with friends at commencement\" class=\"wp-image-72224 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A.jpg 640w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-632x790.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-316x395.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-280x350.jpg 280w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-140x175.jpg 140w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-70x87.jpg 70w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-400x500.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/CALS-commencement-A-100x125.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Patz (center) at Commencement.<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>I learned to see myself beyond other people\u2019s labels and gave myself grace through each hurdle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I kept building momentum. Other people\u2019s perception would not stop me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fourteen years later, I stood beneath that same clocktower on my first day as a transfer student, accepted into CALS to study communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But Cornell\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At any point in life\u2014through illness, injury, or age\u2014any 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Cornell\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Patz speaking with a group of Cornell students who are sitting around a table\" class=\"wp-image-72229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-608x342.jpg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-304x171.jpg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-152x85.jpg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-1184x666.jpg 1184w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-592x333.jpg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-296x166.jpg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-1264x711.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-632x356.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-316x178.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/working-with-CU-students-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leading a communication workshop for master of engineering students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My first job after college was working at Dryden Central School District\u2014just 20 minutes from Cornell\u2019s campus\u2014where I spent three years as a public relations specialist, highlighting the accomplishments of K\u201312 students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most impactful experiences came through my time photographing the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tompkinsweekly.com\/sports\/dryden-games-return-after-multi-year-hiatus-11643\">Dryden Games<\/a>, which brings together students with physical and cognitive disabilities from school districts across Tompkins County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>At any point in life\u2014through illness, injury, or age\u2014any one of us can suddenly experience the world differently. That realization made me more patient and more observant.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This Special Olympics-style event\u2014which marks its 10th anniversary in June 2026\u2014promotes 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Three high school mascots (a lion, a tiger, and a red bird) on a running track with children\" class=\"wp-image-72228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-608x342.jpg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-304x171.jpg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-152x85.jpg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-1184x666.jpg 1184w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-592x333.jpg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-296x166.jpg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-1264x711.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-632x356.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-316x178.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/School-mascot-race-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children, volunteers, and high school mascots at the Dryden Games.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Cornellians, we often talk about doing the \u201cgreatest good.\u201d I have come to believe that the greatest good is much closer and more personal than we imagine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, it is right next door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>As the marketing and recruiting coordinator for Cornell\u2019s 14 master of engineering programs, <strong>Lara Patz \u201920<\/strong> 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\u2014during their time at Cornell and beyond.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(All images provided.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Published May 28, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coping with a neurological disorder and helping local disabled athletes have taught me the importance of showing up for others<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":72229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"alumni_hub_syml_posts":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[674],"tags":[],"cornell_year_post":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-71244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pov"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - 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