POGGI | Cornell is a Place of Community; And Soccer

Our school sometimes gets a bad rap. As I navigate my senior year, I’ve seen Cornell in the headlines for troubling reasons — bomb threats, hate speech, worker strikes and even student deportation threats. In several interviews, I’ve been asked about the infamous nets on campus and whether Cornell is truly as gloomy and divisive as it seems. It’s clear that, as a student body, we carry some baggage.

But if you look closer, Cornell reveals a vibrant community committed to inclusivity and enjoyment. Recently, my friend and roommate helped organize the Cornell World Cup, an event hosted by the Persian Students Organization. Soccer, the world’s most widely played sport, became a unifying force, bringing together students from all cultural backgrounds. I realized that the high turnout, institutional funding, and student leadership behind the event weren’t exceptions but should be the standard for our community.

The event also had a tangible impact. Teams, formed by members of cultural clubs, each paid a $50 entry fee, with the total donated to a charity chosen by the winning team. This year, Turkey’s team won and selected College Mentors for Kids at Cornell, creating a local impact. Last year, Thailand’s team won and donated to the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand, broadening the event’s global reach. “It was invaluable to see people come together over shared culture to raise money for charity,” said Co-President Sophia Ruser, noting that ten teams participated this year, raising over $500 for charity. For PSO and the cultural clubs, it wasn’t just about the competition.

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