Sophomore

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Major: Communication; Information Sciences

rpb233

Imagine arriving at one of the world’s top universities, only to feel like you’re still on the outside looking in. I’m Richard Ballard, a transfer student from Ithaca College and a lifelong upstate New Yorker, who knows what it’s like to step into Cornell with the feeling that everyone else already belongs. Transfers come to campus with a unique perspective and high potential but without the built-in networks and insider knowledge that make finding your place easier. I’m running to change that dynamic, to make sure every transfer student doesn’t just find a seat, but a genuine sense of belonging.

As your Transfer Representative, I would be committed to breaking down barriers, strengthening community ties, and making resources clear and accessible, so transfers don’t have to feel isolated or out of the loop. I’ll advocate for greater support and inclusive opportunities that reflect our diverse backgrounds and experiences, because transfers deserve to feel like full members of the Cornell community. Let’s build a Cornell where every transfer student feels like they’ve not only arrived but have a place that’s truly their own, where they can thrive without feeling like an outsider.