Matthew Gamboa-Lutz
English & Spanish
El Paso, TX
What is your main extracurricular activity — why is it important to you?
I work as a writing tutor for the Knight Institute. I love my job because not only do I help others gain confidence in their writing, but I learn in the process as well. Working with others' writing improves my own, and reading their essays teaches me about topics I wouldn't encounter otherwise.
How have you changed since you first arrived at Cornell? What have you discovered about yourself?
I have definitely gained a more holistic approach to problem solving in my four years at Cornell. Specifically, I try to tackle problems from multiple perspectives, whereas before my thought process was narrow.
If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?
Never do nothing: every moment can be productive in some way. When you don't have homework or work, spend time socializing and practicing self-care. This way, you'll make the most of the friends Cornell has to offer, and you won't forget yourself along the way.
