As he prepares to graduate from Cornell University, Ty Brown reflects on a journey defined by growth, exploration, and the power of community. A Kessler Scholar and native of Maricopa, Arizona, Ty’s path to Cornell began far away from upstate New York and far outside what he once imagined for himself.
Ty initially planned to attend Arizona State University. But an unexpected opportunity within Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) in the Department of City and Regional Planning ended up being a perfect match between Ty’s background and interests.
“My hometown of Maricopa is a very fast-growing city,” Ty said. “There’s always some new development going on, and I wanted to understand how those decisions were being shaped.”
After moving all the way across the United States, Ty encountered not only a rigorous academic environment but an entirely new climate and culture. Having never seen snow before, adjusting to winters in upstate New York was just one of many challenges. More significant, however, was navigating college life without an established support system.
“The transition was hard,” he said. “I was a first-generation student, and I didn’t know how to navigate college, especially at a top university like Cornell.”
Like many first-generation college students, Ty was figuring out unwritten rules and expectations on his own. That began to change when he received an invitation to join the Kessler Scholars Program.
“Before joining Kessler, much of my experience felt like trial and error,” he said. “I was constantly learning things after the fact, how opportunities worked, how to connect with people, how to position myself, without having a clear roadmap.”
As a Kessler Scholar, Ty found not only resources, but a community that helped redefine his place at Cornell.
“I found a space where I didn’t feel like I was behind; I felt like I was understood,” he said. “Being surrounded by other first-gen students made me realize that for the first time, I wasn’t doing all of this by myself and wondering if I was doing things right.”
The program connected him with advisors, mentors, and peers who offered guidance and reassurance, turning what once felt isolating into something more collaborative and empowering.
“They took the time to understand my goals, what I wanted out of Cornell, and how I could start building toward that,” he said. “That level of intentionality stood out to me, especially as someone who came in without a clear roadmap.”
That support extended far beyond campus. As part of his major, Ty studied abroad in Rome, an experience that became one of the highlights of his college career. While based in Italy through Cornell’s AAP program, he traveled extensively across Europe, visiting multiple countries and immersing himself in new cultures. From learning Italian to witnessing an Easter mass led by Pope Francis, Ty embraced every opportunity to expand his worldview.
After returning to campus, Ty came full circle by stepping into a mentorship role for younger Kessler Scholars and contributing to the same cycle of support that once guided him.
“Being able to share what I’ve learned and support underclassmen as they navigate their own paths has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience,” he said. “Watching them grow, gain confidence, and find their footing at Cornell has made me realize how impactful this community really is.”
As graduation approaches, Ty is drawn to real estate development, particularly given the rapid growth of his hometown.
“I’m drawn to the idea of shaping physical spaces and contributing to communities in a tangible way,” he said. “Over time, I hope to grow within that field and eventually become a developer who is not only successful, but intentional about the impact of the projects I take on.”
With his next chapter starting, Ty reflects on these four years and how the Kessler Scholars Program changed his life.
“That shift, from navigating uncertainty by myself to being part of a community that encourages growth, has been the most meaningful part of my experience,” he said.