INDEPENDENT SINCE 1880
The Corne¬ Daily Sun Vol. 139, No. 7
8 Pages – Free
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 n ITHACA, NEW YORK
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Tom Sandford '23 talks about a Cornell engineer's bird photography exhibit.
The Red loses its volleyball matches at the annual invitational.
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HIGH: 70º LOW: 55º
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Students Hunt for Housing Remembering By SOFIA CHIERCHIO Sun Staff Writer
With the 2022-2023 academic year in full swing, prelims have yet to begin for Cornell students, but the hunt for rental housing has. A 2014 New York Times article listed the top 20 least affordable cities to rent in the United States relative to median gross income, placing Ithaca as number 11, right behind New York City. In addition to increasing rental prices, students are being forced to look for housing much earlier than in previous years. “I signed a lease for my current house last year on
September 19 — which was early then,” Megan Vincek ’24 said. “This year, my friends and I started looking shortly after arriving here in August. It became a vicious cycle of looking at a place, liking it, eventually deciding to sign and then it being taken off the market.” Vincek said the fast paced housing search was overwhelming at times, especially on top of her normal workload. “It got to the point where I felt desperate and ended up crying on the side of College Avenue after weeks of trying to find somewhere to live for next year,” Vincek said. Similar to Vincek, Rebecca Parish ’25 explained the anxiety the housing process has brought on, especially as it is her first time looking for off-campus housing. “This is my first time looking to rent an apartment in Ithaca. The experience has been very overwhelming and difficult,” Parish said. She mentioned that she has had to worry about plans for the next year before having the chance to settle into her current housing. “I feel like there is pressure to make decisions about my junior year when I still feel like a first-year,” Parish said. Increased rental prices can be attributed to the high demand for housing in Ithaca, especially Collegetown.
Daniela Lee ’22 By JIWON ESTEE YI Sun News Editor
Daniela Lee ’22, a Cornell senior known for her inquisitivity and passion for knowledge, died on Apr. 19, 2022 at the age of 20. Family and friends mourned the loss of a faithful friend, loving daughter and devoted Christian.
Lee’s love for flowers was not only a reflection of her love for nature but the nature of her heart. “She would send me the pictures of the tiniest flowers that no one noticed,” Lee’s mother, Claudia Lee ’97 said. “She once called me saying, ‘Mom, look at this tiny purple one. It’s probably a weed, but it's so beautiful
To continue reading this article, please visit cornellsun.com. JULIA NAGEL / SUN PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Rush for rooms | Students are already scrambling for next year's housing in central Collegetown.
Sofia Chierchio can be reached at schierchio@cornellsun.com.
Eased Masking Policy Prompts Reactions By MARY SOTIRYADIS Sun Staff Writer
As of July 27, Cornell University eased its masking requirements. In a statement made by the University on its COVID-19 webpage, it was announced that masks will be strongly encouraged, although not required, in classrooms for the 2022-2023 academic year. “It is well established that wearing a mask while indoors reduces the risk of contracting or spreading
COVID-19,” the statement said. “Individuals who are concerned about the risk of infection are encouraged to continue to wear a mask, and we ask that all members of our community support and respect one another’s masking choices.” Moreover, the University announced that it will be discontinuing its PCR testing sites, with antigen testing still available to those of the Cornell community who meet clinical testing criteria. Those who
have tested positive for the virus are no longer required to isolate themselves, although they must remain masked in public, according to CDC recommendations. Students must also wear masks upon the request of their professors or other students. Many students are happy that the mask mandate has been lifted, as it represents a major milestone in the University’s reopening after the See MASKS page 3
Rain or shine
RAFAEL BITANGA / RAFAEL BITANGA PRODUCTIONS
‘A Gentle Warrior’ | Lee's flowing, flowery attire was a softer robe for her fierce heart, friends described.
Bearing the rain, students attend Clubfest on the Arts Quad on Sept. 11.
MING DEMERS / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Upon seeing Lee, people first noticed her flowers: Worn in her hair and on long flowery dresses almost every day around campus. Daffodils were her favorite, and a significant part of who she was, as her close friend, Mannayah Louis ’24 and Lee’s younger sister, Maria Lee ’24 remembered. “Someone who just realized that Dani was my sister told me, ‘I remember seeing her and seeing her crown of flowers and her long flower dress, and I thought, wow she’s so happy. She must be a very happy person.’ And that’s so true because she was,” Maria Lee said.
and it’s under a bench. Nobody except me will probably ever admire it.’ That was her heart.” To those close to her and strangers alike, Lee was known for radiating positive energy towards everyone she met. Friends and family remembered her care for others and selflessness. Many friends found her to be especially comforting when they needed support. For María Raskulinec ’22, a close friend and fellow member of Cru, an See LEE page 3