Cincinnati, Ohio · Human Ecology
Cincinnati, Ohio · Human Ecology
Name at Cornell
Helene Arbouet
Tell us about what you're doing with your life.
Since leaving Cornell I obtained a masters degree in Early Childhood Education and a doctoral degree in Special Education, both from The University of Cincinnati. I am currently an assistant professor of education at the University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College. I have worked in the community as a classroom teacher, center director, coach, content expert, and consultant. I have over a dozen publications related to my research interests, which include family engagement, engagement of young children in inclusive settings, and the engagement of students in the college classroom. I have been married to Andrew Harte (class of '96) since 1998. We have two children, ages 11 and 14. In my spare time I run and have completed several half marathons and one full marathon.
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell this year?
Breathe. Read everything you can. Enjoy the beautiful campus. Take advantage of the many opportunities to hear great music or go to plays. Also, join something. Get involved somehow. It might be a club, intramural sport, sorority or fraternity, but whatever it is it will help you find people who share your interests and give you a sense of belonging in such a big place.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was the most meaningful?
| The Cornell Program Board and Cornell Concert Commission were amazing experiences. I had dinner with Spike Lee and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I attended many concerts. The people in both groups were so much fun. I was also one of the founders of the Circle K group. I am not sure if it still exists, but the challenges of organizing a club taught me skills I still use today when motivating students. |
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found the most useful?
The human development lifespan courses were great and the one on relationships was my favorite - HDFS 362. Of course it was the class on young children that helped me to decide to go into education. The course housing the feeding the homeless taught me a great deal about how one major disaster can influence a life as well as the importance of social supports.
