Our next #HumansOfCDP are Nic Oke ‘26 and Taryn Gluck ‘27! Come see what they have to say about facilitating and each other!
How has CDP impacted your life outside of Cornell?
Nic:
Before CDP, I feel that I was much more reluctant to examine the rationale behind why people believed differently than myself on important social issues. After learning the dialogue tools CDP teaches and recognizing the value of understanding the context behind people’s beliefs, I find myself more often asking others why they believe what they do rather than just feeling inclined to discount them. Leading with curiosity, rather than immediate condemnation, has allowed me to approach social issues with a greater degree of nuance and complexity, even if I still maintain my strong opinions
How is EDUC 2610 different from other classes?
Taryn:
Unlike many of my large lecture-style classes, EDUC 2610’s dialogue-based format helps combat the crisis of connection, fostering meaningful relationships with people I might not otherwise meet. Having three hours free from devices to truly listen, understand, and be vulnerable with my peers as we explore our different identities makes me feel deeply connected to everyone in the room. Outside of the classroom it can feel very isolating, and the carefully crafted activities and questions foster genuine self-reflection and inspire collaborative change.
What is it like to work with your co-facilitator?
Nic:
I really enjoy working with Taryn. I find that we have very different experiences and upbringings which allow our students to benefit from the different perspectives that we bring into the classroom. Outside of the classroom, we both put a lot of effort into planning classroom activities and compiling notes from the readings which really makes our sessions super exciting and productive.
What’s your favorite thing about your co-facilitator?
Taryn:
My favorite thing about Nic is how passionate he is about everything. It is so inspiring to see how excited he is to chat about his Yoruba class, his Black Ivy Pre-Law society, his Parole Initiative Club, or any other activity he is a part of on and off campus. His evident passion for learning makes it motivating to listen to his insightful and well-informed opinions on a wide range of subjects.