Happy Friday! Today’s #HumansofIDP are Reynold Dundas ’26 and Sam Garner ’27. Check out what these two have to say about IDP and one another!
Why IDP?
Reynold:
IDP is unlike any other course I’ve taken at Cornell. We learn dialogue skills that can seem silly at first, but are invaluable tools to communicate effectively with friends, across difference, and through conflict. We’re taught that our voices matter and how we can act upon our agency. As opposed to learning about how good our peers are at math or chemistry, we get to learn about them as people in unexpected ways!
Sam:
I love how IDP gave me a framework to communicate with others in a way that fosters connection and develops a shared understanding in the conversation rather than trying to “win” in a conversation similar to debate. I love getting to continue practicing that in the classroom with my students and to keep co-learning as a facilitator.
What's your favorite thing about your co-facilitator?
Reynold:
I love the energy that Sam brings into the classroom. Being prepared is essential, of course. But if there ain’t any soul to go with that, what’s the point? Sam creates a fun, engaging learning environment where we can “lock-in” when necessary. It’s always clear how much she cares about our class — not just their learning, but also them as people. Facilitating with her in such a tight-knit classroom has been such a treat!
Sam:
Reynold is amazing at knowing all the IDP concepts we need to hit and always bringing everything back to them, so our students can apply what we learn to themselves in very purposeful and intentional ways. Facilitating with him and learning with our group has truly been one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done at Cornell. Reynold Fan Club for life!