Day in the Life Series: Jordan Deskins

October 10, 2025

Cornell is home to over 10,000 graduate and professional students. While they might all share the pursuit of graduate education, every student’s journey is different.

While some students are taking classes, others are conducting independent research. While some are funded by assistantships, others are on fellowships. Graduate education at Cornell is a create-your-own-adventure experience, and we’ll be giving you insight into what that looks like for our students through our Day in the Life Series.

Today, Jordan Deskins will share what a day in her life looks like as a second-year master of public health student in the field of public health and planetary health.

Hi! My name is Jordan Deskins. I am currently taking classes, serving as a teaching assistant, looking into doctoral programs, and conducting research on agroecological food systems, while also finding time for me outside of that! Each day of the week looks a bit different, but it’s all a mix of my passions – which keeps things fun!

7 a.m.

I wake up and have to take my dog out first thing! Then I come back, feed him, make coffee and breakfast, and get ready for the day.

8:30 a.m.

I am ready for the day of classes and meetings—of course repping Cornell gear.

8:45 a.m.

I have virtual office hours for the course I am a teaching assistant (TA) for. TAs help with course support by meeting with students, creating assignments, and grading.

9:45 a.m.

My friend, Anika, picked me up for class today. It is great to carpool if we can because sometimes parking is limited – but it’s great to have extra time with friends!

10:10 a.m.

My classes start. Thursdays are one of my busier days since I have two classes, plus the class I TA for. The coursework for graduate school can be heavy sometimes, but my schedule varies throughout the week. Mondays and Wednesdays are lighter, and I have no classes on Friday. End of the week push!

11:30 a.m.

My friends and I hang out and decompress between classes, catching up about how each other are doing and figuring out our plans for the weekend.

12 p.m.

My TA class starts. I sit in the back of class, listen to the lecture, and do a few logistical tasks for the class (send emails, update the course resources, etc.).

1:30 p.m.

I eat lunch and do work with friends. It’s great to have breaks between classes and meetings to get some readings done or other start other assignments.

2:30 p.m.

I met with one of my professors to talk more about doing Ph.D.s – something I am interested in doing after my M.P.H.

3 p.m.

I am headed back home for the day!

3:30 p.m.

I relax and check in with my fiancé who lives in Cleveland. We are doing long-distance as we both finish graduate school.

5 p.m.

I head to the gym for Pilates. It is great to have time where I can workout and focus on my physical health, even though school is demanding. Afterwards, I head home and shower.

7 p.m.

I go get dinner with friends. After a long week of classes, we decide we don’t want to cook anymore – so Five Guys it is! We meet up with other friends at my apartment, chill, and do some homework. Then, I head to bed around 10 p.m.