“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
~Maya Angelou
The class of 2024 had anything but the typical college experience! They completed high school virtually during a global pandemic and began their college journey in similar fashion. For our HEOP and SSS students, this meant completing their mandatory Summer Start program online for eight weeks, without the benefit of living in a dorm together, utilizing the Writing Center or Math Consultants in-person or even sitting in a college classroom. Yet despite this less than ideal start, they’ve paved their own roads to success and still continue to amaze us with their gifts and talents. Armed with offers to graduate school, scholarships, fellowships and employment offers, our senior class is poised and ready to face new challenges that lay before them after they walk the stage this weekend. We could not be more proud of this group and are excited to see where life takes them next. Congratulations, Class of 2024: The world is ready to meet the people you are and who you a meant to be!
Megan Davis
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Art Photography
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the next four years would be like?
My Summer Start was a bit unique due to Covid, all online. However, after ending high school online and not being around that many people at the time, getting to know new people and peers in a safe way while learning about how college will work felt super encouraging. In fact, I am so grateful to have been able to learn Blackboard and MySlice before even getting on campus because if I had to do that on my own, I think I would have cried. Looking back at it, my first few weeks on campus, many friends and peers appointed me as the go to person to ask for help when submitting assignments or navigating Blackboard. As a first-generation college student, that felt amazing! Once Summer Start was over, not only had I made a few friends and knew some faces on campus, but I also knew I was going to feel completely supported my next four years here at Syracuse. Now a senior, I truly think Summer Start was the first time I realized I could do this, I could do college, I would make it to graduation, I would survive these next four years. And I did!
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
Besides it being very cold for most of my time here and having to get used to wearing a jacket over my cute outfits, I did indeed learn many life lessons while here. Here’s a short list:
- Home is not that far away and it’s okay to go home when you need a break rom things.
- Be proud of yourself: college is hard, being a young adult on your own is hard, but be proud of how far you have come.
- A bump in the road is simply only a bump, smooth roads lie ahead.
- Be kind, you never know what’s going on in an individual’s life.
- Bird Library is your best friend!
- Have fun, be young, make memories and friends, enjoy these four years (they go by too fast).
- You will eventually find your people: it takes time, but you’ll find them.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
The first two months on campus will be the hardest. You will miss home, you will miss your pets (if you have them), you will miss your high school friends, you will miss homemade food, you will lose sleep and the comfort of your bed at home, you will miss ending every school around 3:00pm. However, you will love meeting new people, you will love making memories with random people that will become your best friends, you will love exploring the new area (Green Lakes to be exact), you will love getting to sleep in passed 7:00am, you will love weekends, you will love new experiences, you will love calling or FaceTiming friends and family back home, you will love how long breaks are, you will love stepping into yourself and becoming your own person.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
Honestly, this is the hardest question of them all because after four years, there are too many! I will say after rushing and joining Greek life my sophomore year after Covid had made it hard to make friends my first year, I met some of my closest friends and future bridesmaids by joining Gamma Phi Beta. I was super shy and did not like going outside of my comfort zone, but I am forever grateful for all the lessons I learned while being in Greek life.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
Being a first-generation college student, I had no one, no family to turn to; they wouldn’t understand. Yet, I knew no matter what counselor or advisor, I could walk into the office and talk to someone and leave there feeling better that I did when I walked in. That is what makes this program, the care everyone has for each other, truly a gift.
What’s next after commencement?
I have been applying to jobs and have a few possibilities as to what I can do, which is an honor. As of right now, I plan to pursue my photography and art working with a major magazine company in New York City. The goal is the cover of Vogue and with the skills I’ve learned here, I am confident one day I’ll get there. I also plan to grow my real estate portfolio and sell people a place for them to call home.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
Push through the hard times, keep you head up, look beyond that dark. One day, you’ll never want to leave, but will have had some of the best four years of your life. GO CUSE!!
Nogaye Ndiaye
College of Arts and Sciences/Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Political Science
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the
next four years would be like?
Originally, I believed that I would have the classic college experience. One hat I saw in movies or one like the stories I heard from people who have been to college before me. I assumed that it would be filled with challenging work of course, but also very fun experiences that would force me to recognize what it means to be on your own exploring adulthood. However, the class of 2024 had a unique college experience that I feel resembled those who came before us but also forced us to face challenges no one in our lifetime had ever faced.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
Your time and how you spend it and who you spend it with is very valuable. You can never go back all you can do is move forward. It is very easy to get caught up in the “I should have done” or “I wish I did not.” And while those are natural human experiences, being able to know from jump that how you spend your time defines who you are and that the people you surround yourself with is a reflection of you is very important. Your job in college is to build yourself; do not waste time on things that do not contribute to your ultimate greatness. Have fun, yes, but always remember why you are here.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
That the time goes by fast. Life is so fun and not easy, but the time goes by when everyday there are things to do. Also, it is okay to not know what exactly what you want to do, but you need to see a future for yourself somewhere. You must live your life intentionally because as you get older you begin to understand just how precious life is and how you should spend your life aiming to make yourself feel fulfilled. I wish I knew that I have so much power in my actions and that they should always align with my intentions.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
My fondest memories had to be the times I finally met and connected with my peers that I met on social media before I met them in person. Because we came to college during Covid, I never met people in real life and only through Zoom and Instagram. Once I was able to hang out with people in real life, that is when I had real fun.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
HEOP and my advisor, Marieke, are hands down the main reason I have been able to mentally and financially support myself during college. Marieke helped me understand my academics and how credits and classes worked towards my major. Additionally, more importantly for me, she really helped me a great deal with the struggles pf being a first-generation student and the amount of imposter syndrome I constantly felt. There were times I really wanted to give up and get out and she brought me back to earth making me feel seen and valued. It sounds cliché, but I would not have been able to get this far without Marieke and HEOP.
What’s next after commencement?
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
Like I said, time is valuable. You do not need to know exactly what you want, but you need to have an idea of what it takes to get there. When you start to love life, it starts to love you back so value your opportunities and always bet on and our into yourself.
Bilhissa Fadiga
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Public Relations
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the next four years would be like?
Upon starting my education at Syracuse University during Summer Start, I had no real expectations for the next four years, thanks to the pandemic. I thought that it would be impossible to have a normal college experience with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. I felt that attending classes, meeting my peers in person, and experiencing internships would be a challenge, and that most of my college experience would be virtual. Despite this, I was hopeful that I could make the most of the virtual experience and develop lifelong friendships while focusing on self-improvement.
- It’s normal for college students to feel fear, procrastination, and anxiety about how things will turn out. Just remember that everything is going to be just fine.
- Syracuse University has many offices with resources available to students. Sometimes, all you need to do is ASK.
- The transition from high school to college involves a significant shift, and you may need to relearn certain things. Also, it’s important to develop your writing skills because most of your coursework will require written analysis.
- Time management is crucial in college. Each decision you make will cost you some time, so it’s important to find a balance.
- If you fall into academic troubles, you’ll get the chance to fix it and you BETTER take it!
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
My fondest memory of college was participating in the Newhouse DC program in Washington, DC. Living in a new city allowed me to meet alumni, make new friends, try out new restaurants like Nandos, and explore the nation’s history.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
Having the HEOP team to support me has been one of the biggest highlights of my college experience. I’d like to give a special shoutout to my counselor, Alexis Jerauld. Alexis was my support system away from home and a true advocate for me. I always felt like I had someone to talk to, whether it was about academic struggles, financial literacy, post-graduation goals, or anything else. Thanks to the entire HEOP team, I’ve had a community surrounding me, watching me grow, and celebrating all my accomplishments. HEOP pushed me to continue to do more and be a resource to underclassmen coming from similar backgrounds as me.
What’s next after commencement?
I will begin my career in Digital Marketing for Lennar.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
For students, I would encourage you to have a serious conversation with yourself and ask if you just want to attend classes and graduate, or if you want to have an amazing undergraduate experience at Syracuse University. Keeping this in mind will help you navigate this campus. Don’t just come and go; make a difference! Get to know everyone, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, attend org interest events, and participate in events hosted by other colleges. Don’t neglect your grades, but also find a balance between school, work, and free time. Explore new restaurants coming to Syracuse and throw that game night on South Campus
However, it’s important to be intentional about your time here and to learn about your chosen major and career. Make sure that people think of you when opportunities arise because of your kindness and reliability. Look for sophomore development programs at major companies and gain experience early on. Accumulate as many internships as possible to show your worth to the team. You might have to work on a Saturday, but it will be worth it in the end when staff, professors and alumni are willing to help you in your job search because they know how hard you have worked.
Hawa Omar
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Public Health
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the
next four years would be like?
Being an organized person, I thought Syracuse University was going to come easy to me. Of course, it’s going to be a little harder, but with my organization, I thought I could get through it. And I did get through it, but I made many mistakes in between. I had so much more time with a lot of things to do and so much freedom that I had to learn discipline.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
Some of the greatest lessons that I learned are professors are not your enemy, they are there to help you, to teach you. There are so many other resources at the University that you can use in addition to your professors. There are a lot of tutoring opportunities and we have academic counselors to help you with your planning and just to talk to.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
Something that I wish I had known before my college experience is to create a schedule and follow through with it. If you relax on assignments and procrastinate, it just leads to more and more stress. After your first year, you get the rhythm of college, so making sure you schedule your classes, your study times and your personal time is all important.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
One of my fondest memories in my college experience is going to DC with twenty other students and two career counselors. We went to DC to network and also see what careers are out there for Public Health students. It was a great trip, and it opened my eyes to the work I want to do now, which is researching policy. Although I still want to be in a community, I also want to make a change in the policies of maternal health.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
HEOP has assisted me in so many different ways, the first being someone to talk to about different problems in life. They are not a therapist, but there’s someone who will listen. My counselors were the greatest people and the bond we created was so easy and effortless. Also, when I needed help with a class, they have a lot of tutors to help with that and so you just go to the office hours and get the extra help that you need. Also, it made the college experience free, I didn’t have to worry a lot about where is my tuition coming from, and struggling to pay it after graduation. I just focused on my academics and even when that was going down, there were there to help me.
What’s next after commencement?
After commencement, my plan is to start my masters at Syracuse University in Public Health. I chose this route because first it’s a masters so it’s going to help my resume and portfolio. Also, I was hesitant on going straight to the job force after graduation and the options were limited, so what I did was apply to the masters program and jobs. Honestly, the first thing that I got accepted to was what I was going to do. This masters program is also going to help with research and policy because that is one of the focuses. It will help me build my skill set in researching and policy without learning or having to catch up in the work force.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
My words of wisdom would be there four years go by fast, so try to experience everything that you can if that means going abroad or taking a class that will take you to DC or New York City. There’s a lot of resources at Syracuse University, so use all of them to your advantage and use everything that they offer to your advantage because at the end of the day, it’s coming out of your tuition. The last thing is set a schedule and stick to it. Your first year might be a little choppy, but it’s rinse and repeat from then on.
Chesnie Caster
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Broadcast and Digital Journalism
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the next four years would be like?
When I first started my college experience, I was very unsure what the next four years of my life would look like. I started my journey at the beginning of the pandemic. At the time, there was so much uncertainty on how to navigate a situation that has never been experienced before. It was very unclear to me what my college experience would look like in such unprecedented times. I knew that early in my college experience, I would have to work harder and go out of my way to achieve the things that I wanted to do. Despite the uncertainty, I remained hopeful about what was to come over the next four years. A lot of what the pandemic brought was temporary, and I know that somewhere along the way my experience would eventually start to shape into what I wanted. It was also reassuring to know that there was so much unwavering support from the University and the SSS/HEOP community. With all of the guidance and support, I knew that my college experience would eventually allow me to grow, learn, and become the student and professional I am today.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
I have learned so much throughout my time at Syracuse. However, my biggest takeaway is the importance of being open-minded. College is full of opportunities that were way out of my comfort zone. However, the experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone are the experiences that I am most proud of. They are also the experiences that have allowed me to grow professionally, academically, and socially. Another major lesson I learned is that it’s important to take risks. I always pressured myself to be the best at everything that I do. However, I realized that college is a learning experience which makes it okay not to be great at everything you do the first time around. Coming into my college experience, I was extremely fearful of failure. Over time, I realized that failure allows for us to grow and learn so that we do not make the same mistakes again. Overall, my biggest lesson learned is the importance of doing things you are uncomfortable with.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
The one thing I wished I knew before starting my college experience is the importance of balance. At the start of my college journey, I allowed academics to take the lead in my life. While academics are important and should be a priority, they should not be the only part of your college experience. It is essential to also take on internships and be a part of different on-campus organizations. The classroom can only teach you so much about your career and the professional world. There are a lot of experiences that I had outside of the classroom that have allowed me to grow in ways that I never imagined. All areas of college are important. However, it was an essential step in my journey to find the right balance so that I could get the most out of my college experience.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
My fondest memory of my college experience is studying away at Newhouse NYC. I have always dreamed of living in NYC and this program allowed me to do exactly that. It was a surreal experience to live and take classes in the heart of Manhattan. The Newhouse NYC program was also a great community to learn and grow in. I was able to network with industry professionals and attend many career/professional workshops. While in this program, I was also afforded the opportunity to intern at my dream company, NBCUniversal. While there, I worked as a news group intern for Nightly News with Lester Holt and The Today Show. I was able to gain unforgettable life experiences with Newhouse NYC and NBCUniversal. This was also the point in my college experience where I experienced the most professional growth. Since this experience, I have never been more confident in my abilities to excel professionally in the media industry.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
HEOP and SSS have tremendously supported me throughout my time at SU. The guidance and support that I received have been instrumental in all the things I accomplished at SU. I excelled academically, studied away, and was involved in various on-campus organizations. My ability to accomplish these things is largely due to the guidance and insight provided to me by my SSS counselor, Amy Messersmith. College is never easy for any student and I am forever grateful for the academic support and mentorship of HEOP and SSS. I am also thankful for the lifelong community and friendships that HEOP and SSS has provided me with.
What’s next after commencement?
After commencement, I plan to attend law school. After completion of law school, I intend to pursue a career at a major news network working as a legal correspondent.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
College is full of so many opportunities. It is the chance to explore and find what you are passionate about. Take advantage of everything that the University has to offer. If you are unsure about what resources there are to help you, always ask for guidance and support from a counselor and from your peers. Everyone truly wants to see you succeed and get the most out of your experience. Be open-minded to what college has to offer!
Ayah Saleh
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Film
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what
expectations did you have about what the next four years would be like?
I didn’t know what to expect. I was so scared yet so excited for a new beginning. I was hoping to find myself and pick up new hobbies. I was looking forward to all the opportunities and being my best self. What I truly expected and wanted was to be able to find the best thing and enjoy it.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
Things will get hard and what’s important is how you adapt to them. Not everything will go the way we want it to go, but being able to grow within yourself is learning how to adapt within your environment.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
I wish I knew about the opportunities given and always taking a chance on them. There are so many opportunities that can put your career on a pedestal and no matter how intimidating it seems, it’s always worth a shot. And I wish I asked more about them before it was too late. I am grateful for everything that was given to me, but just know the possibilities are endless.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
My fondest memory is realizing that I actually know what I’m doing. I used to be so quiet and shy and would listen to and follow my peers, especially in the film world. I became the President of the production company on campus and I was the one that began to lead and people cane to to problem solve. It felt good knowing I wasn’t an imposter and to build that confidence. Since that realization, my work has felt stronger and I give myself more credit for that.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
They are the reason why I have become such a go getter. They have shown me nothing but love and support. HEOP is an amazing program and I didn’t want to let this group of people down. I wanted to show what I am capable of. I wanted to show them that I am using their resources for the better. They have given me so much and I can’t wait to give that back.
What’s next after commencement?
As of now, I think I am going to take time for myself and think where I want to go next. Throughout the years, I was always on the go throughout college, and I had the time of my life, but I am also exhausted. I want to take this summer off and be young while I can. I want to apply to some jobs, but for sure want to see the world a little bit before I get back on the road.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid and never settle. Listen to your heart, it knows what it is telling you. You have 4/5 years here, enjoy the moment and keep moving forward.
Marangelis Uben
School of Information Studies
Information Management & Technology
When you first came to Syracuse University as a first-year student entering Summer Start, what expectations did you have about what the next four years would be like?
Although I did not complete Summer Start, I know for many students, it gave them great preparation for what the next fours years would be like. Many students were able to experience and prepare for the transition from a high school class to a college class and better prepare for their freshman year.
What have been some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned during your time at Syracuse?
Some of the greatest lessons I have learned on this campus have been to always take advantage of all your opportunities. It’s important to know that you do not always have to battle the world on your own. Although it is important to stick up for yourself, it is also important to note that there are people who can and do want to help you. I have also learned that life goes on, no matter what happens socially or academically, life keeps moving and that’s okay, you just need to keep your head high and keep going.
What do you wish you would have known before beginning your college experience?
Everything works out how it should, so the best you can do is to stop worrying and focus on your academics. Study and learn to manage your time correctly, learning time management is one of the best skills you can learn to keep yourself afloat. Learn to communicate effectively not only for your career, but for your personal relationships as well.
What is your fondest memory of your college experience?
Going abroad was the best decision I ever made! I constantly think back to my time abroad and I am beyond grateful I went abroad for an entire semester. I think about my time abroad at least once a week.
How have HEOP and SSS supported you during your time at SU?
It’s simple: if it wasn’t for the HEOP/SSS office, I would no longer be at Syracuse University. I am grateful every day that Craig was able to help me with my journey and studies. And everyday I am grateful that I have a place in the University where I can ask my mentors for help, even when I think there is nowhere else to turn.
What’s next after commencement?
I received a GEM fellowship to complete my Masters in Data Science at USC this coming fall, and I am working at Intel over the summer.
Any words of wisdom for the students following in your footsteps?
Have no regrets, because everything happens for a reason, even the worst of events. Everyone in college is in the same boat as you, we are all constantly learning and growing, take everything as a lesson and with a grain of salt.