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Its only been two days since I returned from my pre college program at Syracuse University, and I already want to go back! In only two weeks, I not only learned more about Communications and the many degrees it has to offer, but I learned more about myself. I learned how to be independent, prioritize the important things, like homework, before hanging out with friends and doing activities, and exploring life as a “college student.” Even though it was only for two weeks, all these skills I learned turned me into a better individual, and for that I couldn’t be more grateful!
Driving up to Syracuse, I was terrified. I did not want to go. This would be my first time away from my family, and I was not ready for that change. As I walked into Day Hall, the resident building where eventually all my favorite memories would be made seemed huge, and not in a good way. As I looked around, everyone seemed nervous, stressed, and a little scared, emotions I was having as well. As I walked out of the elevator and onto the sixth floor, it seemed a little more condensed, girls walking with their bags, doors open and beds being made. I liked the idea of having a group of girls on my floor, almost like a sorority. As I was organizing and putting away my many bottles of water and chocolate chip cookies, I kept thinking, “this can’t be that bad,” but I was only distracting myself to keep it together. A few moments later, my roommate walked in, Mya Mercado from Puerto Rico. The minute she walked in she gave me a big hug, something I needed and appreciated very much. From that moment, I knew we were going to have a lot of fun. We ended up becoming great friends, and I am so lucky that I was able to have her as my roommate.
After getting my room all settled, it was time for parents to leave, and I was not ready. As I looked into my mom’s big and teary eyes, I knew I had to stay strong for her, even though I was completely scared inside. But I knew I had to go, and do this for myself. And as I walked to orientation, I continued to repeat to myself, “You’ve got this, you worked so hard for it, you will do amazing.”
I was admitted into the summer program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, one of the top three Best Communications Schools in the Country. For the next two weeks, I would be working around the clock, practicing skills I learned in class, and applying them to our final project, which was getting VIP Access to the Behind the Scenes at the Empower FCU Amphitheater, where we would be interviewing Musician and icon Don Felder, former leader of the Eagles, and writer of the song, “Hotel California.”
This program was especially important to me as I was able to meet former Newhouse alumni. I was able to hear their stories, ask them questions, and learn ways to stand out in the World of Journalism. My professor, Jonathan Glass, introduced me to many forms of Journalism, including radio broadcasting, photo-journalism, videography, and more! And with the help and advice from our teaching – assistant Jenna Sents, it made our small group of seven students feel more comfortable and connected.
Our group of seven were from all over the country, and the world. One from China, two from New Jersey, one from Las Vegas, and 3, including me, from New York (one from Syracuse, one from New York City, and myself, from Long Island.) All seven of us were girls, which I loved even more, especially after hearing from other professors and adults that people want to see more women in the field of Communications. I loved working with these six girls, and it was intriguing to learn more about where they were all from, and their lives.
During our interview with Don Felder, I was honored to be chosen to be the Audio Producer for the film, and help bring this interview together. I was also one of the interviewers who walked around and asked tailgaters pre – concert questions. This experience really taught me how to talk to adults, and have conversations. At first, I was declined for interviews repeatedly, and I started to lose confidence in myself. Luckily, our chaperone, and former Newhouse alum, Kayla Breen, helped us out. She told us that it is very difficult to walk up to strangers and try to receive answers, especially if it is on camera. I loved working in – front, and behind the camera to make this piece come to life, and I would do it all over again if I could!
After classes we were invited to join activities the college had to offer, like pool parties, ice skating, karaoke nights, etc. The university also offered excursions on the weekends, including the Green Lakes State Park. It was very relaxing and enjoyable, as I sat with friends beside the lake, taking a dip in the cool waters. At night, my friends and I would sit in our floor’s study lounge. No one would spend their time there, so it became our little space. It had a beautiful view of the JMA Wireless Dome, lit up in white lights behind the dark, cool sky. This was my favorite part of the night, laughing with friends and listening to music. I miss it, and wish I could go back.
I met some of these girls the first night during our floor meeting. I was sitting on the floor with my roommate, and had to do icebreakers with the people sitting next to us. There I found Cindy from Los Angeles, Giulietta from Boston, and Valentina from Queens, New York. Over the next few days, our group got bigger. We ended up finding out that almost all the girls that were in my Journalism class had a roommate that was in the Environment & Interior Design course, which was the same course the three girls I met our first night were in. Our group grew into 16 girls, and became a group I miss very much. I also met some other girls on my floor who I became friends with, like Madeleine from London, and Sofia from San Francisco.
Looking back on this program, I will remember all the memories. The ones that made me excited, the ones that made me scared, but most importantly, the ones that made me proud of myself. I am very grateful for the opportunities Syracuse gave me these past two weeks, and for all the memories it has given me. I am looking forward to hopefully doing another pre – college program next summer, but until then, GO ORANGE!!
