Syracuse University

I have had nothing but positive experiences as a member of the Orange. From the professionalism of the faculty and administration to the camaraderie of my fellow classmates, it is obvious that we are all here for each other’s future success. As a transfer student living in a transfer community, the bonds I have made have grown into close friendships and family-like relationships that I will forever hold dear.

Why did you choose SU?
After graduating from LaGuardia Community College with my associates degree in network systems administration, I was blessed with a scholarship from the Kaplan Educational Foundation that allowed me to apply to any 4 year accredited programs of my choosing. I applied to 10 programs, accepted to six of them, and before my final decision, it came down to two schools; Cornell University and Syracuse University. It was during the spring orientation event that my decision was made. Syracuse made me feel at home. I was impressed by the advisors, the student advisors, the orientation leaders (which led me to become one) and other new students. The campus itself is gorgeous and the program I am enrolled in is tailored to exactly what I want to do. You think that you choose the school you go to, but in the end it was Syracuse that chose me. I haven’t regretted one minute since.

What has been your most meaningful experience so far?
The student services that Syracuse offers are second to none. I have a 6 year-old daughter that I left in Queens, NY to attend Syracuse. The transition of leaving her coupled with adjusting to campus life and classes is a lot to handle for anyone. I made an appointment with a counselor and which turned out to be the best decision and most rewarding experience so far. I benefitted so much from talking to my counselor. She helped me with the transition, dealing with the absence from daughter, coping with stress and classes, and she was just there for me to talk to. Though I made it through the semester with a 3.584 G.P.A., I continue to see her. She still helps me with my daily life here on campus. I was one of those people who always thought that I could handle anything by myself. Now, I advise anyone to take full advantage of any service that SU has to offer.  

What's the secret to your success at SU?
There’s no secret. I value hard work, dedication, and commitment not only to your classes but to yourself as well. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. You have to be open-minded to new ideas and alternate ways of thinking. You have to be willing to listen with open ears. Time management is essential to a successful career here. There is a lot of work and if you don’t grasp hold of it early on, you will be overwhelmed and consumed. If you get to that point, it’s hard to recover and move on. Communication with professors is another factor that has allowed me to stay on a positive track. It’s easy to just not go to class or if something unexpected comes up and you have a legitimate reason for missing class. Stay in constant communication with your professors. This act says so much about you, your sense of responsibility, and your commitment to your own success. Professors are more willing to work with you if you can show them that you are willing to put in the work to help yourself.

How have you changed since you've been here?
I’ve had a lot of life experience prior to coming to Syracuse University. I am a former Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve been married and divorced, and I have a beautiful six year-old daughter by the name of Melina Rose. I say this not to say there is no room for me to grow, but to confirm that I have grown from the short time I have been here on campus.  Every event in my life is one to learn from. I am even more aware of myself and what I am capable of. I really pushed myself to the limits when it came to academics. I’ve learned that my life experiences have helped others in their times of need. I have been able to help others and this has been a great motivational factor in my personal growth.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
It’s tough to say what I want to do after graduation. It has changed so many times already. Ultimately, I want to have my own consulting firm to help other organizations succeed with their IT needs. That’s what I want to do with my life. Before I get to that point, I just want to secure employment with a firm that is still standing on its own, given the current state of the economy. My daughter’s future is my priority and I will do whatever I need to do to make sure that her future will be taken care of.