Syracuse University

Student Spotlight

Elizabeth Rynes, undecided, class of 2012, Norton, OH

LizRynes.jpgWhy did you choose SU?
I wanted to go to a school in the Northeast outside my home state of Ohio. SU has a real sense of community and school spirit that I do not think is comparable to other schools. The various extracurricular activities like Club Swim also captured my attention. Because I'm a Biology major, I especially appreciate the new Life Sciences Building. It's a great learning environment with state of the art laboratories and lecture halls which really matters to me, since I spend 90 percent of my day there. I am confident that this decision was the right one for me. Go Orange!

What has been your most meaningful experience so far?
I met some of the greatest people I know at SU at the three-day Leadership Outdoor Orientation Program (LOOP). We all bonded as a group and LOOP started me on the path to much of the volunteer work I do today.

What's the secret of your success at SU?
Networking has led to many great opportunities here. But I also take risks, and make sure I'm able to juggle more than one task at a time. I'm not afraid to take on big responsibilities, like teaching a CPR class. This approach are what make me well-rounded as a student and a member of my community.

How have you changed since you have been here?
I wasn't sure, so I asked the people that know me best - my parents. They were not surprised when I took on several leadership roles here at SU. But because Syracuse has so many things to offer, they noticed that I was volunteering for things that I was interested in, rather than choosing from a limited number of organizations and clubs I chose in high school. Because of this, they said I seemed more passionate and dedicated to what I am doing.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I plan on attending medical school. And post-medical school I would like to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders.