Dear Editor,

You won’t appreciate how special Syracuse is until you see the end in sight.

Right now, you’re in your open double sitting across from your roommate from Long Island — Suffolk, not Nassau — trying to form a connection. Your door is open, praying for new friends to stumble in so you guys can figure out “college” together. And in this moment of uncertainty, you’re wondering if you’ve made the right decision. Well don’t worry — you have. Education isn’t just about academics, it’s about growth.

Growing up means becoming a better version of yourself, one that can go out into the “real world” and make active change. You guys may not realize it yet, but you are about to embark on a four — maybe five year journey that will help you evolve in ways that you never knew you could.

You’re going to meet friends that will turn into the family you never thought you needed. You’re going to take classes that are going to challenge every fact you thought you knew. You’re going to join clubs and organizations that you always dreamed of and unlock the inner confidence that you always wanted to have.

But in the moment, you won’t realize it’s happening. Right now you’re thinking about the ratio you need to get into that one sketchy party on Ackerman that you heard about from the kid on your floor who claims he knows a guy — or you’re thinking about walking Euclid with a kid they call “the Wolfman” searching for the nearest party.

It’s easy to lose sight of not only what you came for, but also how much of a privilege it is to be where you are. At an institution that has produced alumni from former Vice President Joe Biden to future President Angie Pati.

Never forget how lucky you are. Make the most of every opportunity. Join every club that sparks your interest. Take intro to video game psychology, because why not? Challenge yourself and break boundaries. Don’t conform because yes, in the moment it’s life or death, but when you graduate it all becomes fun memories. These memories will stay with you for a lifetime. Welcome, Class of 2022. Be proud to bleed orange until the day you die — I know I am.

Sincerely,

Oberima Yaw Afriyie-Baah

2018 Syracuse University Graduate

Published on August 26, 2018 at 6:02 pm