With perpetual bad news, why shouldn’t I be pessimistic?
Abandoning all belief in America gets us absolutely nowhere, but on the other end of the spectrum, seeing bad news and wishing for betterment is equally futile. Read more »
Personal Essays
In college, finding love seems impossible. But putting yourself out there can help
It’s not easy to put yourself into an uncomfortable setting. But by doing so, you may end up finding the person who gives you a sense of newfound comfort. Read more »
Pre-med students need our support. The high suicide rates tell as much
To say that pre-medical culture at SU is competitive is an egregious minimization. The competition is merciless and seemingly never ending. Read more »
Black mothers, birthing people should not be dying in Onondaga
We need to raise the bar on what is acceptable maternity care. It is not fair that birthing people, especially Black people, have to go into labor on defense because they are chronically aware of what they are up against: a racist, ableist, xenophobic and profit-driven health care system. Read more »
Myths surrounding veteran students need to be deconstructed
Looking back, my decision to transfer to this university has been one of the best decisions of my life. With all the resources offered, SU has made student veterans feel comfortable and belonged. Read more »
I am a Republican, and I believe in a woman’s right to choose
Even though I am pro-choice, I still consider myself a Republican. I don’t need to subscribe to every concept or every policy. There’s room for nuance and disagreement even in my own thinking. Read more »
I don't regret taking a gap year. You should consider it
If school was an ‘open wound’ for me, taking a gap year was ‘stopping the bleeding. Read more »
With the Year of the Rabbit underway, keeping Lunar New Year traditions is important
Keeping these traditions alive is important to me, especially in a predominantly white institution. Read more »
InclusiveU student: How I rediscovered my passion for writing
Throughout my academic career, I have had to explain my disabilities more than once to people. I felt as if I was a broken record repeating my explanation to them. I wanted to share my work with people but there was a barrier that I was scared to break. Read more »
African American Studies Department's history reveals importance of student mobilization
I want to salute those students who fight to improve our environment, advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations and challenge institutional racism and injustice as seen during #NotAgainSU Read more »
Students in the United States need to pay more attention to global news
Since studying abroad in London, I have noticed that a lot of the locals I met have a much better understanding of foreign affairs than my peers and me. Read more »
Lockdown drills are a reminder of empty promises in the U.S.
In a lockdown drill, I want to feel as if coming home is likely. Sitting in a corner does not secure my safety. Read more »
The Seated Lincoln statue does not represent SU's current ethics
I believe Lincoln would want his statue removed, for these are the same values that he too admired. He would urge us to reconsider his position. Read more »
Since the murder of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian regime has only become more brutal
All we see in the news and in social media are the cycle of news of Iranian youth being shot dead on the streets, with more news of people mourning for them and some being shot while mourning. Read more »
Takeoff's death should be a catalyst for change within the Black community
With the death of Takeoff and many of the artists the Black community has lost within the last decade, there needs to be more people pushing the envelope of change. Read more »
The reality of being a woman of color with a learning disability at a PWI
During my sophomore year at Syracuse University, I noticed many facets of my identity that I had no choice but to quarrel with on a daily basis, especially as a Black woman with a learning disability at a predominately white institution. Read more »
Before studying abroad, it's important to learn how to navigate loneliness
Before I went abroad to London, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and nerves. I was terrified that I wouldn’t make friends, wouldn't like my classes, and would miss Syracuse and constantly feel like I was missing out. Read more »
Being Afro-Latina, it's difficult to affirm both my identifies
I was actively being discriminated against by my own people and the experience was devastating. After this experience, I felt as though the only way I could truly be Dominican was if I maintained proximity to whiteness at the expense of my Black identity. Read more »
The cycle of performative cultural celebrations needs to be put to rest
The university uses diversity to distance itself from its complicity in the subjugation of students of color on campus and in the surrounding community. Read more »
Coming out is not easy for anyone, but it can be life changing
While I can’t speak to everyone’s experiences, I can confidently say that coming out when I was ready was life changing. Read more »
It’s time to credit Black queer culture appropriately
By learning about ballroom, whether it's through Beyoncé ’s “Renaissance'' or a series like “Pose”, people can expose themselves to the hidden history and culture of Black and Brown communities. Read more »
Segregation in Syracuse’s school system needs to be acknowledged
While the governing body of Syracuse is not deliberately discriminating against Black communities living in low-income areas, the division resulting from the I-81 highway and the city’s lack of attention on the issue has caused segregation in schools even now. Read more »
Pakistan is facing one of its worst natural disasters and needs our help
Over the past two months, Pakistan has endured terrible natural disasters, starting with deadly flooding, which led to the demolishment of villages, hospitals and towns. Read more »
Middle Eastern students at Syracuse University need a physical space on campus
A university that has the resources and funds that SU does should be working to create a space or network to ease the connection of their Middle Eastern student population. Read more »
