lonely campus podcast

Amy Messersmith is one of two inaugural Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrative Fellows at Syracuse University. She is the Associate Director of Student Support Services (SSS) and works closely with the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). HEOP and SSS are two opportunity programs that serve undergraduates at SU, many who are first generation college students. Amy collaborated with a team of likeminded staff and faculty to create The SENSES Project in 2021, which is a student focused recording studio and podcasting program for HEOP and SSS students and their friends. If you want to share your story on the lonely campus podcast, please email Amy at akhoran@syr.edu.

Alyssa Sutherland is an undergraduate student studying Biology and Neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences. In fall 2021, Alyssa met lonely campus podcast host Amy Messersmith in FYS 101. In spring 2022, Alyssa recorded two podcasts focused on the experiences of women of color rushing Panhellenic sororities. Because these podcasts fit so squarely under the theme of Inclusion and Belonging, we're including them in the lonely campus podcast.

Episode 7 features Andrew Hooper, a transfer student studying Communication and Rhetorical Studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts who comes to Syracuse University from SUNY ESF and Onondaga Community College.In this podcast, Andrew opens up about his time in the United States Army and the transition from active duty to being medically retired. He shares his experiences navigating new environments and exploring various coping mechanisms and support systems as he navigates pressures related to the service and the transition to life after the service.

Episode 6 features Jalyss Agosto, a graduate student studying Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Newhouse. Jalyss is of Puerto Rican and Peruvian descent who was born in the Bronx but grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Jalyss comes to Syracuse from Westchester University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Media and Culture.

Jennalyn Williamson is a first year TRIO SSS student from New Hampshire enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences studying psychology and health humanities. Jennalyn talks openly about her attempts to find community her first year and the significant impact joining Kappa Alpha Theta sorority had on her college experience.

Episode 4 features Julian Barrios, a proud Posse Scholar from Miami, Florida studying film at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. Julian Barrios is a proud Posse Scholar from Miami, Florida. In this podcast, he talks about the vigorous selection process of becoming a Posse Scholar and how the program has supported his transition to Syracuse as a first year student. With openness and honestly, Julian talks about how he navigates the challenges of being a first generation college student of Hispanic descent at a predominantly white institution. He also shares how socioeconomic background has impacted his experience and strategies to navigate the financial pressures of student life. Overall, Julian's first year has been an overwhelming success and the Posse Scholars Program has played a significant role in his experience.

Episode 5 features Kendall Edwards, a Syracuse native who is a graduate student in Syracuse University's School of Education.

Nacy Woods is an alum of Syracuse University, Class of 2022. As an undergraduate student, she studied Public Relations in the SI Newhouse School of Public Communicaitons. Back in spring 2022, Nacy was the Panhellenic Council's Recruitment Chair.

Natalia Pedraza Natalia is a biochemistry and forensic science major. For the 2023-2024 school year she was a part of the Panhellenic Council as the Philanthropy Chair. She presided over all 13 chapter's Philanthropy Chairs and events and was the point of contact for all Philanthropy Chairs for any questions and to get their events approved. She also put on several of her own philanthropy events to support local organizations and communities outside of the university such as Boys and Girls club of Syracuse, PEACE Inc., Helping Hounds, Hendrick's Chapel Food Pantry, and Joseph's House Adopt-a -Family Holiday program.

Episode 1 features Nate Brown, a first year business student at Syracuse University from Rochester, New York. Nate talks about his journey to Syracuse University and his first few days on campus where he watched other students bonding around him but not necessarily with him. His story highlights the importance of geographical difference and how that can complicate they way students experience categories of difference, such as race. He also talks about the spaces where he’s found a sense of belonging as well as ideas to help students get to know one another in more meaningful ways.

Episode 3 features Nate LeForme, who is a transfer student studying philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. Nate grew up on Six Nations Territory in Ontario and currently lives on Seneca Territory. Nate talks openly about the positives and negatives of adjusting to life at Syracuse University. He describes the challenge of encountering unspoken assumptions and expectations during the first few weeks on campus, and where he found support to navigate this new environment. Whereas some students find the pace and culture of SU to be comfortable and familiar, other students learn the culture over time through observation and asking questions. Nate is now thriving at Syracuse, where he has successfully built meaningful friendships as well as a strong campus community.

Episode 5 features Rose Mostafa-Shoukry, an international graduate student from Egypt studying in the School of Education.

Episode 2 features Trinity Jennings-Pagan, a first year student from Staten Island, New York. Trinity talks about how she ended up at Syracuse University and her experience navigating SU's social landscape. She delves into her first few days on campus, when she realized that she was "seeing my people, but I'm not with my people." Trinity then details how she figured out how to make introductions and ended up creating some great memories and quality friendships.

Episode 5 features Weijun Zhang, an international graduate student from China studying in the School of Education.