Major: Inclusive Elementary and Special Education

Minor: Disability Studies

Email: brhart@syr.edu

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

My classes were very difficult as I had to uncover so much of the implicit biases I held as a result of my upbringing and my experiences at Shen. At Shen, I was in accelerated, AP, honors, etc. courses from fifth grade and on. In my major however, we discuss the problems with separating students from one another, leaving students without the opportunity to grow socially, academically, and emotionally from all of their peers. I also feel that I missed out on so many different perspectives on the world as I question still to this day the diversity and cultural relevance we were taught at Shen. You almost have to seek it out yourself.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

I am a huge advocate for the curriculum of the education program at SU. It is very strong-held in its values and capitalizes on field experiences. When I graduate, I will have been placed in 5 different schools for field experiences. Of course, SU does not come without problems. A large institutional issue we are currently conquering, in touch with current social issues, is the treatment of BIPOC peoples and inclusive natures of courses, buildings, professors, etc (check out @notagainsu on instagram for threads of issues we have been addressing on campus).

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

My experiences made me feel as though SU personally did not do a ton and left a lot of responsibility up to the professors and TAs. It really came down to the structure of the class and individual teaching it. I had some teachers that were very understanding, switched the curriculum, and edited the intentions for finals. On the other hand, I had teachers that really acted as if our new reality did not impede our ability to learn. SU did purchase Zoom for every student on campus which was helpful and sent out online learning tips multiple times a week.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

The current administration is notorious for lacking transparency with the students. However, I feel like the situation was so uncertain that they did try to keep us in the loop and shared possible situations to the campus. I do not know about any financial support, dorm life, or pay for the university workers. Looking forward to the fall, the university has been very avid on having students back on campus and is altering our course times, days, and online/ in-person aspects to ensure this as a possibility.

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Questions about Student Life

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If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

I am currently secretary of the Alpha Iota Delta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the education professional fraternity on campus. It is relatively new, and with that said we are really focusing on building it up... by the time you get here I hope it withholds a larger presence on campus. Besides this, Inclusive U is a great program to look into, along with Literacy Crops, and even peer tutoring. The major is very time consuming so unless you are a grade A at multi-tasking, you will not have time for everything necessarily.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Syracuse is decently known for being a large party school, but I am biased as I am a bartender at one of the campus bars. Going to the bars, frat parties, house parties, and especially tailgates are all big nightlife activities. If you are into sports, you will love going to any sporting event in the Dome. However, if that is not your interest, Syracuse is a city with many options and places to explore. Buses from the university run downtown where you can do and eat just about anything. There are state parks, the canal, parks, etc. all around Syracuse (oh and a huge mall, Destiny USA).

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I was on the orange cheerleading team at SU for 3 years, and was a captain my last year. I think the most difficult part about balancing school and cheer was my major as I had to be in schools for long periods of time multiple times a week. Honestly there are times I did not balance it well, and two concussions my junior year ultimately cued to me that I needed to dedicate all of my time to my major. I had to be extremely organized, communicative, and engaged in everything I did to ensure both interests could co-exist.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

I am a bartender at an on-campus bar 2-3 times a week on the weekends. Many students do have jobs, a lot of them tend to be through the university. For my major and cheerleading, my only available time was at night, hence my decision to work at a bar. This job is hard and tiring, but I am grateful I have had this opportunity as I have met the most amazing people and had the most fun at this bar.

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Extra Questions

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What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

If you have the smallest inkling you could like a school or have a slightest interest at all, apply. I had zero intentions of going to Cuse and was sure I would not be in New York. I am confident in saying this is exactly where I was meant to be and I feel at home. Look into the programs you are applying to, compare them, and look into what students, student organizations, and the school newspaper are saying is going on at the campus! The admissions office is always biased and will not give you the whole picture.

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What makes your college special to you?

It is a combination of everything I love. A city, sports, forward-thinking education perspectives, people that push me, and (as silly as this sounds) problems! I feel like college is an opportunity to truly become the person you want to be. Figuring out how to fight for things I care about, having my ideals challenged, and seeing what matters to me versus my peers is the biggest takeaway I have from SU at the moment.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

Just how progressive the education program is. Also, the honors program that exists at SU and what it fully entails (I am in this college as well if you have questions about it reach out).

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I have lived off campus since my junior year ( you have to live on campus the first 2 years at SU). Facebook was how a lot of students found their roommates. I personally went random and now love my roommate from freshmen year. There are also learning communities you can live within based off of various interests, identities, etc. I lived in the honors living community through the Renee Crown Honors Program.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

I have a scholarship from Syracuse due to my grades in high school and throughout college. It is through the school of education. I did not get any financial assistance through cheerleading. Any opportunities for those scholarships are financial aid based.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

Significant social movements and injustices have happened every year I have attended SU, as well as of everyday injustices that pass due to SU being a predominantly white institution built on non-inclusive ideals. I do enjoy going to Syracuse and believe the problems we have currently on campus exist within larger institutions within our society (which does not excuse the existence of these issues). However, I acknowledge I am saying this as a cis-gendered, able-bodied, straight, white female and other SU students may have different opinions. I know these experiences have been traumatizing for many students and faculty and have the potential to be for future students as well. I really urge you to look into current events at the schools you are applying to prior to committing.

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