Major: Chemical Engineering

Email: sereed@syr.edu

​

Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

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

I feel that in high school (especially starting in 10th grade), Shen teachers began to give you the responsibility for your learning and started to stray from hawking over due dates, missed assignments, etc. Since you are paying for your college education, professors will not care about you if you don’t care about their class. Make sure that you are intentional about your learning and seeking help when needed.

 

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

At Syracuse, one of the most appealing things about their College of Engineering and Computer Science is how approachable the faculty is. SU professors do not only want to help you academically succeed, but they also want you to be in their research labs, help you get involved in extracurriculars, etc. Open door policies for office hours will help you build connections with your professors. This will help you in applying to internships and further career opportunities when letters of recommendation are required.

​

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

Especially in engineering, online learning was difficult. My professors were not familiar with using online learning platforms, and it felt like the students were getting comfortable with the setup at the same time that professors were. Professors were lenient in adjusting the syllabus to make it more tolerable and manageable to reflect all of the effects of COVID-19 as the pandemic proceeded.

​

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

The delay in making the remainder of the semester virtual made it difficult for students to gauge how the semester would look. Since the announcement came out during spring break, students had most of their belongings still at school but could not return to retrieve these items. However, the university has established multiple teams and committees for more transparent communication and action going into the Fall 2020 semester.

​

Questions about Student Life

​

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

I am the program coordinator for Engineering Ambassadors, an outreach initiative that engages middle school students within the Syracuse City School District with hands-on STEM projects every Friday. This combined my passion for my major and outreach, and it also allows you to use what you learn in the classroom to help a younger generation learn about and enjoy STEM. There are multiple ChemE specific clubs (ChemCar, AIChE, etc.) but I found that extracurriculars are a great way to join a group of people with similar interests outside of your major.

​

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

You can find many things to do on the weekends on-campus at SU. Whether it’s going to sports games to fun activities at night with Orange After Dark to having a movie night with friends, the weekend is a great time to unwind from coursework and the rigor of the school week.

​

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

Yes, I am on the club volleyball team. Time management is HUGE in college in order to make sure you are completing assignments on time and still getting the college experience you desire to have. One of my secrets is a huge whiteboard calendar in my room so I can visually see how my day/week is looking and can begin to plan out how I can successfully go about the week.

​

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 do have an on-campus job, and it is common for students to have one. There are many different employment options for students and it depends on the interest of the student. However, most do not require much rigor or commitment and is a great way to earn money during the school year.

​

Extra Questions

​

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

Go to webinar sessions. Whether it’s led by professors or students, you’ll be able to get a little bit of insight into what your life might look like at SU. It is very difficult to have that type of confidence when you apply due to the lasting effects of COVID-19, but SU, as well as other college and universities, are trying to be as transparent as they can in a time as now.

​

What makes your college special to you?

The people. The communities I have been part of through my time as a student has been amazing and has pushed me to grow as a person. Since the population of SU is large and the campus is very compact, it is easy to find your groups of people.

​

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

I wish I knew more people in my major before I arrived at SU. Since we take all the same classes throughout college, it would be nice to be introduced to those people before starting my college career.

​

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

All freshmen will be in a double in an on-campus dorm. Most are recently renovated and are nice living spaces for your time as a first-year student. Syracuse University has implemented a new software that allows incoming students to easily connect with and find their future roommates.

​

How is the financial aid situation at your college?

This is college/school-dependent within the University, but for the most part they will award you based on your achievements in high school, so don’t underestimate your current coursework.

​

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

I am an Orientation Leader also so if you have any Syracuse-specific questions or anything you think I could help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out.

​

​