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Give OnlineJennifer '26
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Photography, Video and Design
Orange Trivia: Studied abroad in Florence, Italy.
“To be Orange is to be passionate, and to use that passion to drive yourself forward to make an impact.”
Describe your Syracuse experience.
My Syracuse experience has been nothing short of a dream. It is such a complex and thrilling time because I am coming into young adulthood, and with it comes lots of challenges, but also so many joys. Freshman year, I was thrust into an entirely new environment, living away from home and the simple structure of adolescence, topped off with a difficult course load. I was terrified. But, by stepping out of the comfort zone that I had lived in for so long, I have formed some of the strongest relationships and made the most incredible memories that will stick with me forever. The experiences I have had at Syracuse have shaped me into a more knowledgeable and self-assured person than I was before. Now my life is measured in Orange Gamedays, smiles passed on the Quad and evenings spent laughing with my best friends on our porch.
How is ECS preparing you for your future career?
Being an engineer is far more than understanding how to apply formulas; it is being a good problem solver and coming up with creative solutions. At Syracuse, my professors are always pushing me to think like an engineer to overcome any issues I may be having, whether that be problems with code or understanding a gear assembly. I have learned much of the foundational principles necessary to work as an engineer, and I have also made personal growth to allow me to face challenges confidently. Everyone in Syracuse ECS wants you to succeed. I have gotten to know all my professors, advisors and even the administrators, which allows for a very personalized college experience. Though I found my internship externally, professional development events like the ECS career fair taught me valuable skills in networking.
How has your involvement with any organizations/extracurriculars impacted you?
One of the most fulfilling parts of my Syracuse experience is getting to be a part of so many wonderful campus organizations. I am a host on Z89 Radio on two different shows—a weekday talk show, as well as a Sunday morning music show. I honestly don’t know what I would do without the station as it has become so integral in my college experience. I have gained so much confidence since becoming a co-host in my freshman year to now leading shows. This past fall, we received a package with a heartfelt letter delivered to my Sunday morning show, thanking us for our positive energy and inspiring things we had to say. When you sit in a studio behind a microphone, you can often forget that there are actually people listening, and it was wonderful getting to learn about my impact on their lives and the way that radio can bring people together. I have also been so grateful to serve as the president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in which I have strived to build a sense of community. Through professional and social events, I was able to encourage people to come together and get to know one another outside of the classroom, and I plan to continue these events in the coming year. I want to leave a lasting impact, and I hope that the community that I foster will extend long past my time at Syracuse.
Why do you think giving is important?
Life is much too complicated to be going at it on your own. Everyone is more successful when we help one another. Giving is important because it opens doors to new opportunities that can truly help someone. There are so many people with passions and visions that can change the world, but so few with the resources to do so. Giving allows for more people to have access to the necessary resources to realize their potential, whether that be through scholarship or physical tools to supplement their education.
What does it mean to you to be Orange?
To be Orange is to believe in something greater than yourself. Once you step foot onto Syracuse’s campus, you become a part of the Orange family. This family is loud, and it is proud. To be Orange is to be passionate, and to use that passion to drive yourself forward to make an impact.