Rely on others to help build your roadmap at Syracuse University

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I arrived at Syracuse University like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: with one suitcase and blinding optimism.

There are two key differences between Will Smith and I. Smith is from Philadelphia. I’m from Brooklyn. Secondly, Smith had Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil to guide him through his new world. I didn’t.

My family couldn’t move me in due to unforeseen circumstances, but that didn’t stop me. I did it myself.

I dragged my suitcase into Boland Hall, convinced I was ready for the bright lights of SU. Move-in day was my first time seeing my new home. I’d skipped the campus visit because I figured finding my way around couldn’t be that difficult. In hindsight, it probably would’ve been helpful to know where the academic buildings are before classes began.

In the elevators and hallways, I introduced myself to nearly everyone I passed. Part of it came from unshakable enthusiasm, part from wanting to make a good impression and the rest from survival instincts. If I was going to spend the next four years here, I figured I’d better start making friends.

When I finally reached my room, my roommate, Will, was blasting a self-produced beat. This was our first time meeting in person. I entered dancing, dragging my suitcase behind me, while he flicked his fingers to the beat. We both jumped around the room, excited, like kids. Will and I clicked immediately, beginning a friendship that would become a brotherhood.

For all my confidence, it took only a few minutes of unpacking to expose how unprepared I was.
I didn’t bring bed sheets.

Somehow, I thought college worked like a hotel, providing essentials like sheets, toothbrushes and toothpaste. I was very wrong.

I stood staring at my bare mattress, trying to figure out what to do. Will noticed the look on my face and reached into his closet, offering me extra bedding to borrow until I could buy my own.

Those sheets became my first reminder that although I’d arrived at college without a long-term plan, I wouldn’t have to navigate SU alone. We don’t all enter college with the same level of preparation, but we all must learn how to make this unfamiliar place our own.

This was only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I realized college came with an entire set of unwritten rules I’d never been taught.

Maintaining a social life required knowledge and money I didn’t have. Marshall Street and frat row were active during move-in week. While other students planned nights at Harry’s Bar, I was focused on my finances and figuring out how to afford life on campus. My friends and I still found ways to have fun on our floor, but I wondered if I was missing anything.

I was learning that even belonging seemed to come with a price. At least in New York City I could have fun even if I was broke.

I remember the first time I walked into CVS to buy the essentials I’d forgotten. The supplies that would’ve cost me $40 in Brooklyn ended up being $80 on University Hill. I was shocked.

I realized quickly that independence is expensive. It was also confusing and more humbling than I’d imagined. But each mistake also forced me to ask questions, seek help and become more resourceful.

I remember the first bursar charge appearing on my account. Then came another, and another. By the end of the semester, I was afraid an outstanding balance might prevent me from returning to SU.

Then, I found the TRIO Student Support Services office.

Craig Tucker, Director of SSS, listened as I explained that I was afraid I might not be able to return. Despite my panic, he stood still, silently absorbing my fear.

After I finished, there was a pause. The wrinkles in his concerned eyes shifted into a warm smile.

He assured me that everything would get figured out.

And it did.

Early sophomore year, I was admitted into the SSS program. A major financial burden was lifted from my shoulders. SSS gifted me significant financial support.

Staying enrolled allowed me to keep building my roadmap.

After receiving support from SSS, I found another community in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. brothers are known for significant achievements on campus, like becoming the third Black class marshal in SU history. My new brothers forced me to look at myself closely, knowing I wanted to be surrounded by successful people who looked like me. They saw a fire in the person I was becoming sophomore year. They challenged me to uphold my chapter’s standard and take my academics and future more seriously.

When I didn’t see my own potential, they did.

Over time, the student who arrived without bed sheets became a two-time Dean’s List student and an Our Time Has Come participant. But the greatest change wasn’t a title or an award. I understood SU well enough to tell a story about it.

During my junior year, I turned those lessons into “Underneath the Orange Sky,” a collection of poems tracing my path through Syracuse. The book is the foundation for Manifesto, an independent media company I began building from the ideas and experiences I developed at SU.

Writing the book allowed me to make sense of a university that once felt impossible to navigate and preserve what SU taught me for whoever might need it next.

None of it would’ve been possible had I not remained a student thanks to the help of others.

Looking back, I don’t remember my time at SU characterized by my mistakes. I remember it because every time I needed assistance, someone was there. People are eager to help you.

Will gave me bed sheets and friendship. Craig gave me a chance. My brothers and friends gave me belonging. Each person contributed to the plan I thought I was supposed to arrive with.

I came to SU with one suitcase, a book bag and blinding optimism. I will leave with a book, my own publication, a community and a roadmap.

If you’re arriving without a plan, don’t be discouraged. Ask questions. Accept help. Keep showing up.

One day, you’ll realize you’ve contributed to someone else’s roadmap.

Trayson Blain is a senior majoring in psychology. He can be reached at tblain@syr.edu.

Published on August 18, 2026 at 11:17 pm