Pursuing Pre-Health Opportunities Through Nutrition

February 27, 2020

Sarah Koutana '20 (middle, 5th from right) with the Syracuse University Ambulance Squad (SUA). Photo courtesy of SUA. — Sarah Koutana ’20 (middle, 5th from right) with the Syracuse University Ambulance Squad (SUA). Photo courtesy of SUA.

Sarah Genevieve Koutana ’20 first knew she wanted to be a doctor at nine years old, when her mother gave her a human anatomy-themed coloring book. Born in Miami, FL to French parents and raised in both the U.S. and France, Sarah later developed an interest in nutrition and how diet influences one’s health. As a senior Nutrition Science major within Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Sarah plans to attend medical school next year. Read on as she describes her experience as a pre-health student at Syracuse!

Why Nutrition Science?
My family is not from the U.S., but when my parents and other relatives moved here, many developed health issues, including diabetes and stroke. Diet changes and food regulation differences are partly to blame. For example, many of the sugary cereals that are popular here are not on the market in France.

A fully operational test kitchen in Falk College offers nutrition and dietetics students hands-on experience in the classroom.

I believe that doctors are generally not as heavily trained in nutrition as the public would like them to be. When I started researching colleges and universities as a high school student, I knew I wanted to pursue medical school after college. And I also knew that I wanted to study nutrition.

I chose to attend Syracuse because of the strength of the Nutrition Science and Dietetics program. The curriculum allows me to take both a depth and breadth of required and elective classes, like Medical Nutrition Therapy, Addiction Studies and Nutritional Biochemistry, so I can focus on my interest in nutrition while also preparing for medical school.

Pre-Health Pathways at Syracuse
No matter your major at Syracuse, students can take full advantage of advising and resources from the Pre-Health Advising office, including the committee letter, which assists students applying to medical, dental, veterinary and other pre-health graduate programs.

I have also worked closely with advisors in the Nutrition Science program and have truly enjoyed the variety of courses and opportunities I’m able to access as a student in Falk. Nutrition as a major is flexible and many students in the program choose to have a double major. Classes like Anatomy and Abnormal Psychology helped me in preparing for the MCAT and will assist me in interacting with patients in the future. I now serve as a Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) tutor for Anatomy, which allows me to earn money and keep the material fresh in my mind for medical school.

Campus Involvement
Pre-health students are encouraged to get involved on campus – you can and should make time for activities you enjoy! One of my favorite organizations I am part of is the Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) squad. I didn’t have any training as an EMT when I first came to Syracuse, but after applying for SUA I received all the necessary training to respond to real-life medical emergencies. I’ve gained both friendships and clinical experience through my work with SUA and am grateful for the experience – not many universities have student-run ambulance squads!

As a McNair Scholar, I also participate in research on campus. This summer I worked with a nutrition faculty member to conduct data analysis on diet quality differences among children in the Syracuse Lead Study. I’m also involved in a sorority on campus and weightlift for fun at the Barnes Center. You can also often find me getting bubble tea on Marshall Street!

Advice for Prospective Students

Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is housed in White and McNaught Halls on Syracuse's main campus. — Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is housed in White and McNaught Halls on Syracuse’s main campus.

As a Falk College peer advisor, I love working with incoming students. I encourage prospective students to visit Syracuse on campus, if possible. Visiting campus and meeting with representatives from the Nutrition Science program is what helped me decide to apply Early Decision.

I also recommend all college students to take charge of your academic career and take advantage of the opportunities available to you on campus! Explore your interests and work closely with your advisors and tools available to you to make sure you are in the driver’s seat of your coursework and plan.

Bandier: Syracuse University’s Music Business Program

February 10, 2020

Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.

Did you know that one of Syracuse University’s smallest academic majors is also one of its most influential?

Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.

The Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries (Bandier, for short) within Syracuse’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications enrolls just 25-30 students each year, but is consistently ranked as one of the best schools for studying the music business. Graduates of the program go on to roles in a variety of careers, including A&R, media and public relations, music journalism, entertainment law, venue management and more!

Interested in learning more about the Bandier program? Take a look at these recent photos for a snapshot of what life is like for Bandier students!

The Bandier Program maintains close ties with industry executives and leaders across all areas where music and the media intersect and offers students the chance to learn from someone new each week through the David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series.
Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
Bandier students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the music business through programs like the Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester. The Bandier Program has a strong alumni network that works with students and faculty/staff regarding mentoring and assistance in finding internships and job opportunities!
Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.

The small nature of the Bandier Program means that students are provided with individual academic and professional guidance based on their interests. Students are required to hold at least three internships during their time at Syracuse, and many do so while studying abroad! Through experiences like these, Bandier students are exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences that prepare them for the ever-changing landscape of music business.

Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.

Despite the small and close-knit nature of the program, Bandier students also have resources of a large university at hand. Bandier students are actively involved on campus in a range of clubs and organizations, and many hold leadership roles in the college entertainment programming board, University Union.
University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.

A Bridge to a Dream Job via the School of Education

February 6, 2020

Kyle Zhen '20 and classmates at Brooklyn New School. — Kyle Zhen ’20 and classmates at Brooklyn New School during their Bridge to the City teaching experience (Photo courtesy of Kyle Zhen).

Inspired by his AP US History teacher, Brooklyn native Kyle Zhen ’20 knew he wanted to be a teacher when he arrived at Syracuse as a first-year student.

Now a senior about to apply for full-time teaching roles, Kyle looks back over his time at Syracuse and experience in the School of Education (SOE) with gratitude for all that he’s learned and confidence in his chosen career path. Read on to learn more about Kyle and what it’s like to be an SOE student at Syracuse!

Meet Kyle Zhen ‘20
Major: Inclusive Elementary and Special Education (Grades 1-6), B.S.
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Activities: Students of Sustainability, Asian Students in America (ASIA)

Choosing a major
I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher – someone who is there for students, considerate, compassionate and teaches kids to be great humans –when I entered Syracuse, so the Inclusive Elementary and Special Education major was a perfect fit.

Students walk in Huntington Hall. — The School of Education is housed in Huntington Hall.

As a first-generation college student, my family really values education. I want to be able to pass on that value to my students, too, so that regardless of their backgrounds, they have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and really love learning.

Cohort-based model
SOE classes are cohort-based, which means you take courses with the same group of students in your major. The cohort model is great because it’s easy to make friends and build connections, and to ask for and offer help from each other. It’s a really collaborative environment.

When you enter the School of Education, you meet with both peer and faculty advisors right away. Your peer advisor is a year or two older than you and can show you around and give you advice on classes. My faculty advisor was great to go to with questions and was quick to respond to me and point me in the right direction no matter what I needed.

Experiential education
As an SOE student, you are working in the classroom as soon as freshman year. From programs like Book Buddies, to observing teachers and teaching lessons in Syracuse City School District, there are countless opportunities to gain experience in the field.

Syracuse student working with children in Syracuse City School District.

With these experiences, plus student teaching, practicum work, in-school tutoring, and internships, SOE students log over 900 hours in the classroom by graduation. This is huge, because there is no better way to prepare for a career in education than time in the classroom.

Some of my favorite classes at Syracuse were my teaching methods classes where you learn how to really break down the content you are teaching and the methodology behind it. These classes allow you to really analyze and learn the best way to present material, like adding fractions, to third graders who have never been exposed to it before.

A Bridge to the City
When I was applying to college, one of main things that attracted me to Syracuse was the A Bridge to the City program, which allows education students to complete their semester of student teaching in New York City. Being from Brooklyn, I always knew I wanted to teach in an urban environment like the one I grew up in. I want to give back to my community and help make sure students from diverse backgrounds and immigrant communities have the opportunity to be successful.

Eight students from my cohort completed the Bridge to the City program with me this fall, and we lived together dorm-style at the 92^nd Street Y. It’s a great location because its right near Central Park and it’s close to museums and the subway. After being at different placement schools during the day, we could come back and use the gym and cook dinner together, as well as hang out and explore the city on weekends.

During the first seven weeks of the program, I taught 5^th grade at the Brooklyn New School PS 146 and during the second seven weeks I taught 3^rd grade at Midtown West School PS 212. I loved both of my placements – I got to make meaningful connections with students and teachers and my 5^th graders even invited me to their graduation at the end of the year! I loved the experience and would jump at the chance to teach full-time at either of my placement schools.

Advice for incoming students
My first piece of advice is to do your readings and homework! I recommend the 6^th floor of Bird Library or the comfy couches in Carnegie as two great spaces to study.

My second piece of advice to incoming education students is to reach out when you need help. School of Education prides itself on being a collaborative and supportive environment and professors (and your cohort!) are always willing to help and offer mentorship. So whether you’re struggling with a reading assignment or simply have a question or need advice – don’t be afraid to ask!

Top 20 Reasons to Apply to the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell in 2020 [Part 2 of 2]

February 3, 2020

Today I’m sharing reasons #11-20 of my two-part post: the Top 20 Reasons to Apply to the College of Arts & Sciences | Maxwell in 2020!

Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

If after reading Part Two, you still have questions – don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Admissions! We’re here to help you as you navigate your college research and application process. Reach us anytime at orange@syr.edu!

11. Unique Integrated Learning Majors
Syracuse’s signature Integrated Learning Majors (ILMs) in Forensic Science; Environment, Sustainability & Policy; Ethics; Energy & Its Impacts; Citizenship & Civic Engagement; and Neuroscience combine the academic coursework of traditional majors with professional training in an applied or multidisciplinary field. First created in 2010, ILMs, housed in A&S | Maxwell, offer students broad exposure to their field of choice and increased employability due to the versatile nature of these programs.

12. Liberal Arts Core
The College of Arts & Sciences is the home of liberal arts at Syracuse University. A&S faculty believe that education should do two essential things: help students master fundamental intellectual skills for communication and expression and develop broad perspectives on the world and human experience.

The Liberal Arts Core requirements ensure that all students in A&S take courses in writing, language, quantitative skills, humanities, social and natural science, and is part of what makes an A&S | Maxwell degree so meaningful. These skills also translate to success after Syracuse – written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team are three of the most-cited attributes employers look for in college graduates!

13. Tailored Career Advising
In addition to a university-wide Career Center, A&S | Maxwell students can take advantage of tailored career advising from in-house advisors that specialize in the liberal arts and sciences. Need help finding an internship or networking in your field? Starting to think about graduate school or obtaining a full-time job after graduation? Take advantage of resources like school-specific immersion trips, online networking and job platform Handshake, and annual career fairs with the assistance of our A&S | Maxwell advisors and feel confident in your path!

14. Support from the Dean’s Team
The A&S | Maxwell Dean’s Team is a group of undergraduate student ambassadors who will help you transition to Syracuse and answer any questions you have along the way. Members of the Dean’s Team are selected across diverse backgrounds, majors, and hometowns but they all have one thing in common: they bleed Orange! Dean’s Team ambassadors will be on hand to help you answer any questions you might have throughout the year, and even serve as mentors in first-year forums, the discussion-based courses required of all first-semester A&S | Maxwell students.

15. Discovery Program
Do you have the travel bug? Considering a gap year abroad? First-year students in A&S have the opportunity to study abroad during their first semester as a Syracuse University student through the Discovery Program. With locations in Florence, Italy; Madrid, Spain; or Strasbourg, France – you can scratch your itch to travel while earning Syracuse University credit alongside other Syracuse students.

16. Exciting Minors
A&S | Maxwell students are able to take advantage of any of the 100 minors at Syracuse University, no matter which school or college they are housed in! With unique options like Global Security Studies, Mindfulness & Contemplative Studies, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises, and much, much more, you’ll be sure to find a great option to complement your chosen course of study.

17. Power of A&S | Maxwell Alumni
With over 70,000 accomplished and engaged alumni worldwide, A&S | Maxwell students don’t have to look far to find connections that bleed Orange. With alumni events both on and off-campus, social networking programs like Handshake and the #hireorange initiative, it’s easy for A&S | Maxwell students to connect and share with Syracuse alumni from day one!

Syracuse University students on graduation day

18. Washington Semester Program
The Maxwell School’s Washington Semester Program allows undergraduate students to work and intern in the nation’s capital while earning Syracuse University credit. Students who participate in the Washington Semester Program gain first-hand experience in both international and domestic policy that sets them up for success pursuing careers in public service, public affairs, NGOs, media and business, and more!

19. Meaningful Community Service Opportunities
With resources like the Shaw Center and 20+ community service organizations at their fingertips, A&S | Maxwell students have countless opportunities to volunteer and make a difference during their time at Syracuse. During the 2019-20 academic year, Syracuse’s 150^th Anniversary, the campus community was even charged with completing 15,000 hours of community service in 150 days – which they met and exceeded! No matter the cause that is near and dear to your heart, you’ll be able to make a difference during your undergraduate career at Syracuse.

20. Ability to Take Academic Risks
With 60+ majors and 100+ minors to choose from and the ability to take classes across campus as part of the Liberal Arts Core, A&S | Maxwell students are encouraged to explore their academic interests and take learning risks. Want to dabble in economics? Interested in trying a new language or learning more about nutrition? You’ll have space to indulge your curiosities and under guided support from academic and career advisors.