lonely campus podcast | Episode 4: lonely campus podcast with Julian Barrios (Special Posse Edition)

Episode 4 features Julian Barrios, a first year student studying film in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University.  Julian is a proud Posse Scholar from Miami, Florida.  In this podcast, he talks about the vigorous selection process of becoming a Posse Scholar and how the program has supported his transition to Syracuse as a first year student.  With openness and honestly, Julian talks about how he navigates the challenges of being a first generation college student of Hispanic descent at a predominantly white institution.  He also shares how socioeconomic background has impacted his experience and strategies to navigate the financial pressures of student life.  Overall, Julian's first year has been an overwhelming success and the Posse Scholars Program has played a significant role in his experience.   A special thank you to the Intercultural Collective for being such gracious hosts to ODI's Pop-up Podcasting Studio.  Transcript available upon request. 

Creators & Guests

Host

Amy Messersmith

Amy Messersmith is one of two inaugural Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrative Fellows at Syracuse University. She is the Associate Director of Student Support Services (SSS) and works closely with the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). HEOP and SSS are two opportunity programs that serve undergraduates at SU, many who are first generation college students. Amy collaborated with a team of likeminded staff and faculty to create The SENSES Project in 2021, which is a student focused recording studio and podcasting program for HEOP and SSS students and their friends. If you want to share your story on the lonely campus podcast, please email Amy at [e-mail].

Guest

Julian Barrios

Episode 4 features Julian Barrios, a proud Posse Scholar from Miami, Florida studying film at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. Julian Barrios is a proud Posse Scholar from Miami, Florida. In this podcast, he talks about the vigorous selection process of becoming a Posse Scholar and how the program has supported his transition to Syracuse as a first year student. With openness and honestly, Julian talks about how he navigates the challenges of being a first generation college student of Hispanic descent at a predominantly white institution. He also shares how socioeconomic background has impacted his experience and strategies to navigate the financial pressures of student life. Overall, Julian's first year has been an overwhelming success and the Posse Scholars Program has played a significant role in his experience.

What is lonely campus podcast ?

Loneliness in the United States was declared an epidemic recently by the Surgeon General. Finding community on campus – especially post-pandemic – can be a challenge for students coming to college their first year. The purpose of the lonely campus podcast is to let students who are feeling lonely know that they are not alone, and features students who are willing to talk about experiencing loneliness. Students then share the steps they took to find their community and a sense of belonging. The podcast seeks to bring hope and reassurance to the listener, as well as provide concrete steps to take to find community. This podcast is sponsored by Syracuse University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion and produced by Amy Messersmith, an ODI Administrative Fellow.

Episode 4: lonely campus podcast with Julian Barrios (Special Posse Edition)

Mary Grace Almandrez 00:11
Hi, I'm Mary Grace Almandrez is the vice president for diversity and inclusion. Welcome to the lonely campus podcast as presented by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This show is hosted by our administrative fellow Amy Messersmith. And features students just like you who share stories about the challenges and triumphs that come with trying to find your place on Syracuse University's campus.

Amy Messersmith 00:42
Hi, everybody, this is Amy Messersmith. I'm one of the Associate Directors for H up and SSS, and I'm also one of the administrative fellows for the Office of Diversity Inclusion. And my proposed project is a pop up podcasting studio. And so it's September 29, we're in the intercultural collective and Chinese Student Center at Syracuse University. And I'm super excited to have popped up in the IIC and talking with one of our posse students. And so it is my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce Julian Barrios. Julian, welcome.

Julian Barrios 01:18
Thank you very much for having me. I'm very excited.

Amy Messersmith 01:21
Awesome. Do you mind giving us a little background in terms of just maybe your hometown major, what school you're in?

Julian Barrios 01:27
So um, I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Um, I went to a performing arts high school called New World School of the Arts. Um, and yeah, now I'm a freshman at Syracuse University, and I couldn't be happier. I'm a VPA. film major. So it's going great. Very

Amy Messersmith 01:44
cool. So just to give us a little background about how we got here, can you give us a little more about what the college decision process was like for you?

Julian Barrios 01:55
Yeah, for sure. Um, so I applied to around I like to say 15 schools. Um, so yeah, that was quite a bit. And I apply for each one with a film BPA major, sort of like movies, documentaries, that type of style of film, and that requires a portfolio. And each school requires different things. So that was definitely a lot. That pushed me a lot. I'll say that for sure. But, um,

Amy Messersmith 02:21
so what you have 15 different portfolios that you submitted to different school?

Julian Barrios 02:25
Yeah. So I yeah, I have one portfolio with like, all my projects, and I need to either make some new ones or cut some out whatever to submit to each individual school. So yeah, it was it was a lot. But um, yeah, I applied to Syracuse. I got into all my schools and what actually swayed it was the posse scholarship, the Posse Foundation Scholarship, which I'm, well, I'm so blessed to have, like, I cannot talk too good about it. Like, it's amazing. Um, so do you want to get into the process of posse? (Amy: Sure, yeah). Um, so Posse is a merit and leadership based scholarship. Um, they do to find out their policy scholars, they do things a little bit differently. Um, there's a series of daps, which is like, like a synonym for interviews, they have a series of three, I believe it was. So the first one is like a group interview. Second is a personal interview one on one. And the third is kind of like the first but now with like, a very limited group. Um, and then yeah, so for instance, they try to make you solve real world problems with like popsicle sticks and all that they'll put you into real world scenarios and see how you'd handle it. They want to see how you delegate groups and how you just handle being a leader. And it's not just like, I remember, like, people in the room being like, Oh, you're in my group, you're in my group, you're in my group, whatever it was, like, that's not that's not a leader. It's come on. But, yeah, they want to see how you handle conflict between like, if two opposing ideas as well. Um, so yeah, they have like some really cool and intricate ways. And all they do is just put a number on you, especially for that first interview, all they do is put a number on you. And they just have people walk around and watch you while like you, they give you scenarios and prompts and tasks, whatever. And they you think that they won't see you, but they see you It's really crazy. I don't know how they do it. But it was and it was It wasn't just like three of us, it was like a room of like 60 of us. So that was quite a bit. And then the depth to interview was a personal one on one interview asking questions about, you know, daily life, but then also like, you know, like, what does this mean to you? Um, and then the way it works is they pair you with a school. So the way it works for Miami, we have five different partner schools. And Syracuse is one of them. And Syracuse was the only one with the film program. So I really wanted to go to Syracuse. Um, and they match it for you, you can't choose. So it's by chance that I landed here. So I'm eternally grateful. But, um, so they paired me with syracuse, and then they were like, do you want to come into the next interview the third round and I was like, Yeah, As of course, so God, I was so happy. And then later that night I received a call. actually funny story. I'm sidetracking a bit, but they said that they would call us that night for between 7:45 and 9:45. Or excuse me, no seven or nine, seven or 9pm that night, and I didn't receive a call, I'd received nothing, because I was like, they're only going to call probably two people that like, you know, got it. And it 9:45 Hit and I'm like, dang, man, I didn't get it. 10:10 o'clock hits. Dang it. 10:10 10 Actually, I received a call my phone I freaked out. Hello. And they're like, oh, like, Julian, how are you? Like, how was it process today? And I was like, oh, man, like it was fun. Like, yeah, like it was everything I ever hoped for. Like, it was great experience, whatever. He was like, all right. He's like, You got a jacket. And I was like, What do you a jacket? Like, what does that have to I don't know, I don't have a jacket. He's like, alright, well, you gotta start packing it cuz you're gonna be going to Syracuse. And I was like, Oh, my gosh. So that was a that's a fun little story about it. Um, but yeah, it's a really cool scholarship. And it's also a network as well. So, um, I actually visited in April, and one of my friends has it, though, is a policy scholar as well, who just graduated as a senior last year, they had this thing called posse love, and just, it's just hospitality. And just, like when you share a bond with somebody, when you know, they're a posse scholar, so like, you're there for them. That's like your brother that's like your sister. So it's very nice. And then you also get to work like big corporations and all that. And just everyone. They're so friendly and nice. Like it's the best scholarship network I could have ever imagined.

Amy Messersmith 06:29
Its interesting because well, first of all, your story of waiting by the phone. Yes. For a phone call. And what a roller coaster? Yeah, kind of gone through. I'm sure. You know, mentally cycling through this process. You're gonna call they didn't call? Yeah. So my call they're definitely not calling you.

Julian Barrios 06:48
And it's a long process. It starts all the way in September, right when school starts. You're in your senior year. Yeah. Your senior year. It starts in September, like right when school is starting. And you find out December 2, I believe it is.

Amy Messersmith 07:02
You have to commit to finishing. Oh, yes. But then once you're there, once you're accepted, it's almost like an identity. Yes. It's a part of your identity. Yeah. Yeah.

Julian Barrios 07:13
I mean, it's also an early decision program as well. So like I was locked in since December, which, I mean, like, yeah, you can look at it as like, all I lose out on the whole, I get to choose my college and narrow it down, whatever and fight for money, whatever. But like, that's like an in the moment thing I've realized. But then again, like, I remember, everyone else was like trying to email for more money, whatever, like fighting for some more scholarship money. And I was just like, reviewing the Syracuse, like apparel catalog, and I was like, I'm good. Like, I'm settled. Don't worry. So that was definitely fun. But I'm so grateful.

Amy Messersmith 07:42
What a great program. So how big is your cohort here at Syracuse.

Julian Barrios 07:46
So um, posse brings in 10 students from Miami to Syracuse every year. Okay, so there are nine others excluding me?

Amy Messersmith 07:55
And did you guys kind of see each other through the process? And you kind of get to know each other? Or was it like, surprise, and you thought the other nine people? It'd be going to Syracuse.

Julian Barrios 08:06
Yeah, so how it works is the interviewing process is kind of random. Like some I remember some I've never I didn't see in the interview process, because they just weren't in my session. But then after they have this thing called PCT, their little workshops, where, you know, you challenge each other on like, topics about racism, what does it mean between sex and gender, so like, very heightened and intelligent conversations that you get out of it. And I think that they really helped, they really helped you make like, you know, more informed decisions here on campus, they just make you a better person, well rounded and like knowledge will never hurt you. So we spent all the way from then. So that was they started, I believe, in January, all the way up until we got here, um, a month into so I believe it was, August was one of our last ones. And then now we've continued them here on campus, once a week, but now they're more like little more facilitated with us. So like, for instance, later today, we're gonna go have dinner, all all 10 of us with our mentor, just to like, have a nice conversation and talk. So yeah, it definitely helps. And one of the reasons like the name posse, I forgot the name, but there was this one guy, I think it was a man who started the program. But he was like, dang, I could not have gone through college if it wasn't like for my posse, and that's more like an outdated term now, like people say, like, Oh, my posse is coming. But that's where like the term originates from. So it's just like always having a group there. Like, by your side, like, there's been times where I've been in my dorm like, Man, am I feeling like I'm not feeling too good. I'll call like, when my friend I'm gonna be like, Yo, you got to come into my room, whatever, like let's just hang out or something. I'm not doing that good. So you always have somebody there for you, which is so nice.

Amy Messersmith 09:40
I think that that is exactly what students need is a group of people who validates who they are, who they feel comfortable with, who they can rely on and in those moments of uncertainty or stress, or you know, a little bit of homesickness Yeah. You've got, you know, people that you can rely on and they're a soft place to land. For sure. That's pretty powerful. Posse is amazing.

Julian Barrios 10:09
I love it.

Amy Messersmith 10:11
Alright. So do you mind talking a little bit about what your experience was like coming to campus? Did you guys come together as a group? Or what was the moving orientation experience like for you here?

Julian Barrios 10:24
So I do know that some of my friends that are a part of posse did fly together. Um, I didn't I came last just because of money. It was cheaper to fly out later. Um, so yeah, I came in by myself. I had my mom moved me in with my sister, my dad, they all flew up with you. Yeah, it was very, it was very sweet. The family all came together, whatever. So it was nice as long as they had to leave without, you know. Um, so but it was nice. And my sister just graduated college as well. So like, it kind of it was like, once in ones out? No, but it was it was nice. It was it was very welcoming. I one of the reasons why like now that I chose, they're accused, but that I even would consider applying to in the first place was because of like, how nice you hear about like the student life here. And like how, how everyone is to each other and how everyone treats each other. Everyone's so friendly. Everyone's so nice. Um, so that's definitely one of the reasons why and then I saw that right when I got here. Nice. So it was very nice moving in.

Amy Messersmith 11:20
So like the Goon Squad helping you get your stuff up. Yeah.

Julian Barrios 11:23
Yeah, exactly. That was they were they were sweet. They, they were nice to throw away our boxes in the end too. And like they were like, kind of given me the lowdown a little bit like what's going on? So yeah, I was very nice. It was very easy. Like getting my key like, you know, you're like super shy walking up and your like “hi can i get my number room key” I was like so they were very combative. Like now to write like, how are you excited? What major Are you? So yeah, they made me feel very comfortable.

Amy Messersmith 11:46
It's, you know, moving in, there's, there's, it's not just a new situation and a new environment, but you're also dealing with tons and tons of people who are also emotionally heightened. And it's just, it's such an there's such a buzz in the air. And yeah, it definitely can be overwhelming. Yeah, but it sounds like you had a pretty relaxed move in Yeah. You know, productive move in. Yeah,

Julian Barrios 12:15
yeah. And then I'm also like, my room needs to be neat. Like, that's just how I am like, it's got to be clean. So that definitely helps with that, for sure.

Amy Messersmith 12:25
You know, I'm kind of curious. So I'm staff and I'm, you know, have an older generation, I went to school in the 90s. But it's interesting, the structure of residence halls has not changed. And so it's still you know, a hallway with students, usually two per room, like how are students getting to know each other in this day and age.

Julian Barrios 12:45
So, um, I think now with like, social media, it's just too easy to find out who's gonna be in your class. Like, I remember, we had a haven Hall, which is my residence hall, we had a haven Hall group chat, before I even got to campus. So it's just way too easy to find people now. Um, but still, like social media, like you still miss that like live that in person connection as well. So you find the way I have found my my group, my friends on my on my floor has been demoing with them, Hey, do you have like a plastic bag or something? Oh, hey, do you have some water, whatever. So like, that sort of like, oh, do I borrow something real quick? And then like, okay, whatever, like, oh, you can hang out on here next time. All right, and it will start playing video games, whatever, start talking hanging out. And then it turns into, like an actual friendship. So yeah, that's how I That's how I've seen it startup.

Amy Messersmith 13:34
So just like a functional justification to have an interaction.

Julian Barrios 13:39
Yes. And also it helps because it's a freshman sophomore dorm. It's not just freshmen like for instance Dane Flint are right um, so you also have sophomores that if you get lucky kind of understand your shoes and are willing to be like hey, like I get what you're going through so like I got you like let me know if you need anything like well my good neighbor my neighbor he's been he's been really helpful in my like navigating campus you bring up the lows and the highs whatever so that's also a blessing as well in disguise

Amy Messersmith 14:06
that's really cool. So are you in one of those floors that like you know, people's doors are open you walk down the hall and people are kind of bouncing from room to room or is it like a hotel where it's like you walk down the hall all the doors are closed you just go to your zone locket get in and shut the door. So

Julian Barrios 14:23
like ours they're almost always closed but there's like an open door policy as in you come in make your presence known is all all we ask and then all we like our little system is you can come in whenever you want with the doors lock is locked for a reason. So like if I'm napping I'll lock the door. Yeah. So yeah, that's been it's a nice little thing just like you know, your friends like come in. I'll be playing video games, whatever, friends or just people and we're just like hang out for a little bit or put like the game on. So yeah,

Amy Messersmith 14:52
Thats awesome. Just the whole floor interact with each other or is it like little pockets of

Julian Barrios 14:57
Yeah, it's a little it's little pockets like we Know who who like, who's down to hang out and all that. So we're, we've, we're figuring it out and we figured it out. So yeah

Amy Messersmith 15:07
Okay and how about the weekends? Are you one of the louder floors? Yeah, weekend?

Julian Barrios 15:12
I won't lie. Just a little bit. Yeah, just a little bit.

Amy Messersmith 15:17
It's so interesting. Some floors, like each floor has its own person. Yeah,

Julian Barrios 15:20
some floors are dead. Some floors are to to live. Right.

Amy Messersmith 15:25
Right. Interesting. So they don't house you with other posse students.

Julian Barrios 15:32
No, but you can't if you want to, okay, you can room with one of them. We were just like, under the impression like, let's disperse let's Well, we also can choose our residence halls, but we can't choose a roommate. Gotcha. Um, so but I know, I've talked to like some of my posse friends saying like, Yo, down the line, we should totally like, roomed together. Okay, so we've definitely talked about it. Um, but we also want to like, expand as much because, you know, they make their friends. I meet their friends, I make new friends, and they meet my friends.

Amy Messersmith 15:59
so you're not in this posse bubble? Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, we've

Julian Barrios 16:02
We’ve all talked about that we kind of want to avoid, like, just specifically hanging with each other. But we also don't want to forget about each other.

Amy Messersmith 16:06
That’s a really healthy outlook. And the fact that you guys actually had a discussion about Yeah, like, it's intentional. Yeah. You know, and so you don't have to go through that. Oh, they're hanging out with other people. Yeah, exactly. It's like, there's an understanding that, you know, we have, we'll see each other regularly if we want to expand our social circle. Yeah. Very cool. So Syracuse University is a pretty large private school. It's a PWI predominantly white institution, do you mind talking a little bit about your background and your identity and what your experience has been like, since you've been here?

Julian Barrios 16:42
Um so I, I'm from Miami, which is I'm glorified South American country. Now of a culturally it's a different world. Um, and, you know, being surrounded in that, being surrounded by that my whole life, like, I've been very, like, protected and shielded from the rest of us, you've been the majority. Exactly. I've never like really been a minority. Um, so that's been something so I'm Cuban Spanish. Um, so those are my two like ethnicities? Um, so yeah, Spanish is my first language. And, um, yeah, I've just, it's been, it's been different at Syracuse, um, a lot of the other policy members are also Hispanic. So, you know, like, keeping my culture alive. And like, my language, like, my biggest fear is losing my Spanish. So that's been definitely been a concern of mine. I will say that I'm very surprised at if you do look for like, if like, let's say, you come into Syracuse, you're like, dang, like, I'm really worried, like, I'm gonna lose my culture. If you look for it, I promise you, you'll find it. But you got to look for it. Because it took me a minute. It's like all of us a minute. But like, we're finding it, we're finding all of our like, you know, there's crazy organizations on campus about it as well. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion always will help out with anything. So it's just something you got to look for in You got to work for a little bit. But yeah, just got to make sure like, doesn't just drown out though.

Amy Messersmith 18:06
So you're saying that you have to be intentional and kind of do some research and identify pocket spaces or bugs that reflect your culture? (Julian: Yes). Did you have to, like, did somebody sit you down and tell you that or

Julian Barrios 18:23
so? And actually funny enough, and policy those PCTs they were like, We gotta let you guys though, this is a PWI is like, this is the first private school I've ever been to. I've gone to public schools my whole entire life. Um, so that's definitely something to, excuse me. Oh, that's definitely something to think about as well. And then, um, yeah, so they were like, you kind of giving us the lowdown like, you guys gotta understand, like, this is a different little bit of a different world. And it was something we were kind of expecting, like yo to New York, the northeast, there's not an abundance of Hispanic population over there. But then again, it's also nice, because we also don't have that crazy American culture backing down in Miami, right? So like, it's like, every now and then, but like, that's not the majority over there. Right. So seeing that, as that'll be something to relate to. And in North America, North East culture is also very different, that it's cool to see, like, sort of the different regions in the US and how about you like, geographically that also changes? So that's also cool to see.

Amy Messersmith 19:18
Definitely, there's, I mean, I mean, aside from the weather and you know, the you know, the trees and the different types of environmental things that you're gonna see they're definitely make you feel like you're in a different part of the country. There's no palm trees up here. Yeah, there's also there's also in different regions, like, you know, how we speak different phrases, the pace of our language. Yeah, you know, if we're in a rush all the time, or if we're pretty laid back, like all those things can be different depending on where you are in the US .

Julian Barrios 19:52
Like one of the funny things actually that I noticed and that was just like, it was just like my chance like I wasn't looking for, but for instance, and this is like very small but the Let's say you want to go somewhere in Maps right in, in Miami, the distances like isn't is not far and nothing in Miami is like actually far, but the traffic causes it. So like, somewhere that should be 10 minutes away is 20. But here, the distance as well as the miles are typically the same. So it's cool to see like, oh, it's not traffic, it's like the actual distance you're traveling as far. So that's definitely something to like to relate to, as well. Like, I hear somebody's like, oh, 60 miles away. I'm like, dang, that's like an hour car ride. So yeah, stuff like that is is something that they've taken note of.

Amy Messersmith 20:31
I remember I moved back to Syracuse, I was living in New York City for a little bit, and I moved back to Syracuse, and I was listening to the traffic report. And they say, you know, traffic's backed up on route 31. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes, you know, 10 minutes.

Julian Barrios 20:45
Whoa, yeah.

Amy Messersmith 20:49
So another thing that you had mentioned, in terms of, you know, being a student at ASU was the socio economic differences, because we're a private institution. And that's something that, you know, I don't know, if we talk about as much and so I think, you know, we want to be sensitive, obviously, as we talk about, but whatever you're comfortable sharing.

Julian Barrios 21:11
Yeah, of course. Um, so I grew up in like, a middle low class, excuse me. Excuse me, um, I grew up in a economically lower middle. Um, so that was definitely something to acknowledge before coming here. Um, so for instance, like, I've had conversations with my mom about, you know, coming to Syracuse, watch what you're spending, you know, taking into account, um, I've had to contribute into, like, you know, my college pricings as well. fundings. So that's something to acknowledge as well, because most people here don't have to do can't relate to that. So for instance, like, friends are going out? Hey, guys, I gotta hold back on this one. I can't. Yeah. So um, that is definitely just something to think about, you know, like, you don't go into campus thinking that everybody's paying, like, you know, the tuition here as well. So it's just something to like, acknowledged before you come. And at times, it can get you down a little bit like, they can oh, let's just take an Uber displace and eat over here. Because like, I can't do that. Yeah. So you'll you I've like missed out on something sometimes, and it doesn't feel the greatest, but like, then again, surround yourself with friends that make you feel good about it. So like, for instance, I'll never hold my friends back from going out and saying, like, Hey, I can't do that. But like, when you guys get back, let me know, hang out, or friends thing. All right, you know, you're right. Like, we've been going out pretty often. Let's Let's, uh, staying in on this one. So, stuff like that. But it's definitely something to be conscious about.

Amy Messersmith 22:36
Have you ever had to have those kinds of conversations?

Julian Barrios 22:39
It's less like having conversations with people because that mean for me, like, that doesn't bother me anymore. I've been surrounded my whole life. I'm used to it. Like I, I have, like, I know, like, my mom. And I'd have this joke where it's like, if like, spends a little too much sleep this week. It's like, alright, rice and eggs for the week. We're chilling. (Amy: which is deliciousby the way). Exactly. Um, so. So like that. I'm like, I've become accustomed to it. But like, more like, things I'll have to think about where it's like, people are saying, Oh, it's our hour, just get my dad pay for it. Like, I'll get my grandma to pay for it. It's like, alright. I've never heard that. Right. Um, so stuff like that. Like, you'll hear things sometimes. And it's like, oh, that's, I forgot. That's like a possibility for some people. Like, that's crazy to think about, like how you're saying, so people can just like, oh, this is like the remainder of your tuition, right? Let me just write a check real quick. And here you go. Like, that's crazy that some people can do that. Whatever not like, you know, like, budget a plan, like to get out, whatever. So just something to be conscious of before coming. And then making sure you're surrounding yourself with people who make you don't make you feel bad, right.

Amy Messersmith 23:41
100%. And then kind of making sure you don't get swept up into moving outside of your means. Exactly, you know, because I can I can understand how that could happen pretty easily. Like, oh, you know, FOMO like, Oh, I'm definitely going to exactly don't want to get left out. And so that's a really powerful, persuasive argument to go. But yeah, you know, to always kind of keep in mind what you what works for you. Yeah, I think it's important.

Julian Barrios 24:11
Yeah, and when I first got here, I was a little more like, Oh, we're going out to eat all right, let's go out to eat whatever. But like, I realized over time, and we've still we've been here for like, six weeks, so like, just under like, a month and a half, whatever. So like, still, I mean, I'm still learning, but definitely, like, you know, it was a period of time where I was like, Alright, let's go out. And like, I fell into the trap of just like, it's alright, like, it's okay. It'll work itself out. But like, you know, kind of understanding and like you said, talking to your friends kind of letting him know, hey, I, I can't do it. Like I fit like, what's the big zero? Like, there's nothing I can do. Right? Um, so yeah, just talking about it and being weary of it before you come.

Amy Messersmith 24:47
It's interesting, like, as we go through the academic year, like, spring break, you know, what, how people spend their spring breaks?

Julian Barrios 24:58
Yeah, that's also something like you mean people like, fall break is two days off we have making just a long weekend, and people are going back to their homes, going a little vacation. And I'm staying here. So, exactly. So, um, but then again, I do get, but it also helps in the sense of my mom, like said, I'm coming back for Thanksgiving break, and I I'm ecstatic about it. So like, I'm so happy that like I'm going so it kind of makes those moments just like a little bit nicer. It's like, Ah, yes, like now it's my turn. So it's nice, you got to like find little ways to like, see the light at the end of the tunnel in a way.

Amy Messersmith 25:34
Nice. I'm thinking about, you know, what the classroom experience has been here at SU. And I know we're only a couple of weeks into the semester, or like a third of the way through at this point. But whatever you feel like sharing in terms of what your experience has been like in the classes that you're taking, I'm not going to pick out a particular class at this point. How has it been being a student here?

Julian Barrios 25:55
Um, so far, I've been loving it. I mean, then again, so I have, I'm getting what's called a BFA, which is a bachelor in fine arts. So that differs from a BA in the sense of I don't take all those Gen Ed's I take specifically major based courses. So all my courses already first year are film related majors. The only genuine I take his one which is an English class, which I need to take for, like, you know, when I'm writing, like my film reports and all that. So I've been like very focused in my class, I guess, because they've all been things that I care about. It's all been filmed. There's no like math or science, whatever. But the nice thing about Syracuse is I could take it if I wanted to, right. So classes have been they've been going, they've been going good. The long lectures I've been staying, you know, in touch with the entire time even like, so we have some that are four hours. My Monday is 6:45 to 9:45pm. Yeah, so sometimes they can run late. And then like today, I had one from nine 9:30 And usually runs to 1:30. So

Amy Messersmith 26:51
how do you stay tuned in? What's your process?

Julian Barrios 26:56
The professor's are pretty lenient, in the sense of like, we get like two breaks in between maybe sometimes three is pretty like lenient, like Alright, how are we feeling? We want to keep going, we do want to hold for a little bit. But then again, I love film. So it's not something that I'm like, Oh, dang, like, I'm not locked in here. So the only like, when it becomes like, difficult subject matter, like when talking about like cameras, and like technicalities and all that, then I have sometimes I like, I'll be dozing off a little bit. But yeah, staying, staying locked in has been like a goal of mine as well. So I'm like starting off, it's much easier to stay on track and to get back on track. So that like added pressure there as well. Classes have all been they've all been developing good. Um, it's been very easy to meet with my counselor, and you sort of like structure my schedule pretty nicely. Um, so yeah, it's been nice. And then we have first year seminar as well, which is feels like Posse 2.0 like, it feels like the same thing I've done. But I've like Never had I couldn't have any complaints.

Amy Messersmith 27:51
Okay, FYS101 people tend to have opinions about that.

27:56
I have my I have my opinions. Um, I mean, it's, I totally understand why. And then, like I said, I did some research on like, why it is the way it is. But once you feel like you've been doing, you know, FIS since January till August till now, you feel like, like, I kind of got the ropes to this. But I get like the purpose of it. And I can totally see how like that would benefit someone who hasn't done who isn't part of Fauci right. And then I of course, I'm not like putting myself above it. I definitely can, you know, learn something from it as well. But yeah, I'm, I get I understand the message that they're sent trying to send with it. And I, I appreciate it because I'll never, you know, get mad at someone for fighting for me. Right. But then again, like speaking for me is also like a little, it's a little it's something it's something.

Amy Messersmith 28:44
Its a fine line to walk. Yeah. You know, to advocate versus speak for?

Julian Barrios 28:51
Yes, yeah, yeah I've like I'm very into that, like, sort of not controversial, but sort of, like puzzling questions. That's like, for instance, like, I don't know, if you've seen any of those videos where like, someone were like, you know, sombrero and like a poncho. And they'll be like, is this offends me and a bunch of people who aren't like Mexican, whatever, but like, yes, as offensive, whatever. And they go into like a very Mexican populated community. And I was like, man, you're looking great. You're looking fire. So like, everyone's down with it. So stuff like that, like, not that I signed for it one way or another. But I just think it's interesting. (Amy: And it can be more nuanced). Exactly. So like, I've always been under the impression that culture is something that needs to be shared. And you like you don't want to get keep culture. You want to spread that. So that that's why I'm not here to show you, here's my culture, but you can't touch it, right? So like stuff like that I'm really intrigued about especially when it's my culture. And so like people saying, oh, you can't do that to his culture. Well, it's like, what I thought I was deciding because now it's kind of like you're doing what you were saying you shouldn't do.

Amy Messersmith 29:51
We should totally do a podcast about cultural appropriation. Yeah. And like-

Julian Barrios 29:57
The different sides to it. Yeah, because it's Because the way I've always interpreted it, as long as you're not making a mockery of it, I have no problem. Because I mean, even then, like, you know, just spreading culture to so much, but like, between the food, the apparel, the instruments, like, it's amazing, like when I like some of my friends like who make music, they'll make beats with like, you know, like some Morocco's or like, like some Hispanic instruments, whatever. So, like, a home is like a little box that you sit on, and you play like drums, kind of like bongos and like, I'll hear that and their beats, and I'm like, Oh, my God, like, that makes me so happy. So that's just my, my opinion on it. So a class like FYS, um, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know really how I feel about it. But when it comes to like the team bonding aspect and all that and like the regardless of your culture, you need to be there for your classmates like Dad, I respect as

Amy Messersmith 30:51
You would be a great FYS101 peer leader.

Julian Barrios 30:56
I was thinking about it. Actually, I saw I saw their stand at the club fast thinking about it when my friends is one.

Amy Messersmith 31:01
You get paid to I mean, any any lead instructor that would have you as a peer leader would be very fortunate.

Julian Barrios 31:08
Aw thank you so much. I'd that's that'd be that'd be very nice. Actually, I probably think about that more, though. Yeah, for sure.

Amy Messersmith 31:16
The last thing I wanted to touch on just in general, was your experience with food hear about regional differences?

Julian Barrios 31:23
Yeah. Um, I will say, um, so I'm right, by Ernie Davis, which is like, depending on who you ask, that's known as like the dining hall on campus. So, um, I will say, I'm not vegetarian. So I have no, like dietary restrictions. I'm lactose intolerant, but I don't, like I still, I'll eat any dairy doesn't matter, I'll suffer the consequences later. That's a later problem. But so I have no dietary restrictions. For anyone who does like, it's still a really nice place, they have vegan options, the gluten free, they have, they also have some like, um, cultural sections, there's like, sometimes they have, it's almost like Chipotle styled in the corner. On some days, they have an Asian cultural section as well. And African culture section as well. So they've like they're very, they're very diverse with their food options. And then they have some things that are consistent. Like, for instance, the pizza is always there, the cereal is always there. Like no matter what time, so so far, I've been very appreciative of the food. I mean, like, I've never had something that like I just don't like, straight up. Um, but then again, if you do, that's okay. You just get someone else. And it's buffet style. So just choose what you like. And then somebody recommended, like trying things like sometimes like, there's something I won't even know how to pronounce the name of it. But I'll like put like a tiny bit on my, my plate just to try it. And if I don't like it, and I like it, but I'm not I've been very happy. And then I say my one thing is I need to sort of expand my horizons when it comes to dining hall. So there are a couple. Graham is one that I've heard is amazing. I've been there like twice. And that one's been really nice. (Amy: is that one up on the mount?). Yes. That one's really nice. I've been to short and then there are a couple more. So just trying to expand on them. Because you know whether they cook food differently, they just have different foods on different days. Stuff like that. I do want to try (Amy: before it gets cold). Exactly. Yeah, I'm not making any treacherous walks up to the mount when its cold. I'm good. Thank you.

Amy Messersmith 33:19
Anything else that you know, you want to throw out there just thinking about your experience. And I think it would be really great to like, sit down later in the semester just to see like, where you are now. Yeah. changed. Okay. Yeah. And now you kind of have this time capsule of like, yeah, what you were feeling like six weeks into your first semester, which is really cool, too. And I'm sure Posse is gonna be thrilled to hear about your experience. But what do you any other thoughts that you might have that I haven't we haven't touched on?

Julian Barrios 33:54
Id say for anyone that's like, you know, coming into Syracuse, or just thinking about college in general. Like, just trust yourself. And I know that's so generic, just like, let it happen. But like, and I'm so serious. When I say like, just relax, and everything is going to work itself out. It is a scary thing. You know, college is scary, but like you find your groups and it just, it just works. Like I go into the barne center where I play basketball for hours. And like, we like just the one like the one thing I'd sell Syracuse on, is like, the camaraderie that the whole student body has. It's so nice. Everyone's so sweet to each other. Like, everything just works out. People will fight for you. Like it's this has been like one of the nicest experience I've ever had. And I was so nervous. Whether I wouldn't get involved. I wouldn't like my classes. I wouldn't do this, I wouldn't do that, like this school. They help you out with what you want to do. So like I'm looking to pair film with, you know, either history or some type of marine biology or even like environmental studies, and they're so willing to help me on it like it's everything has been amazing. So whether it's student, faculty, staff If anybody someone's going to fight for you, everything will work out, you're not going to have no friends. It's like everything's going to work out. And then the last thing to leave like everybody on would be that there are some things you're not going to avoid. There are things that are going to happen at a university. That's just what happens when you go to like a big school, and that there are some things that a college can't see past. So if you hear a rep that oh, this school was a bunch of these types of kids are annoying people are like, you know, stuff like that, um, colleges can only see your resume, and they can only see what you turn in. So that's something that you can avoid, and you're not going to, by not going to a certain school, you're not going to avoid that, right? That they're also not like, oh, this Syracuse kid. No, it's, there's also just him or her them specifically. So there's some things you aren't gonna avoid. But that just varies from person to person.

Amy Messersmith 35:48
They can't weed out every

Julian Barrios 35:51
Exactly they can only do so much. It's still a school, so

Amy Messersmith 35:55
well. Thank you, Julian. This has been absolutely a pleasure. Thank you. Um, we should definitely do that cultural appropriation podcast. I will be back next weekend. I will be there. Sounds good. All right. Thank you, everybody. Bye bye.

Armando Martinez 36:21
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Lonely campus Podcast. I'm Armando Martinez, Director of inclusion and belonging. If you found this podcast helpful, let us know and feel free to share other ways you can make campus more welcoming and inclusive to all. Thank you