Syracuse Nostalgia
“College inspired me to think differently. It’s like no other time in your life.” – Larisa Oleynik
When my work travels brought me to Syracuse, New York, I was beyond excited. I wondered if I would have time to wander around my old college campus. As my counterpart, Cheryl, and I pulled into town, I felt a tingle of anticipation shoot through my body.
Syracuse is not what one would imagine as a destination location. But, the place is special to me. The four years I spent at Syracuse University will always be a part of me.
First up? After a long drive from our last meeting with a quick stopover in Canada, we hightailed it to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, my college favorite. Apparently, this little restaurant is well-known beyond a college girl’s memories. Cheryl had also eaten here upon recommendation.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was packed, just as I remembered, and we put our names in for a table. We ran into a colleague, who we chatted with. Off to our table we went, where we feasted on good, old-fashioned BBQ. If you are ever in the area, I definitely recommend this place.
After dinner, we meandered over to our hotel, the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. In 2016, the hotel had been restored to its original 1924 glory. I loved the Syracuse memorabilia throughout the beautiful building. As a bonus, there was a little Wizard of Oz exhibit. And, I got a good chuckle in the elevator, when faced with the following conversation:
- Two random guys: “Did you see the guy from Sons of Anarchy?”
- Me: “No.”
- Two guys: “Are you here with the guy from the show?”
- Me: “No.”
- Two guys: “Oh. We thought you were here to be part of the next episode.”
If you are looking for a hotel in the Syracuse area, the Marriott is a great choice.
The next day, we gave our presentation, I drove Cheryl through my old campus, I dropped her off at the airport, then I hightailed it back to Syracuse University to sit and ponder life.
I parked my rental car where the fraternities and sororities are located. I fondly remembered the crazy frat parties and my college friends, who wandered these streets with me. Everything looked the same, but nothing was the same. I was taking a step back in time. The friends I made in college were not there with me. The cute boys in my classes were not going to pop out of nowhere for spontaneous, flirty conversations. I was no longer a kid ready to conquer the world. I was a middle-aged adult, revisiting my youth, alone.
I wandered into the bookstore to see if there was anything I wanted. Maybe a Christmas ornament, a shirt, or a hat. I poked around quickly, before trucking up the hill to unleash my past.
I headed to the Hall of Languages, my favorite building on campus. Although I was always captivated by its majestic beauty, I realized I never truly appreciated how lucky I was to attend classes inside. I took more pictures of this iconic structure than I captured throughout my four years at college. Sigh.
I continued to meander around campus, admiring the amazing architecture I once knew as home. The feeling was surreal. My skin tingled with goose bumps, my lips curled with memories, and my eyes sparkled as I was transported back to my late teens/early 20s.
I noticed the artwork from my days was long gone, replaced with more relevant pieces. There were no familiar faces, just a younger generation getting ready to kick off their semester. Once I got my fill of exploring the magnificent buildings, I plopped myself on the quad to soak up the sun and let my mind drift down memory lane.
I reminisced about my first year at Syracuse. I would sit in my dorm room in Brewster Boland and gaze outside, watching the sunset. The playful colors on the horizon teased me, inviting me to fantasize about exploring and conquering the great, big world I spied.
I watched the students as they passed by. I wondered if they realized how lucky they were to be surrounded by such magnificent architecture, academic greatness, and freedom. I realized I had been oblivious to how fortunate I had been. As a student, a prestigious college was just the next step, and SU was something I earned. As an adult, I realized not everyone was given the same opportunity I had taken for granted. I was full of gratitude.
I thought about my childhood dreams and fantasies. College was my last bubble before I entered a world of deadlines and responsibility. My biggest concerns revolved around exams, papers, and cute boys. Had my life morphed into what I expected? Was I still the bright-eyed girl ready to jump into the bright colors of the sky?
Yes, and no. Those colors ignited a passion deep within, which drove me to all parts of the world. I became more open-minded, and I developed a curiosity I continue to appease. Some of my dreams have morphed, while others have not come to fruition – yet. I was reminded of how fearless and relentless I was when I wanted something. In this moment, I might not have everything I want. I have had moments of weakness, and I have fallen. I have risen. I have lost confidence, and then remembered who I was. As I lounged on my old quad, I knew I was still blessed with many gifts to create the life I want.
Before leaving, I went to M Street. In my days, this was a strip of bars, restaurants, and shops. I remembered slipping into the famous 44’s long before my 21st birthday. I loved Flip Night and Senior Sundays at Faegan’s. My heart grew heavy as I saw these places had dissolved in time. The conversation I had with SU friends haunted me. They had warned me the social scene had changed. Where we once flooded M Street, the current students hang in downtown. I was happy I lived in a more innocent time, where surprise encounters were just around the corner and life was fueled with spontaneity. Life before social media and less technical connectivity fostered more organic experiences.
I left with a tear in my eye, a grateful heart, and determination. I knew Syracuse had forever shaped who I am. The people I met challenged me. My professors developed my intellectual curiosity. My study abroad fueled my pursuit of freedom. I will forever love my college years.
