The comforting, homey atmosphere in the small computer cluster of the Office of Supportive Services allowed the four students on the ‘Women on their Way to Success’ discussion panel to open up and share their ideas and thoughts Wednesday night.

The discussion, led by President of the OSS Student Advisory Board Dayanna Torres and Vice President of the OSS-SAB Edwin Suarez, gave Syracuse University seniors of color the chance to talk about their successes and accomplishments in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Two students came to listen to the panelists.

The discussion, which was open to all students, was held to acknowledge the female seniors who have been working hard to make their own history, Torres said.

‘We reflect a lot on the women who have been influential in the past, but we don’t often recognize those people we see every day and accomplish what they want to in college,’ Torres said. ‘So we decided to bring in some successful senior women who are influential now.’

Though the turnout consisted of just a handful of students, none of the panelists were shy about sharing their beliefs and ideas on topics ranging from those who have influenced them, to what success means to them.

Many of the panelists, including senior Zulay Olivo, named their parents as the most influential people in their lives.

‘My mother definitely inspired me to work hard in school,’ Olivo said. ‘Also, my dad taught me to become active in extracurricular activities, and that there is a social side of school as well.’

Other panelists expressed their opinions about the importance of family encouragement, but senior Jenet DeJesus also stressed the importance of inspiring oneself.

‘My mom was very persistent about education, but I also took the extra steps that I needed,’ DeJesus said. ‘You need to look out for yourself and pace yourself.’

The majority of the panel was spent talking about success. Each panelist was asked what success meant to them, and they all had similar answers.

‘Having success is being mentally, physically and spiritually balanced,’ said Sonya Pollard, a counselor of academic services in the Student Supportive Services program.

Olivo agreed with her fellow panelist and gave her own definition of success.

‘Success is about balance and is also when you inspire others,’ she said. ‘I wasn’t inspired in high school, but in college it changed.’

Panelists also stressed that being successful should not be about getting rich and famous, but rather about being happy.

‘I don’t think about success as being rich and famous,’ DeJesus said. ‘Sure, I want to be able to give my children the things they need, but basically doing what you like and being happy is being successful.’

Panelists also answered questions about the organizations they participate in and how they face obstacles. They finished with advice they would give to other students.

Yomaris Nunez, a senior and a dual major in international relations and Spanish literature, was recently accepted into a Harvard masters program, where she will study public policy. She offered advice to students who don’t know what they want to do.

‘Try different things, meet people and research things you may like,’ Nunez said. ‘Do internships, whether you like them or not. They are good learning experiences. Prioritize and focus on things that you feel are important. Surround yourself with good people.’

Senior LaShay Carr also offered advice based on her personal experiences.

‘Be happy doing what you are doing,’ Carr said. ‘Don’t regret anything, and have fun.’

Torres agreed and emphasized ‘being open to advice and criticism, while using your strengths to your advantage.’

More advice came from Pollard, who many of the panelists credit for teaching them a variety of life lessons.

‘Pursue what makes you happy. Go for what you like and enjoy,’ she said. ‘Don’t be afraid to reach out and get to know people. If you don’t feel like you have accomplished what you want or you are not happy, don’t feel like it is too late to back up and restart down another road.’

Published on March 29, 2006 at 12:00 pm