Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter here.

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........

© The Daily Orange