Leigh-Anne Barreira says, her primary reason for choosing Syracuse University was school pride. While a sophomore majoring in economics, she knew Syracuse University was her best choice when she first toured the University during an open house. “I saw all the students flaunting orange colors in whichever way possible, it just screamed that I should choose Syracuse University,” she says.

Barreira, of Prospect, Connecticut, says her favorite thing about the University is the continuous support and encouragement she receives from all over campus. “It seems as though everyone is rooting for each other’s success, whether it be from advisors, professors or peers,” she says.

Barreira says that the faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to help her achieve her goals. “When I approached my advisor about graduating a year early, he encouraged me and helped me plan out my entire schedule for the remainder of my time at SU,” she says.

She fondly speaks of Sue Casson, director of Career Development and Services in the College of Arts and Sciences, as having considerable influence on her.

“From the day I met her on the Stocks and Finances trip, she motivated everyone around her with her upbeat and positive attitude,” she says. “Had it not been for Sue, I don’t think I would have even found out about the internship I am pursuing this summer at Morgan Stanley in their operations division. Anytime I drop by Sue’s office she will always find a way to push me to better myself and my academic career.”

Barreira is also a member of Greek Life on campus as a sister of Alpha Phi. “Joining a sorority has brought me to meet amazing women with all different strengths that allows me to gain both social and professional connections,” she says.

She added that the best way to spend free time as a Syracuse student is to attend the sports games. Barreira says Syracuse athletics has an amazing way of bringing students together for a common goal of supporting their school.

Barreira also believes reaching out and helping the greater Syracuse community is a rewarding and a humbling way to spend free time. Barreira is currently interning at the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community service, where she helps manage the administration of Literacy Corps, including coordinating events, reaching out to other tutors and logging information.

“Through Literacy Corps, I have been able to go directly to a Syracuse City School, Roberts K-8, and work one-on-one with young students in various subjects to help impact literacy standards in the Syracuse community,” she said.

She’s formed connections with the students and teachers of various classrooms to understand the difficulties students face. “Seeing the students’ progress and seeing them excited about their own accomplishments throughout the year is by far one of the most rewarding things I have been a part of,” she said.