Elyas A. Layachi ’27 thought he had his Syracuse University journey figured out the day he arrived on campus.

He planned to study aerospace engineering, but he soon realized that while engineering interested him, it wasn’t his passion.

After self-reflection and conversations with family, friends, professors and advisors, he decided to double major in mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences and inclusive adolescent education in the School of Education. It was a decision that opened the door to research, mentorship and leadership roles he never expected to pursue.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, Layachi will address the Class of 2030 as the New Student Convocation speaker inside the JMA Wireless Dome, encouraging the newest members of the Orange family to stay flexible in mapping out their path.

“I came into Syracuse University with absolute certainty about how the rest of my college journey would pan out, but I wish I gave myself more grace when it came to reconsidering that path,” Layachi says. “Once I let go of that certainty, I began to grow into the person I wanted to be from the start.”

Layachi grew into a leader, serving as vice president of the Muslim Students’ Association and a First Year Seminar peer leader, and as an Our Time Has Come Scholar and Renée Crown University Honors Program member. He also participated in the University’s first inclusive study abroad trip to Florence, Italy, served as an undergraduate research assistant for two faculty members and presented original research on virtual reality eye tracking at the American Educational Research Association.

SU Today caught up with Layachi to learn more about his favorite memories from his first year on campus and his advice to the new students in the Class of 2030.

1. He fell in love with the campus from the jump.

“I was drawn to Syracuse University by its size and diversity of majors. This is a beautiful campus that offers students a plethora of clubs, organizations and other ways to get involved outside of the classroom. After visiting the University for prospective student day, I was certain I wanted to commit here.”

2. A warm welcoming reception made him feel right at home.

“My memories from Move-In/Welcome Week are warm. I clearly remember the welcoming smiles from Goon Squad members as they helped me move in, meeting my roommate and floormates for the first time and attending events like the Y2K Party on the Quad. I was nervous, yet motivated and excited to meet new people and get acclimated to college life. Looking back, that first week set the tone for how welcomed and supported I’d continue to feel throughout my time at Syracuse University.”

3. He became his own best advocate.

“I realized that advocating for yourself and taking initiative are key to academic and personal success. Through research programs like Data Warriors and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement, I learned to apply research skills in education and gained a newfound passion for educational research. Looking back, Syracuse University gave me the opportunity and resources to pivot, find my footing and grow into the person I’d hoped to become.”

4. His passion for community service motivated his on-campus involvement.

“These experiences in the Syracuse University Literacy Corps, First Year Seminar, the Muslim Students’ Association and the Honors Program enabled me to grow as a person and explore my strengths and weaknesses in mentorship, research and public speaking. Being an active student leader on campus improves my leadership skills while letting me give back to the University and help positively impact the college experiences of other students.”

5. He wants to use his degrees to impact educational research and policymaking.

“Once I graduate, I plan to earn a master’s degree in an education field and teach secondary mathematics for at least five years. Further down the line, I hope to earn a doctorate in educational policy or a related field and build a career in educational research and policymaking.”

6. He intends to emphasize the importance of finding community on campus.

“I plan to call on students to be proactive and seek out community at Syracuse University, and I’ll share a personal story about a pivotal early moment that speaks to these themes.”