5 Things to Know About New Student Convocation Speaker Andrea-Rose Oates ’26

Excitement. Nervousness. Optimism. Hope.

Andrea-Rose Oates ’26 can relate to the mix of feelings new students may face as they arrive at Syracuse University for Welcome Week.

It was only three years ago that Oates embarked on her own Orange journey as a dual major studying public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and policy studies in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Andrea-Rose Oates

On Thursday, Aug. 21, Oates will address the Class of 2029 inside the JMA Wireless Dome as the New Student Convocation speaker, sharing her insights about being a new student.

“I didn’t know what I was doing. But that’s the beauty of move-in. I was extremely nervous as most new students are, but I was also excited about the possibilities,” Oates says. “You’re about to step into this new chapter of your life and the University is there to help you get started.”

SU News caught up with Oates to learn more about her favorite memories from her first year on campus, her life-changing summer internship with NBCUniversal and her advice to the new students in the Class of 2029.

1. She made close friends on day one.

“I was blessed to live in Sadler Hall and my first year was truly the best year of my life. What makes Syracuse truly great is the people. I was fortunate to meet some of my very best friends on day one of college. I found my people, my Sadler family. We ate dinner together and hung out together and it made me feel at home. I met so many people who were from all different walks of life and that’s something I loved and appreciated.”

“I was fortunate to meet some of my very best friends on day one of college. I found my people, my Sadler family,” Oates says.

2. She found joy in her many Syracuse experiences.

“At the end of my freshman year, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We formed immediate friendships and bonds that made Syracuse feel even more like home. My advice is to find what makes you feel comfortable, what makes you feel like you’re at home. Find your people, your hobbies, your niche. That’s what makes your experience at Syracuse 20 times better because that’s where you find joy and can be the most authentic version of yourself.”

3. She focused on her own journey.

“I learned something new every month on campus, but my big three for when I was a freshman are the following:

1. Don’t compare your college experience to the experience your friends on campus or at other schools are having.
2. It’s OK to be alone. Learn to be comfortable when you have those moments when you’re by yourself on campus.
3. Your friends in college will change. It’s easy to meet friends on the first day and think these are your friends for the next four years. They could be, but we’re here for four years and it’s all about growing and meeting new people.”

4. She tells intentionally impactful stories.

“This is the internship I’ve wished for my whole life. To be at 30 Rock in the position I’m in has been a life-changing experience. I’m working for not only NBC 4 but the national NBC team and I wanted to be very intentional with how I approached this internship. Anytime I’m writing a story I want to make sure I’m not only delivering the most accurate coverage, but that I’m also appealing to the different types of audiences for the stories I’m writing.”

“This is the internship I’ve wished for my whole life,” Oates says.

5. She always embraces the small moments.

“My speech will have a lot of life lessons I’ve learned, including meeting new people, putting yourself out there and embracing life’s small moments. That’s something important I had to learn early on. College isn’t about the big moments; it’s about embracing those small moments and always being present, whether it’s dinner in the dining hall, studying in Bird Library with your friends or walking through the Schine [Student Center].”