Eliza C.
If you’re reading this, you’re never too cool to care.
It’s week four of my senior year of college, and time is flying. My years at Syracuse have been nothing short of transformative, each one filled with lessons, growth, and memories. This past month, though, has stood out as the best and brightest of them all. For a while, I couldn’t quite figure out why — until the other night when I was walking home from the bar with a friend. We were laughing so loudly that probably all of Marshall Street could hear us.
This stroll home reminded me of where I came from. My dad is the guy who sings at the top of his lungs in Fenway Park and cries at insurance commercials. My mom paints bold, vibrant murals around the world and never ends a phone call without saying “I love you.” My brother dances like nobody’s watching at weddings, and is always his friends’ biggest hype man on the golf course or at work. My family loves loudly. We express our gratitude openly and often.
For a long time, I struggled to do the same. Freshman year — and even into sophomore year in my sorority house — I had a hard time finding my people. I tried to mold myself into every group I met, even when I didn’t quite fit. I wanted friendships filled with love, joy, and enthusiasm, but sometimes they just weren’t. My anxiety was suffocating at times. I found myself overthinking every word and replaying every interaction. I worried that caring too much made me “too much.”
This fear of mine lingered longer than I’d like to admit. But slowly, I found people who saw me. People who matched my energy, laughed just as hard as me, and reminded me that my big heart wasn’t something to shrink. To my dear friends, old and new: thank you for the hugs, the laughter, the dancing, and the sentimental conversations. Thank you for never letting me apologize for caring deeply.
It’s become clear to me now that you will never be too much for the right people. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is something to be celebrated.
I came across a quote recently that said, “Life is too short to play it cool or be nonchalant about anything.” I think that perfectly sums up why this past month has felt different. I’ve spent less time overanalyzing my interactions and more time living joyfully: connecting, laughing, and expressing my gratitude for the people around me.
These days, I’m saying “thank you” more often. I tell people I love them when I feel it. And yes, my roommates probably roll their eyes when I stop mid-conversation to say, “I’m just so grateful to be here in this moment with all of you.” But I definitely don’t plan on stopping.
Because when you start showing up fully without fear and without shame, life feels a whole lot lighter, new friends come your way, and the universe loves you back.
Eliza C., Syracuse University
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