Finding Home Again: A Graduate Student’s Journey at Newhouse

Growing up in Rochester, New York, an hour west of Syracuse, I was most familiar with the city as a waypoint rather than a destination. Like many young adults eager to spread their wings, I chose to venture far from home for my undergraduate years. But life has a funny way of bringing us full circle—this time as graduate students at Newhouse, where many of us are discovering that sometimes going back means moving forward. Life does not end after you graduate from college.  

Experiences from current graduate students 

The graduate experience at Newhouse draws a diverse background of students, each with their own reason for choosing this path.

“You’re never too old to go back to school,” said Leah Harding, a public diplomacy and global communications student who spent nine years as a journalist in Doha, Qatar. Despite having an established career, Harding recognized that “pivoting my career and getting another degree would only help me in the future.” 

Her sentiments are echoed by peers from across the globe. Isabella (Bella) Biorac Haaja, a Fulbright scholar from Porvoo, Finland, was drawn to Newhouse’s unique program offerings.

“It’s really unique, and I don’t know if there’s another one like it,” she said, highlighting the school’s distinctive appeal even on an international scale. 

For Morristown, New Jersey, native and Syracuse University alumnus James Cunningham, the decision to return was personal; he came back for the professors and “to become a better leader in the communications world and diplomacy world,” he said.

Cunningham demonstrates how Newhouse continues to attract those seeking to deepen their expertise and leadership capabilities. His pursuits at Syracuse have led him to an interest in the world of nonprofit management, where the ability to communicate effectively is especially important.  

What is striking about the graduate student experience at Newhouse is how quickly it becomes home. The key, it seems, lies in embracing the community fully.  

Making the most of the Newhouse experience: insights from current students 

Current students emphasize the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities. As Haaja noted, “There are a lot more opportunities here than back home. I feel like I can do anything.”

She advocates for saying “yes” to everything, pointing out how reading emails and signing up for various activities has broadened her understanding of communications and revealed previously unknown career paths. She is now the vice president of the Newhouse Masters Association (NMA), leveraging her diverse background to help foster community and support her peers.  

Cunningham also advises, “Listen to your inner voice—everyone knows what they want to do but may not have the courage to act.”  

Harding perhaps best summarizes the Newhouse experience with her observation that “it’s only as meaningful as you make it.” While one could simply attend classes, the real value lies in full engagement with all that Newhouse has to offer.  

Whether it is utilizing the facilities, connecting with faculty, collaborating across disciplines or networking with alumni, each aspect contributes to an educational experience that prepares students for success in the ever-evolving communications industry. 

Life after undergrad 

What I have learned, and what many of my fellow graduate students echo, is that returning to school isn’t a step backward – it’s a deliberate move toward growth.  

Whether you are a local returning or coming from across the globe, Newhouse offers more than just education – it provides a chance to redefine your path while surrounded by others doing the same. Central New York is no longer just a geographical midpoint; it’s a moment in time where my life intersected with these people – each bringing their unique experiences, aspirations and perspectives.  

Here at Newhouse, we are not just pursuing advanced degrees; we are building new foundations, forging meaningful connections and discovering that this is where our next chapter begins.