It's winding down to the end of March Madness this year and, believe it or not, the Syracuse Orange made an appearance in the Final Four. Everyone, except us true Syracuse natives, pushed Syracuse aside from the beginning saying that they shouldn't even be in the tournament. If this year's March Madness has taught me anything, it's that having Syracuse hometown pride is something to be proud of.
Being a part of a small city with a big college is quite the experience. Everyone walks around constantly sporting orange and blue. Syracuse fans are die-hards and I would not want it any other way. Being at college makes me miss my hometown scene and all fellow hometown friends can agree that as much as we may love college, there's always going to be something that keeps our hearts at home. Whether it be the smell of Dinosaur BBQ from down the street, Armory Square on a Friday night or breakfast at Bruegger's with the family, the community keeps us coming back.
For a town that many complain has nothing fun to do, is so much fun. All natives can agree you have not lived until you have made at least one Dome appearance. The concerts are great there, but you absolutely have to experience a Syracuse orange basketball or football game in the Dome. It is an experience like no other and makes it easy to call home. The Dome is where the heart is.
Along with the Dome, the Syracuse campus is always a fun place to hang out. Marshall Street is the hot spot for a "free last period" high schooler looking to grab something to eat when getting an early dismissal. There's nothing quite like hanging on SU campus when you're in high school and just trying to blend in.
Collectively, Syracuse is the heart of a bigger community. It brings people together from all towns and because of that, so many people are friends have friends in other towns. It is not a surprise to see almost every person you know on a Friday night downtown at Mully's or maybe spending a Saturday afternoon checking out the Sound Garden. I love that Syracuse has brought me closer to so many people and although I never went to school there, I still carry my SU pride with me everywhere I go...Go 'Cuse!
