Syracuse University

By Justin Trimm

I love to make people laugh.  I am still an amateur at it, but it is what I’m passionate about. One of the main reasons I decided to come to Syracuse University was because I had found out it had a stand up comedy show, called Woo Hoo Comedy Hour. During my sophomore year I even became president of the group.

Coming to Syracuse University has transformed me from a shy kid with hardly any friends to a courageous man who chases his dreams with the support of many friends who believe in him. I’m a lifelong Syracuse resident, so once I graduate I intend on moving to NYC and traveling a lot more. My professional goals are to start my own business and become a professional comedian. In fact, my business idea stems from my love of comedy. I hope to start an organization that holds comedy competitions for high school students, where the winners get scholarships to help pay for college. A large portion of the ticket sales from these events would get donated to local schools in need of help.

Another other interesting fact about me is that I am an atheist. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is very hard for those of us who don’t believe in God, or have doubts, to be open about it in this religious society. Thankfully, Syracuse University has been an easy place to be openly atheist. I am a member of the student organization, Secular Student Alliance, which welcomes you, whether you are atheist, agnostic, or even religious. The group’s main goal is to promote a friendly community for those of us who are secular and might not feel as welcome out in the world. We try to show that despite what many people might think about secular people, that we are good people with morals even though many of us don’t necessarily believe in a God.

Syracuse University has been a great place for me to cultivate a lot of my interests and has helped make me who I am today. Once I graduate from college, I plan on spending my days making people laugh and touching hearts. I have been that sad lonely teenager and I personally know how those few laughs can change it all.