Meet Sydni!
Sydni has pursued opportunities that combine social work, community impact, and creativity throughout her time at USF.
Some of these opportunities include (in no particular order):
- BRIDGE Clinic- a student run 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic serving underrepresented and undocumented patients. As Social Work Program Director, Sydni gained direct patient care experience, working with an interdisciplinary medical team to collaboratively meet each patient’s needs.
- Project MABAS scholar program – this program provides financial and educational support to advance Syndi toward a career as a school social worker. Here, she learned evidence-based and inclusive practices for supporting children’s mental health, which she applied and will carry forward into her professional practice.
- Forging A Movement (FAM) – a dance club that serves as an outlet for creative expression. Through this close-knit club, Syndi found inspiration and personal growth by using movement to connect with music and the community around her.
Competencies Sydni identifies as essential to her success:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Professionalism
Throughout her time at USF, Sydni prepared for her job search by practicing her interviewing skills at the Center for Career and Professional Development. “The person that interviewed me provided me with great feedback and even offered me a job on the spot. Although I had to politely decline due to it not being in my career path, I was able to land the internship of my dream at Boston University.”
Recent accomplishments:
- Health and Equity Innovation Award winner – National CLARION Case Competition
- Graduate Research Symposium participant: “Visual Modeling Promotes Workplace Equity for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
- Best Taste and Food Presentation Award – Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPE) Day Competition hosted by USF Health
Syndi’s advice to USF students: “Try everything! Even if you want to go, but your friends choose not to, this experience at USF is yours to craft. You never know the types of people you will cross paths with and the relationships you can build if you try to experience something for yourself.”