Arts and Sciences | First Generation | Lion VoicesNovember 04, 2024

First-Gen Staff Voices: Sydney Seegers

Written By: First-Generation Committee

The First-Generation Staff Spotlight for November 2024 features Sydney Seegers. She is a proud University of Arkansas – Fort Smith alumna and works as a program assistant for TRIO STEM Student Support Services (SSS).

Upon graduating in May 2023 with her bachelor’s degree in media communication with a minor in criminal justice, Seegers said it was an “opportunity to chase and achieve her dreams, be a role model for her younger sisters, and set new pathways for her family.”

Seegers is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication from Arkansas State University, where she attends online.

Her story showcases the impact of UAFS faculty and staff on their students. Many of whom Seegers had a personal connection with as a student, she now calls colleagues.

People like Rindy Crump, who was Seegers’ advisor during her first two years at UAFS, is now her boss. She works closely with Lacey Ruminer, who served as her advisor during her final two years at UAFS, Dr. John Bennett, and Yolanda Kilgore, who Seegers credits as “always helping come up with study plans” and “always there to listen and talk.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without all these people,” she said.

Others that came to mind included Seegers’ own first-generation mentor, Jason Byrd, and Lynette Thrower. However, a professor made the most significant impact on Seegers’ success.

“Dr. Nicki Stancil (associate professor and program director of media communication) is someone I greatly admire. She helped me grow as a person, in my academic work, and so much more,” Seegers said. “She was the professor who went above and beyond for me. I faced some hardships during my senior year, and she helped me in every way she could.”

As a first-generation student and a member of SSS during her undergraduate years, Seegers can relate to and assist her students and other first-generation students in a unique way.

“I truly understand what some of these students go through, and I can help them in the same way I was helped,” she said. “Being First-Generation makes my job so rewarding. I go home at the end of the day knowing my journey, hardships, wins, and identity of being first-gen is helping further students and making their college experience a little better and easier. No matter how big or small the impact is, I love giving back to students and this campus.”

Seegers will be a guest speaker at the upcoming November First-Gen Friday, hosted by UAFS, and will celebrate her story and those of other first-generation students. She shared that she wants the day to recognize the success of every first-generation student.

“No matter what you’re getting your degree in, you have the power of education and knowledge to change the world and be able to achieve your dreams and make your mark,” she said.

The UAFS November First-Gen Friday also coincides with National First-Generation Celebration Day. Seegers will speak from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, in the Weidman Conference Center located in the Pendergraft Health Sciences Building (HS133). The UAFS First-Generation Committee hosted a pre-celebration social on Monday, November 4.

• Tags:
• First Generation
• Staff
• TRIO SSS-STEM