Sydney began her studies at San Francisco State University, where she was a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. After graduating, she spent several years working at Stanford University before discovering her passion for nursing and patient care.

She went on to earn her Master’s in Nursing from UCLA and now works as an ICU nurse at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, caring for patients and families during some of their most critical moments. In addition to her clinical role, she serves as a preceptor for new graduate nurses, helping them build confidence and develop their skills as they transition into practice. Her experience supporting new nurses has strengthened her passion for mentorship and her commitment to helping the next generation of healthcare professionals grow and succeed.

What do you wish someone would have told you when you were in high school?

I wish I had known that not every decision in high school carries as much weight as it feels like it does. You don’t need a perfect SAT or ACT score, and you don’t need to have your entire future mapped out at 17 or 18. It’s okay to choose a path and later realize you want something different. Your interests will evolve, your goals may change, and there is more than one way to build a life and a career you’re proud of. Give yourself permission to explore, change your mind, and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way.