Senior Reflection: Sydney Smiley

When I first stepped onto Waynesburg’s campus, I had no idea where I was headed. I came in undecided—pulled toward history, curious about psychology, and honestly just intrigued by a little bit of everything. I was passionate, sure—but deep down, I was searching. Searching for a place where I could blend creativity with purpose. A place where I could be seen for who I was and who I was still becoming. What I didn’t know back then was that I would find all of that—and so much more—within the Department of Communication. That’s where I found my people, my passion, and ultimately, my purpose.

Choosing English (Professional Writing) as my major and pairing it with a Public Relations minor was easily one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me a place to write boldly, think critically, lead courageously—and more than anything, it gave me family. The Department of Communication and the Department of English became home, and the people inside it became the support system I never even knew I needed. I found lifelong friends in the classroom, at PRSSA meetings, and in the late nights spent chasing deadlines. Friends who challenged me, cheered for me, and stood beside me through it all. That’s the kind of gift you don’t take for granted.

Professionally, the growth I’ve had here is hard to even put into words. I went from unsure to unstoppable. From helping run Red Brick Communications—our nationally affiliated student-run firm—to serving as President of PRSSA and planning full campaigns for real clients, I truly lived and breathed the industry. One of the most defining moments for me was attending the PRSA ICON Conference in Anaheim, California. Sitting in rooms with professionals from across the country, learning, networking, representing Waynesburg—it was a full-circle moment. Under the California sun, it hit me: I belonged there. Everything I had worked for had been preparing me for this life, for this career I love.

But if you ask me what my favorite part of it all has been, it’s not the resume bullet points—it’s the heart behind it. The mentors who believed in me before I even believed in myself. The clients who trusted me. The classmates who became teammates, and the teammates who became family. Watching PRSSA grow from just six members to over twenty during my leadership wasn’t just a milestone—it was a legacy I’ll always be proud of.

Personally, Waynesburg taught me how to embrace every part of who I am.

I live with a rare visual condition called achromatopsia—meaning I see the world without color, and I experience light sensitivity that can make everyday life more challenging. It's something that could have made me feel small. But at Waynesburg, it never did. Here, I wasn’t defined by what made me different—I was seen for everything I brought to the table. My professors, my friends, my community—they treated my condition not as a limitation, but as just one of the many pieces that make me who I am. That kind of acceptance is rare, and it gave me the confidence to lead, to create, and to show up fully as myself. Through every high and low, my faith was my anchor. In moments of doubt, I turned to God. In moments of joy, I thanked Him. Every step of this journey has been a reflection of His grace and goodness.

After graduation, I’m moving to Pittsburgh to start a new chapter as an Assistant Manager and Event Coordinator at Kendra Scott—a role that lets me combine everything I love: creativity, communication, and building community. Beyond that, I dream of opening my own PR firm, working in high fashion branding, and writing novels that tell stories about resilience, identity, and hope. I want to build a life where storytelling stays at the center—because it always has been for me.

To anyone just starting out: you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. It’s okay to be a little lost. Explore. Ask the hard questions. Take the chances that scare you. Say yes even when you're unsure. Find the people who see you for everything you are and everything you could be—and hold onto them. The right community will change your life. I know because it changed mine.

If Waynesburg has taught me anything, it’s this: when you step out in faith, trust your voice, and surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams—you won’t just find success. You’ll find home.