Student of the Month: Sydney Wingate

Meet Sydney Wingate, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month 

Hometown: Thomasville, North Carolina

Class: Senior

Major: Communication Media

Sample Courses:

• News Article Writing
• Digital Video Production
• Introduction to Film

Activities:

• Information Assistant, NC State Student Centers, Fall 2016
• Community Relations and Communication Intern, Greensboro Swarm (NBA D-League), Greensboro, North Carolina, Summer 2016
• Student Assistant, NC State Athletics, 2013-present
• Vice President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• University Ambassador
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences Student Ambassador
• Football Recruiting Intern, NC State Athletics, Fall 2015
• Orientation Leader, NC State New Student Programs, Summer 2014

Honors:

• Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship, 2013-present
• Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society
• W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society

Academic Goal: Considering graduate school in public relations and/or corporate communication. Envisions working in the athletic or entertainment industries.

What value did you find in your internship experiences?

I have always loved sports and also saw myself being involved with broadcast or print journalism.  My work with NC State Athletics and the Greensboro Swarm allowed me to see the business side of athletics and the overall bigger picture, which brings together what I have learned in my classeses about theory, analysis, writing and communication. The internships helped solidify my interest in the field.

What have been your favorite courses and what individuals have stood out for you?

One course would be TV Production with professor Jim Alchediak. He really made you think outside of the box, and the class was fun; you saw your work come to life. I also loved Social Psychology with Dr. Rupert Nacoste. He is a phenomenal instructor who challenges you and can truly command a room. Dr. Ryan Hurley, faculty adviser for Lambda Pi Eta, is a great person who has helped me to develop as a leader. And Sandy Stallings, a Department of Communication adviser who has now retired, was like a second mom to me.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

Realizing that I cannot make everyone happy. One’s individual well-being is also important, and it’s healthy to pay attention to it, even if you have to put yourself first sometimes.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Be open-minded and try not to set limits for yourself. At the same time, be realistic and develop an understanding of what you are able to do so you don’t get overwhelmed. I have met so many different people here, made wonderful friendships and created close bonds. College is a perfect place to explore who you are.