An Open Letter to my Students (past & present)

 An Open Letter to my Students (past and present), 

As college athletics moves into its next rendition, I hope you know my intentions remain as they always have been… to see you, to appreciate you, to be grateful for you, and to be here for you. 

I see you. 

You battle in the weight room, compete hard in training, and bring it on game and match days – I see your grind.

Checking the time, hopping on your scooter to get across campus, and rushing to grab a bite to eat in between it all – I see your hustle. 

Watching you overcome challenges, find yourself, and establish your identity – I see your growth. 

I appreciate you. 

From stress fractures to dislocations to sprains and the unfortunate concussions – I appreciate your perseverance. 

The hours in study hall, meetings with your math tutor, and emails your professor to reschedule work you missed for travel – I appreciate your scholarship. 

Having hard conversations with your teammates, approaching coach about a redshirt year, and your closed door talks with me – I appreciate your vulnerability.

I am grateful for you.

The laughs, jokes, and banter you share in my office – I am grateful for your humor.

The pre-game fist bumps, the celebratory high fives, and the much-needed hugs – I am grateful for your love.

The lessons you teach me, the research we do together, and the problems we navigate – I am grateful for your wisdom. 

I am forever here for you.

Whether you were always in my office needing assistance or you only ever sent grades – I am here to support you. 

Whether you gave me lots of headaches or we shed a few tears together – I am here to help you.

Whether you’re still a Terp, a Terp alum, or were briefly a Terp – I am here to cheer for you.

The world feels like it's moving faster every day. At times, I feel overwhelmed with how much has changed since I started as your Academic Counselor, especially within the world of college athletics.

I hope you remember that your sport is what you do, not who you are. You are not defined by GPA, NIL Deals, or social media following. Nor are you all that you will become.

Above all, and no matter where life takes you, remember that

I see you,

I appreciate you,

I am grateful for you,

and I am forever here for you.

Love,

Sydney

Aka Syd, Ms. S, Syd the Kid, Frankenstein, Frank