For Sydney Cochran, a May 2025 PennWest graduate from North Versailles, Pennsylvania, the path to her college major was a natural progression of a lifelong passion. With a major in history and a minor in political science, Cochran's academic journey at PennWest was defined by a deep-seated love for the past and a burgeoning interest in shaping the future.

“I consider myself very lucky to have known early on what I wanted to study,” said Cochran, who is pictured above at left. “I’ve always had a deep love for history, and as a child, I would often ask my parents to take me to museums every Saturday. I wanted to pursue a field that had always fascinated me.”

Beyond the classroom, Cochran's time at PennWest was enriched by her extensive involvement in campus life. She was a prominent figure in Student Government, the Student Activities Board, SAI and Delta Zeta. These roles, she explains, were pivotal in her development.

“These experiences allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself, giving me a sense of purpose and belonging,” Cochran said. “They also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, helping me form lasting friendships and build personal connections with faculty and staff.”

Looking ahead, Cochran has a clear vision for her future. Her immediate goal is to complete her master's in legal studies at PennWest within the next year. Long-term, she aims to delve into the field of public policy and administration or pursue a law degree, leveraging her academic foundation and practical leadership experience.

Cochran credits several key mentors for shaping her PennWest experience. Melissa Dunn stands out as a particularly influential figure.

“She truly shaped my experience at Cal by always believing in me, even when I doubted myself,” she said, emphasizing Dunn's role in building her confidence and leadership abilities. “Missy is a strong woman who leads by example. I’m incredibly thankful for the impact she’s had on me.”

On a personal front, Cochran’s mother has been her lifelong closest mentor, instilling in her the principles of leading with dignity, strength and integrity.

Cochran firmly believes that her college experience has prepared her for the future far beyond just academics. Her leadership roles in campus organizations provided “valuable real-world experience that extended far beyond the classroom.” Managing teams, organizing events, handling budgets and navigating conflicts provided a practical education in communication, strategic planning and adaptability – skills she deems critical for her chosen career path. "I know that this experience will carry over into my future professional career," she said.

For incoming college students, Cochran offers a powerful piece of advice: “My biggest advice is to step out of your comfort zone and say ‘yes’ to the opportunities that are presented to you.”

She emphasizes that PennWest offers a wealth of resources and opportunities, but it's up to the individual to actively engage and make the most of them.

“College is truly what you make of it,” she concluded, urging students to embrace every experience and cherish their time at PennWest, as it “goes by way too fast.”