When she passes through the Natali Student Center, she hopes students see someone they can approach. “I hope somebody finds me relatable and welcoming and fun,” says legal studies grad student and two-term SGA president Sydney Cochran. “Life is too short to not have fun.”

That lightness is rooted in grit. Sydney arrived from a small high school wanting something “affordable, close to home, and somewhere that you’re not just a number—you’re a name.” She jumped into student life immediately. “The first organization I joined was student government. I was a very shy freshman,” she admits. Early on, two campus leaders—Missy Dunn and Derek Harshberger—became steady mentors who encouraged her to step up. With their guidance, she ran for corresponding secretary and, eventually, president. “It’s really given me a voice,” she says. “You go from not knowing anyone… to you know everyone. You have a voice.”

Last year tested that voice. Moving from secretary to president meant learning the inner workings and managing change. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “But I learned how the organization runs, and now I want to use that to grow membership and get our senators excited.” This year’s priorities include rebuilding a leadership pipeline after key seniors graduated, making the most of the new common hour to keep campus vibrant, and “outdoing” last year’s Student Appreciation Week. She’s also eager to sample every new dining option: “If anyone has recommendations, I will definitely put forth my opinion because I will be eating at all of them.”

Leadership, for Sydney, is personal. Her model is her mom, a former lieutenant colonel. “She’s a workaholic… very dedicated. You’ll find me doing SGA work at two in the morning because I love it.” That same energy shows up outside SGA, where she balances shifts at Bath & Body Works with experience at a legal consulting firm. “Work-life balance” isn’t a buzzword; it’s a skill she practices daily—alongside a Starbucks habit that makes her easy to find.

Asked about legacy, she doesn’t hesitate. It’s the first-year student who becomes a leader because someone believed in them. “Once you join a club, you’ll see the entire shift in your experience,” she says. “You’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Sydney’s journey reflects how PennWest turns potential into momentum—through community, practical leadership experiences, and the resources that help students grow confident, career-ready, and connected.