Our PeerForward Alumni continue to positively influence their peers long after their high school graduation. One such Alumni is Sidney Cruz, the feature of today’s spotlight!
Sidney Cruz currently attends The University of Texas at Austin as a junior, where she is double majoring in race indigeneity & migration and government. Not only is she double majoring; she is pre-law and working towards a minor in business as well.
During her first two summers as a college student, Sidney was able to secure two separate internships! One was in Spain with an audiovisual company: AM Estudios. There she had the opportunity to assist in filling and creating contracts for actors in shows on different streaming platforms including Disney +, HBO, Netflix, and more! The second internship was with Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders, where she helped Texas students with college prep, mentorship, & leadership training.
Outside of her internships and impressive academic track record, Sidney is also an avid volunteer! She has done election phone banking, research on racial healthcare disparities in her hometown, and acted as a judge for the YMCA Texas Youth & Government’s mock senate debate. She truly embodies the flame of a Peer Leader; constantly working to better herself and her community!
We caught up with Sidney to discuss college advice for current Peer Leaders and how PeerForward influenced her own academic journey:
Why do YOU serve as a PeerForward Alumni?
I choose to serve because I want to do my part in advocating for postsecondary education access in marginalized communities.
What’s been the best part of attending your college/university?
The best part of attending The University of Texas at Austin is definitely the opportunities within networks! The jobs offered, events I’ve participated in, and the stories I get to hear from people of different backgrounds have all been so inspiring.
How did PeerForward change your perspective of college?
My time as a Peer Leader taught me not to settle with what was familiar. PeerForward gave me the opportunity to explore my options and taught me to prioritize/validate myself instead of relying on external sources to make decisions for me.
What’s one piece of college advice you’d offer Peer Leaders?
Imposter syndrome is inevitable, but with reassurance I believe you can help minimize the feeling. Be patient and understanding with yourself. Know that we’re all going through this process together for the first time. For many, you’re the first person to ever introduce them to the idea of college and what their lives could look like for the next four years. Try your best to make them realize that their efforts will pay off and have fun with it!
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
