Sydney Redden is a senior from Wayne, Nebraska, majoring in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management with minors in business and leadership and communications. She transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2024 and will graduate in December 2026.
Why did you choose your program in the College of Education and Human Sciences?
I chose Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management because it combines so many things that I enjoy. I love working with people, creating experiences, being part of a team and having a career where every day can look a little different. When I transferred to UNL, I also really liked that HRTM is a smaller program. You get to know your classmates and professors, and you are able to build relationships that go beyond just sitting in a classroom together. The more time I have spent in the program, the more I have realized how well it fits me. Between my classes, working at New Day Coffee and Smoothies, event experiences like the Masters, other internships and opportunities to emcee events (thank you Dr. Ajai!), I have been able to take what I am learning and put it into practice. It has given me the opportunity to grow in ways that I don't think I fully understood when I first chose the major.
What activities and organizations are you involved in on campus?
My HRTM classes, internships and personal event opportunities keep me pretty busy, so I am not involved in a huge number of organizations on campus. I have had the opportunity to volunteer through campus and different organizations around Lincoln, and HRTM has given me several opportunities to help with and emcee events within the program. Outside of my major, the Newman Center has been the biggest part of my life at UNL. I am especially involved with Gospel Night, and a lot of my time outside of classes and work is spent there. It has been a really meaningful part of my college experience and a place where I have met some of my closest friends.
What is one thing that has stood out from your experience in CEHS so far?
The people. I have been really fortunate to have professors and mentors who have taken the time to know me and invest in me. I am especially thankful for my leadership and communication minor. When I started college, I never knew that was something I needed, but it has ended up being one of my favorite parts of my education. The professors in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication are incredibly intentional about helping students become better leaders, not just professionally, but personally too. I have learned a lot in the classroom, but I have also had people who have challenged me, encouraged me and helped me grow outside of it.
What is one piece of advice you would share with new or prospective CEHS students?
Put yourself out there, but also give yourself time to figure things out. Especially as a transfer student, it can be easy to feel like everyone else already has their people, their routines and their place on campus. The list could go on. When I transferred to UNL, I definitely did not have everything figured out. I had to ask questions, be willing to meet new people, and figure out where I fit. My biggest piece of advice is to not let being new keep you from getting involved. Try the club, go to the event, introduce yourself to the professor or ask the question you are nervous to ask (seriously, most likely someone else is thinking it). At the same time, don't feel like you have to find your place immediately. It takes time, and there is nothing wrong with that. During that time of trying to figure things out, I had to become comfortable with who I was knowing that growth would come. Two years later, I can honestly say that I would not change my decision to transfer to Nebraska.
What else would you like others to know about your experience as a transfer student to the College of Education and Human Sciences?
As a transfer student from small town Nebraska, I am especially thankful for the time I have had at UNL. When I first moved to Lincoln, I really did not know what the next two years were going to look like. I was coming into a new school, a new city (Lincoln is big city living in my eyes) and a new community, and I had a lot to figure out. Looking back now, I learned pretty quickly that transferring did not make me any less of a Husker. I just had to be willing to find my people, ask questions and give myself time to feel at home. I have met lifelong friends, found mentors who have made a lasting impact on me, and earned a degree that brings together so many of the things I am passionate about. As my time at Nebraska comes to a close, I am really grateful for the people and experiences that made these past two years what they were. I hope other students, especially transfer students, can have the confidence to know that they belong here too. You do not have to have everything figured out when you arrive. There is a place for you at Nebraska, and sometimes you just have to give yourself the chance to find it. Getting to graduate from the university of our great state is something I am genuinely proud of. I am thankful I got to wear the scarlet and cream, and I know I will carry a lot of what I learned here with me long after graduation. Go Big Red!
What are your career goals?
I hope to build a career in hospitality and events where I can create meaningful experiences, work with people and grow as a leader. Long term, I would love to take on leadership roles involving operations and team management. I am still exploring exactly where that path will take me, but my experiences in HRTM have helped me recognize that I thrive in fast-paced, people-centered environments where I can take initiative, solve problems and continue learning. I am excited to see exactly where that takes me, and I think that is part of the fun!
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