Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.
Today’s spotlight is on Sydney Moore, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a current student at Elizabeth City State University. She was a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s “NC Promise Tuition Scholarship.” This scholarship funds a full year of tuition at one of the four North Carolina Promise institutions: Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and Western Carolina University.
1. What major or area of study did you choose?
I chose to major in Psychology to better connect with the world around me. Gaining a better understanding of the world we live in opened my eyes to see way more than what I had been exposed to in my hometown.
2. What are you up to now?
Currently, I am gearing up for a week of fun and fashion in Baltimore, Maryland in late February for the CIAA Basketball Tournament as a D’Lyte for the illustrious ECSU. Also, I will be performing in the CIAA step show with my devastating divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as we won first place during our homecoming step show in October.
I will be graduating at 20 in May 2025. Afterwards, I will enlist in the Air Force as an officer and pursue my masters and PsyD. What happens after that will only be of God, for God, and with God!
3. How did the “GCCP NC Promise Tuition Scholarship” help ease your transition into college?
The GCCP NC Promise Tuition Scholarship eased my transition into college by handing my grace in a package! This scholarship has allowed me to be on my way across the stage with no debt or out of pocket expense. I am incredibly grateful for my journey and this scholarship has eased the burdens of financial stability. Not having to worry about anything other than making sure that my mind is clear and focused to receive all that is given during this period has been nothing short of a blessing.
4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?
The transition from high school to college was relatively easy. I was ready to leave high school. Leaving home and being on my own was an opportunity to explore who I was and to be great. I found the true meaning of faith my senior year of high school and God showed me the world through my dreams. So moving to college, I made sure that I knew I was in control of my future. My parents definitely picked the school that I attend, but it was the best decision and I was not ready to make it myself. I made sure that I had all the information needed to move forward and did everything I could to get to where I needed to be.
5. What have been some of the most rewarding experiences during college?
My most rewarding experiences so far in college are:
-Making the Cheer Team – I was scared because I was in the process of an identity crisis and thought cheerleading was all that I was. Then, I realized that cheerleading isn’t who I am, but it’s what I do.
-Becoming a Delta – I am blessed to say that I am a part of the devastating Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The sisterhood has taught me to be confident and to not hide anything about myself, to stand up straight, put your shoulders back with reason, and know what you know and be humble enough to seek more.
-Passing Every Semester with As and Bs – This shows my willpower. If I want it I will have it, no matter what.
6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?
In high school, community service wasn’t a priority, but it was definitely a part of the deal. Now it is a priority! I have completed a significant amount of community service hours through both my sorority and my cheerleading team. As a result, I have learned the term “networking” and how being a good person draws people who make you better. I have participated in parades, food banks, sister givings, and other service initiatives.
7. What are your life goals/aspirations?
To be righteous and be graced with eternal life.
8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?
In a world ruled by evil, choose good.
9. Are there any significant accomplishments or experiences you would like to share?
Friendships are even better than expected.
To pray and believe that there is more to life and that you want to experience it with other people that understand you and have nothing but the best intentions for you. To have nothing but true honesty and support from people you would have never expected to love so deeply. To experience life in such a pure and soul quenching way. To have a truly fulfilled prayer of spending my life with other people who have the same views of life as well as having an unwavering understanding of differences.
I am proud to say these are my experiences and I will cherish them until the Lord calls me home.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Gates County community?
Speak the truth in love. There is more out in the world than your phone, beyond the media, beyond your parents, beyond what you can see. Expand and live a life that you and God would be proud of. There is more than just Gates County. Don’t stand still when you can run.