Spotlight
Learning to Understand Others and Oneself: Sydney Bassett’s Perspective
Sydney Bassett (’25) has learned that life offers many lessons that only adversity and diversity can teach. By moving to unfamiliar places, becoming the captain of Southern Virginia University’s women’s volleyball team, and pursuing knowledge and self-discovery, Bassett understands that learning is central to the life she wants to live.
“I believe you can never learn enough,” said Bassett. “There is always something more to learn. My mom instilled in me the value of education, and I watched her work hard in her career, and I also want to work hard and provide for my future family as she has for me.”
Having spent her childhood in Utah, Bassett found it difficult to move to North Carolina unexpectedly as a teen. However, the move introduced her to different people and cultures, providing opportunities to deepen her compassion and understanding. Now, she is happy to call Winston Salem, North Carolina home.
“I grew up in a very small town in Utah and then moved to a big city, which was definitely a culture shock for me,” Bassett said. “But I feel like it gave me opportunities to learn about all different types of people and people from different backgrounds. It allowed me to be more empathetic and love people for who they are.”
When she first came to Southern Virginia University, Bassett wasn’t sure if it was where she was meant to stay, but was spiritually impressed by the staff and students she interacted with. Now preparing to graduate, Bassett is grateful for all the opportunities the university has given her, including joining the women’s volleyball team.
“Being a senior, I just feel like my teammates are my family,” said Bassett. “I love them so much. Volleyball has given me opportunities to serve and to lead, it’s taught me a lot about myself and my team, and it’s shown me how to learn from and listen to others.”
Bassett knows that knowledge allows people who feel overlooked, discouraged, or trapped to find hope and self-love. With plans to be a dietitian, she hopes to help reduce misinformation in that field and reach individuals in some of the most vulnerable periods of life, such as women experiencing pregnancy and menopause.
“I want to work with all sorts of people,” said Bassett. “I want to help people learn about food, about their bodies, and learn about themselves in a way of self-love. My hope is that people will learn to take care of themselves and to share that love with others.”
A biochemistry major, Bassett was recently accepted to two graduate programs at Fairfield University and the University of New Haven. She is grateful to Southern Virginia University for being a campus of academic and spiritual education, and knows that her strengthened relationship with Christ has and will continue to help her overcome challenges.
“I feel like I knew of the Savior before, but now I feel like I really know Him,” said Bassett. “He loves me, and I can always turn to Him. I’m grateful Southern Virginia has allowed this kind of spiritual environment for me to learn this for myself.”