Sydnee-Marie Edusei ’24 arrived at Gettysburg College planning to major in health sciences. Today, she is pursuing her passion as a major in sociology with a minor in peace and justice studies.
“I came in thinking I was going to be a health sciences major and work on health disparities,” Edusei explained. “Then I found sociology, and I felt those courses really helped me in understanding my goal of dealing with racial injustice and social injustices.”
Edusei has served as a member of the Peers Educating and Encouraging Peers to Succeed (PEEPS) program, a multicultural ambassador in the Admissions Office, and a campus tour guide. She also has taken on leadership roles in student organizations, such as the Black Student Union, Brown Nipple Collective, and the “Radiant” Rho Tau Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Some of Edusei’s most impactful Gettysburg experiences have involved the Eisenhower Institute (EI) and Center for Public Service (CPS), including the CPS immersion trip Decolonizing Education in Senegal.
“Having the opportunity to go to Senegal was really transformative for me,” Edusei reflected. “It was amazing to meet with the people, understand their culture and their food, and learn how they’ve been impacted by colonization and what they’re doing to subvert that. Being a Black American and being a daughter of immigrants, understanding what it means to tackle those issues is really important to me.”
After graduation in December, Edusei wants to continue studying social work in graduate school and further amplify her efforts around civic engagement and justice. For Edusei, her time at Gettysburg has strengthened her intercultural fluency and communication skills and has given her the tools to spark meaningful change.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had at Gettysburg College. I’m thankful for the changes and impacts I’ve been able to make here,” Edusei shared. “Most of the work that I do is to make sure those who come after me have inherited a better world than I did, and I feel proud that I’ve done that here.”
By Laken Franchetti ’24
Photos by Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 02/28/24