Class of 2019 Spotlight – Sydney Goff

Marshall County High School
Major: Chemistry and Biology
Accepted to the University of Kentucky Medical School – Bowling Green

Sydney Goff remembers her early days as a Wesleyan student and describes herself as super shy and unsure of what she wanted to do with her life. Today she describes herself as a confident leader who is well prepared for medical school.

She chose Wesleyan because she was awarded a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) scholarship, as well as a track and field scholarship. “Those scholarships made it pretty easy to make a decision, and besides, I have family in Owensboro, as my Dad grew up here,” she explains. “I also knew Coach Tony Rowe’s reputation, so I was excited about attending Wesleyan.”

Sydney says she discovered her potential in several aspects of her life while at Wesleyan. She liked biology and knew she wanted to pursue a career in the sciences, but found her General Chemistry class with Dr. W.L. Magnuson very challenging. “He was a great teacher, and although I struggled at the beginning, by the end of the semester, I loved chemistry,” she recalls.

A Pre-Professional Society visit to the University of Pikeville School of Osteopathic Medicine piqued her interest in medical school. “That trip opened my eyes, and I felt strongly that I could handle medical school.”

She says she looks back over the last four years and knows she found herself at Wesleyan. “A number of people guided and encouraged me, and I feel very sure of myself now,” she says. Former Director of Career Services Margaret Cambron arranged for her to shadow a nurse practitioner and physician in a dermatology practice, and Drs. Krystal Hamorsky and Kyle Watson supported her in the long process of medical school applications. “They have always been there for me and have always been very supportive.”

Sydney looks back on her work study experience in the office of Campus Nurse Tonya Marksberry ’79 as one of the most valuable aspects of her Wesleyan years. “She is the picture of a health care provider and a Wesleyan grad. She picked me up when I struggled and served as a great mentor to me.”

A member of the Student Government Association (SGA) all four years and current president, as well as a member of Kappa Delta sorority, she credits both organizations with giving her the opportunity to stretch and grow as a leader. “I realized that I liked interacting with others and that I can relate to all kinds of people,” she reflects, “and that will help me in medical school and beyond.”

Competing in track and field and cross country added another dimension to her college experience. “I thrived on the team spirit, the travel and individual commitment, and Coach Rowe is the best. I learned I could manage my time, too, in order to practice and travel while fulfilling my other responsibilities on campus.”

Sydney says she is 100% glad she chose Wesleyan. “I had all kinds of relationships here that I wouldn’t have had in a large university, not just with students, but with faculty, staff and trustees. I learned that I could be myself, that I would get support and that people believed in me,” she says. “I’m ready for the next step, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped me get here.”

Congratulations, Sydney! We are 100% glad you chose Wesleyan, too, and wish you well in medical school.