Sydney Tomes was drawn to the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) because of the diverse programs offered here, the friendly faculty, the opportunities to be outdoors, and the chance to drive home to Minnetrista if she wanted.
That desire to be outside and to share that experience with others helped to inform her career aspirations as well.
Alongside her studies at UMD, Tomes has appreciated the opportunity to volunteer with organizations like Students Engaging in Rewarding Volunteering Experiences (SERVE) and Northland Adaptive Recreation, where she had an internship helping to support the organization's outdoor programs.
Northland Adaptive helps individuals with disabilities to participate in a wide array of recreational activities, and Tomes was able to go out into the community for kayaking, hiking, biking, sailing, and even dragon boating. Being able to participate in these activities and help other people have those experiences provided Tomes with a strong sense of purpose. “I realized how many people struggle to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” she said, “especially people with disabilities.”
Throughout her internship, she worked with a client who was largely homebound, helping her to get out on a bike. Tomes’ efforts helped that client to get out more and made her recognize the impact of her work. “It was surprising to hear how much that changed her mood, and her whole outlook on herself and the day,” Tomes says.
Being able to see that change made her want to make a difference in more people’s lives. “ Public health is so cool,” she says, and a path that would allow her to realize that even broader positive impact.
Tomes’ college experience, like many others, was different from what she had originally envisioned. "If there is one thing college has taught me, it’s that life rarely goes exactly as planned. And that’s not something to fear, but rather something to celebrate,” she said. “The unexpected is where growth happens, where opportunities arise, and where we find out who we are."
Tomes is now planning on pursuing a Master's in health administration and policy at the University of Michigan. Her ultimate goal? “Increase access to healthcare,” she says.
Sydney Tomes, (she/her), was the commencement speaker for College of Education and Human Services Professions (CEHSP) for the 2025 UMD Commencement. Tomes graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science with a double major in exercise & rehabilitation sciences and public health, with a minor in health and wellness coaching.
This story was written by UMD student Elizabeth Gonnerman, who is majoring in Communications. Liz works with Alex Messenger in University Marketing & Public Relations.