Growing up, incoming freshman Nia Sydnor had her mind set on obtaining a degree in public health. However, when Sydnor was accepted into Howard University’s Humanities & Social Sciences Scholars Program (H3SP), she pivoted her academic pursuits from health care to the humanities, a decision she believes will better prepare her for her career aspirations of advancing holistic health practices.  

“I never perceived myself as a humanities individual, I always saw myself within the health care sphere. As I researched more about the interdisciplinary nature of the humanities, I became intrigued,” said Sydnor. “As a Howard student, I hope to spread awareness on holistic health and traditional healing practices, and the Humanities and Social Sciences Scholars Program has given me the ability to further shape my existing interests in public health [while learning] how to make it accessible.” 

Established in 2023, H3SP was created to prepare students for professional and academic careers within the liberal arts field. The program’s goal is to create an undergraduate-to-doctorate pipeline for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the humanities and social sciences. The program is helmed by Executive Director Dr. Ronald Smith, who also leads the university’s Karsh STEM Scholars Program.  

Sydnor is majoring in philosophy and hopes to be able to combine philosophical concepts with holistic health care and wellness practices.  

“My goal is to use my understanding of philosophy, the nature of humans, and the historical implications behind Black [people’s] health as a way to provide healthy, accessible food options for those within the Howard community,” she said. “I hope to do more research on how to integrate holistic health practices into modern health care policies.” 

A Commitment to Service and Leadership 

Sydnor’s interest in holistic health practices stems from her family’s long history as farmers and land cultivators. During her high school career, Sydnor volunteered at her church’s farm, where she helped to grow organic fruits and vegetables for local communities in her hometown of Atlanta. She also developed a love of gardening, thanks to her mother.  

“It’s such a beautiful thing to watch something grow. Being around [my mother] and helping to plant things with her cultivated my interests in growing food from a young age,” Sydnor explained. “I began to see the importance of healthy eating, and I took the initiative to start growing food that I was interested in.” 

In addition to farming and gardening, Sydnor is passionate about leadership and service in support of communities in need. As a student at the Riverwood International Charter School, Sydnor served as a mentor for younger students, was the co-president of the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club and served as the secretary and director of community service of the Black Student Union. She also served as a student ambassador with the nonprofit organization Young Black Leadership Alliance.  

“I’m inspired by service, but in a practical sense. It’s easy to say that you want to serve your community or want to make a difference – those are very broad terms that can be stated without true intentionality,” Sydnor emphasized. “In my leadership roles, I was able to directly see a difference while being able to quantify what I was able to do, which is important to me.” 

Sydnor hopes to continue expanding her leadership skills at Howard, which she’s had her sights set on attending since she was a young child. Her mother attended Howard’s School of Law and shared stories of her time as a student, which Sydnor said inspired her to apply to the university. Being accepted into H3SP reaffirmed her decision to attend Howard.  

“Being a part of a cohort of individuals who are willing to learn, grow, and have this culture of support is everything to me. I’m so happy to be here,” she added. “I appreciate the diverse landscape at Howard in which one can explore. Oftentimes, as Black students, we’re expected to fit into a mold of what is considered socially acceptable for us. I always wanted to enter a space where I know that I would be accepted unconditionally, and that’s what Howard has always exemplified for me.” 

Experiential Learning in Ghana 

In June, Sydnor joined fellow H3SP Scholars for the Summer Bridge Program, a required six-week college-readiness program that prepares the selected students for what to expect during their undergraduate careers and assists them with developing their career interests. The program concludes with a two-week international trip; this year’s H3SP Scholars traveled to Ghana.  

The trip provides students with an opportunity to develop a global perspective of humanistic study. For Sydnor, the trip to Ghana marks her first time traveling to Africa.  

“I’m excited to see how people on the continent live and not have to witness a narrative that’s dominated by Western thought,” she said. “I think Ghana is an interesting place because of the Pan-African movement that was started by Kwame Nkrumah. I hope that while I’m there, I’m able to continue excising having an open mind and not subscribe to the terrible stereotypes that have been placed onto us about what Africa should be.”