Sidney Van Neerden

I'll share my bravest moment. Two years ago I underwent heart surgery to treat my rare condition of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Throughout my life, this been something I've had to live with and I have had multiple surgeries. Having this condition has stunted how much I can do but has also given me the resilience I'll never be without.

I have many hobbies outside of school, which include drawing, pottery, and music. Currently, I'm lifeguarding at a local swim club in Delaware and hope to get a job interning this summer on top of that.

I'm currently undecided about my major but have developed an interest in marketing. As it turns out so does my friend Callum which we bonded over last summer.

For my college experience, COVID has definitely changed the experience of learning. But there are hundreds of adults just like us going through the same event. Not being able to be present in a live classroom setting to create conversations and figuring out what to do with life moving forward has made it very difficult. However, I'm excited to get my own apartment soon and start creating a future for myself.

Having a condition that keeps me from doing what others can has taught me to fight which gives me the hopefulness that goes into every day.

Interview by Callum Wragg: Spring 2021