By: Nathan Anderson
For Sydney Testman, public service has always been more than a career interest—it has been a calling.
Originally from Atlanta, GA, Testman's passion for advocacy, community engagement, and creating meaningful change has guided her academic journey and future aspirations. Those passions ultimately led her to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) program in Spring 2026.
Today, she is taking the next step toward those goals by interning with the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice before transitioning into a full-time role and eventually attending law school.
Her journey to graduate school, however, began with a leap of faith.
As an out-of-state graduate, Testman initially viewed her move from Atlanta to Birmingham as a significant transition. But from the moment she arrived on campus, she found a supportive community that helped UAB quickly feel like home.
"Faculty, program directors, and staff consistently invested in my success and encouraged me to pursue opportunities I may not have considered on my own," Testman said. "Their mentorship and belief in my potential played a major role in my decision to continue my education at UAB."
That encouragement ultimately inspired her to pursue graduate school while completing her undergraduate degree.
As a Political Science student, Testman wanted to expand her understanding of how policies and government systems directly impact communities. A professor introduced her to the ABM program and encouraged her to consider the Master of Public Administration program as a way to deepen her knowledge and strengthen her leadership skills.
"The program provided me with invaluable skills in leadership, policy analysis, communication, and public service that directly align with my long-term career goals," Testman said.
Beyond the classroom, Testman discovered that one of the most rewarding aspects of graduate school was the sense of community she built with her peers.
One experience that particularly stood out was the program's capstone course, which brought together students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and professional aspirations.
"It created a collaborative environment where we could support one another's projects and ideas," she said. "I really enjoyed the discussions we had about issues we were passionate about and brainstorming ways to make meaningful impacts in our communities."
For Testman, those experiences reinforced an important lesson: some of the most valuable parts of graduate school happen through collaboration and shared experiences.
Throughout her time at UAB, mentorship remained a consistent theme that shaped both her academic and professional development.
"The Graduate School has played a tremendous role in my professional development by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that prepared me for life after graduation," Testman said.
She credits faculty members and mentors for helping her build confidence, connect with professional opportunities, and advocate for her future success.
"The encouragement I received from mentors and professors—through connection emails, career advice, or advocating for me in rooms I was not in—made a lasting impact on my personal and professional success," she said.
Those investments in her growth have already begun to pay off. As she embarks on her post-graduate journey, Testman finds herself deciding between multiple career opportunities thanks to the professional network and support system she built during her time at UAB.
Looking back, she encourages current and future graduate students to invest in the relationships they build throughout their programs.
"The biggest piece of advice I would give to new graduate students is to truly connect with your classmates and build relationships with the people around you," Testman said. "Graduate students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and bring unique life experiences, perspectives, and professional knowledge to the classroom."
She believes some of the most important lessons learned in graduate school happen through the people students meet along the way.
"Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from one another," she said. "Those friendships, conversations, and networks can last far beyond graduate school."
As Testman begins her professional career and prepares for her future in law school, she carries with her the lessons, mentorship, and relationships that defined her UAB experience.
For her, graduate school was more than earning another degree. It was an opportunity to strengthen her passion for public service, discover a community of support, and build a foundation for a career dedicated to advocating for others.