COMET
SPORTS Sidney McIntosh: Being a bystander is not an option
Growing up in Mt. Pleasant, freshman Sidney McIntosh had a pretty good idea what it would be like to attend a large university even before she started considering her college options. She knew that a relationship-centered college would be the best fit for her personality. “I stumbled on OC by chance when I was researching schools online,” McIntosh explained. “I was intrigued by the beauty of campus at first, and then connected with head cheer coach Trish Thomas. Coach Thomas was so nice and welcoming. When I toured campus, I loved the feeling – students held doors open for me and said hello. I also attended the Cultivating Women Leaders event in March. I met a lot of people quickly and it just felt right, and I was right! OC has not let me down once.” Cheerleading had always been a big part of McIntosh’s life and she was certain it would play a large role in her college journey as well. Still growing, Olivet’s team earned a bid to the National Cheer Association championships during its first year performing on the competitive level during the 2016-17 academic year. This year, the team has earned the honor again and will travel to Daytona for the competition in April 2018. “It’s really cool to be a part of a program that’s still growing,” McIntosh said. “It gives my teammates and me the opportunity to make it personal and focus on improving ourselves to improve the whole team. Coach “The close-knit Thomas has exemplified amazing leadership and even up on our grades. She’s there for us as athletes, community doesn’t checks students and young women.” give you an option to McIntosh is majoring in journalism and mass not be involved, and communication. She’s putting her new skills and outgoing personality to use as a DJ on OC’s studentthat’s created an led radio station, WOCR, and even as an OC Stories engaging and exciting student blogger. “I’m only a freshman, but I’m already doing things experience for me. that help me grow my skills and build my resume,” Everyone should want McIntosh explained. “I love that I have two different that from college.” platforms to share my experience – it never seems like work, I’m always having fun.” SIDNEY MCINTOSH ’21 McIntosh also found her fit as a member of the Black Student Union. “I felt welcome right away,” she explained. “BSU is a great platform for open communication and support at weekly meetings. We also go on field trips to museums and other places to learn about black history. All around, it’s an awesome way to make friends, feel empowered and learn how to stand up for what you believe in.” Olivet’s size may seem small to an outsider, but McIntosh maintains that’s what makes it the perfect fit for students who want to be engaged throughout their four years of college. “The close-knit community doesn’t give you an option to not be involved, and that’s created an engaging and exciting experience for me. Everyone should want that from college,” McIntosh concluded. 10
S H I P H E R D ’S R E C O R D
Sidney McIntosh ’21
TELLING IT LIKE IT IS Sidney McIntosh may be a freshman, but she’s already preparing for a career in journalism and mass communicaiton. Not only is she a blogger for OC Stories, but she also maintains her own beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel that helps her build confidence. One of her favorite videos, a dorm room haul featuring all the items Sidney brought to college with her, received nearly 1,000 views!
Learn what’s on the mind of Sidney and other student bloggers at www.ocstories.olivetcollege.edu.