May 28, 2025

‘I remembered who was watching:’ Ferris State grad Sydney Hodgins thinks about those she lost as she gains her degree and a job

Sydney Hodgins’ crossed Ferris State University’s commencement stage with a mortar board decorated with her motivation: “I almost gave up, but I remembered who was watching.”

Hodgins is an exemplary graduate of Ferris State University’s Dental Hygiene program by all measures. As she crossed the stage decorated in regalia reflecting her extensive campus involvement, her graduation cap stood out.

“Everyone on my cap was alive when I came to Ferris. I had family members, loved ones, and best friends who’ve passed away. It was really hard having to be away for all of that,” Hodgins shared.

Decorated with photos of loved ones, flowers, and the message, her cap kept those she lost close to her on this special day.

“Throughout my time in school, I’ve faced at least a few hardships,” she said.

Every student faces difficult challenges during their academic journey. Hodgins confronted the profound hardship of losing multiple loved ones while pursuing her degree.

Hailing from Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hodgins built a support system in Big Rapids while overcoming the challenges of losing loved ones back home.

She immersed herself in campus life, serving as class president for the Spring 2025 Dental Hygiene cohort, vice president of chapter life for Alpha Xi Delta, and a representative on the Panhellenic Greek Council. She achieved all this as a first-generation college student.

“I’m glad I got involved in as many activities as I did,” Hodgins said.

“My classmates, professors, and especially my best friend Bailey have been my backbone here. Being able to share this incredible experience with my family back home throughout the challenges I’ve faced has inspired my sister to start exploring college options in her junior year of high school. I’m really excited to see where she goes.”

Hodgins’ perseverance and Bulldog tenacity have already paid off. She has secured her first job as a dental hygienist at a practice in Ann Arbor. The office is so eager to hire her, in fact, they have asked Hodgins when her licensure will be completed so she can begin working. The process typically takes four to six weeks.

Ferris State’s Dental Hygiene program is the largest in Michigan and one of the largest in the country, offering individually tailored paths to associate and bachelor’s degrees. Faculty are nationally renowned for their educational excellence and supporting students in all aspects of college life.

As the nationwide need for qualified, licensed dental hygienists continues to grow, students like Hodgins and her cohort of Ferris State graduates will be critical to shaping the industry and providing patient care.

For now, she’s just excited to get started after enjoying a well-earned celebration and some moments of reflection during graduation.

Four years of hard-won success and triumphs, Hodgins said none of it would be possible without keeping the people she’s lost close to her heart along the way.

“Even when I was alone and feeling down, it helped to remember that they were still with me. I was never truly alone because I carry them with me and they’ve made a difference on my life,” she said.

“It all culminates in this experience today and getting to carry them with me when I walk across the stage.”

As she stepped off the stage smiling, diploma in hand, Hodgins touched her cap – a silent tribute to the loved ones who continue inspiring her journey.

“I couldn’t have done it without them. I just knew I had to have them with me.”