New student recruiter’s childhood love of college life translates into passion for education

Most graduates get their first taste of college life during their freshman year. But since she was a kid, Sydney Eustrom, Mt. Hood Community College’s student recruitment coordinator, loved attending college functions. Her father worked at a community college and she tagged along to recruitment events, fondly remembering her customary college sweatshirt.

“He made it a point to expose all of his daughters to college life, but I was the one who was energized by witnessing his passion and I wanted to be along for the ride,” she said.

Her father’s passion has definitely rubbed off on Eustrom, who considers herself a lifelong learner. However, she understands attending college is not a “one size fits all” concept. Each student has different interests, challenges and expectations.

She’s eager to apply her experiences and education to her new position at MHCC. As student recruitment coordinator, Eustrom will attend community events and visit local high schools, encouraging prospective students to check out MHCC’s programs of study and array of helpful services.

“I think it’s really helpful to hear the stories of other students and get exposed to college life from various perspectives,” she said.

She learned this valuable lesson as an undergraduate at University of Oregon. Eustrom worked in the Disability Services department and interacted one-on-one with students with disabilities. She participated in student life and helped organize events to encourage students with disabilities to become more involved in activities on campus.

“I heard their stories and how it felt to be on campus,” she said. “It made me much more aware of the barriers students can face.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature, Eustrom worked at Chemeketa Community College as a financial aid counselor. Then she moved to Portland and earned a master’s degree in education with a specialization in post-secondary, adult and continuing education from Portland State University.

She was working as the club and programs specialist at Portland Community College – Rock Creek Campus when MHCC’s recruitment position piqued her interest.

“I heard from other peers in the education scene that MHCC had a lot of new energy and a changing environment. I wanted to jump onboard and become part of the change,” said Eustrom.

One of her goals for the coming school year is to make sure MHCC’s mission and values are reflected in the recruitment message, and the messages reaching students are consistent, including those from staff, faculty, current students and alumni.

“Everyone out there talking about MHCC is basically a recruiter.”