Capitol Experience: Sydney Hudson Explores Politics, Policy, and Purpose in D.C.

Gardner-Webb Ignite Scholar Gains Real-World Experience Through Webb in Washington

By Makella Knowles, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Sydney Hudson is in her senior year at Gardner-Webb University double majoring in political science/international affairs and international business. Speaking highly of the benefits having two majors has offered her, she explains how “political science and international business marry to form a much more cohesive understanding of how the world works.”

During the 2024 Fall Semester, Hudson studied in the nation’s capitol through the Webb in Washington program. As one of the motivating factors for her to attend Gardner-Webb, the program offered networking and career opportunities. Interning with The Heritage Foundation allowed her to research, write, and publish articles on current events. She expresses gratitude and excitement about the people she met and recognizes the unique opportunities this program gave her. (Hudson was featured on the program’s Instagram, here.)

On Hudson’s first visit to Gardner-Webb, she fell in love with the campus and the people. “The community and the presence of the Holy Spirit at Gardner-Webb was so special,” she comments. Its vibrant Christian community stood out to her and shortly after touring the campus, she began looking into scholarships. After applying for the Ignite Scholarship, her goal for the interview was “finding where my dreams and passions intersected with my skills and accomplishments.” Thinking back on her time in high school and where she felt the Lord was leading her, she explains how Gardner-Webb was the perfect next step for her and her dreams.

In her first three years at Gardner-Webb, Hudson stayed busy on and off campus, filling her time with a myriad of activities. She is on the hospitality team for The Gathering (student-led worship), welcoming students and praying over them with the team before the service. “It’s important to show people they are seen and known and loved,” she says. She is the secretary for Release the Captives, an on-campus club that raises awareness about human trafficking; the publicist for the Honors Program, and the director of Internal Affairs for the Student Government Association, a role she has been able to continue despite being off campus for the 2024 Fall Semester. She is also a Student Recruitment Ambassador, a member of the PACE Leadership program, and participates in CrossFit in her free time.

For Hudson, there has been no shortage of support and guidance from the Department of Social Sciences. She speaks highly of her professors, specifically her faculty advisor and mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Amato. “We have so many great professors here who care about you not only at an academic level but personally,” Hudson says. She feels well prepared for her future after the networking opportunities the Webb in Washington program has provided her. Looking into either a job in D.C. or starting grad school, Hudson lists three things that have set her up for success: planning well, starting early, and communicating efficiently.

While unsure of her exact career, she is interested in getting a PhD in political science and working for a non-profit, a think tank, or on Capitol Hill, especially now that she has been able to experience these fields first hand in D.C. Hudson looks to the future with hope and confidence that God will place her in the career that He has for her and she lists Luke 16:10 as a Bible verse that has guided her in her journey: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

Makella Knowles, of Indian Trail, N.C., is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Spanish and marketing.

About Webb in Washington

Webb in Washington is a semester-long program in Washington, D.C., in which students chosen to participate take courses at American University and gain professional, resume-building experience at an internship in an area of interest. Learn more here.

About the Ignite Scholarship

Ignite Excellence is Gardner-Webb University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. Applicants must reside on campus, be enrolled full-time, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Learn more here.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.