We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Gustave recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
The experiences that shaped my passion for medicine were often the moments when I could be there for others in times of need. My first exposure to patient care came when I began working as a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Room. It was there that I truly understood the impact healthcare providers have on their patients, in both delivering medical care and in offering compassion and advocacy during the most vulnerable times of their lives. I came to understand that being a doctor isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about treating the person behind those symptoms, recognizing fears, and providing comfort when it’s needed most.
Working closely with patients taught me the power of human connection. In those moments I found a purpose beyond myself, to be a voice for those without and to offer quality care. I decided that I wanted to be the kind of doctor who would stand by patients, listen to their concerns, and guide them through their healing. I wanted to be a source of strength for those who felt powerless, and to use my knowledge to advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.
As I delved deeper into the medical field, I found myself particularly drawn to the areas of surgery and critical care. Witnessing the precision and urgency required in those fields, I began to admire the teamwork and skill that went into saving lives. It was humbling to witness how a surgeon’s hands, guided by years of practice and knowledge, could repair what was broken and offer someone a second chance. I was struck by the weight of human vulnerability and how a patient’s outcome could hinge on the decisions made by their medical team. I felt an immense sense of responsibility, and with it a growing desire to provide care that was not only competent but compassionate. These experiences reinforced my belief in the preciousness of life, reminding me that every moment we have is a gift. I realized that, in those vulnerable moments, what patients and families needed most was hope and reassurance. The privilege of being able to offer that is what solidified my commitment to becoming a doctor.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Sydney Kaela, and I’d like to think of myself as a multifaceted individual. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where my academic journey began with a strong foundation in AP and Honors classes. My passion for learning was complemented by my involvement with C5 Georgia Youth Foundation, a program that provided me with invaluable mentorship and instilled in me the importance of serving my community. This experience not only honed my leadership skills but also recognized my academic potential, leading to my nomination for the Posse Foundation. Through Posse, I earned a full-tuition scholarship to Bard College in Upstate New York.
Leaving Atlanta to attend Bard was a transformative chapter in my life. It was not only an opportunity for personal growth but also where I got my first job in healthcare. This opportunity allowed me to network with professionals and gain hands-on experience that brought me closer to my goal of becoming a doctor. I firmly believe that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and moving away from home taught me adaptability, resilience, and the value of stepping into new environments.
Beyond academics and career pursuits, I am deeply family-oriented. Coming from a Caribbean family, my family has been my foundation supporting me through every step of my journey and inspiring me to give back to others in the same way that they have always supported me. Because of my own culture, I have always had a passion for traveling and cultural exploration. During my undergraduate studies, I lived in Egypt for six months, which was an experience that broadened my perspective on global diversity.
Through my personal, academic, and professional pursuits, I have always enjoyed documenting my journey. Through platforms like YouTube and TikTok, I share my experience as a student, traveler, healthcare worker, and content creator. This has allowed me to build a supportive online community where I connect with others, inspire growth and encourage people to embrace their own unique paths. I am excited to continue pursing my passion for medicine and fulfill my purpose while staying true to my values of family, service and exploration.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that everything will happen exactly how I want it to. Instead, I’ve come to trust that things unfold the way they need to, even if the journey doesn’t match my expectations. Whether I’ve faced obstacles securing scholarships. jobs or internships, or struggled with the challenges of pursuing a career in medicine, Ive learned to keep pushing forward.
Black women make up about 2.8% of doctors in the United States. As a woman biologist forging my own path to medical school without a roadmap, the journey has been anything but easy. But these challenges have taught me an invaluable truth: we are all on our own unique paths. The time it takes to reach our goals will pass regardless, so it’s essential to stay focused, work hard, and never lose sight of what drives us.
I also believe deeply in the importance of reaching back to help others. When you achieve your goals, remember that you were once a kid who felt lost. Be the person you needed back then, because the youth truly are our future. This perspective has grounded me, and it is why I remain committed to my goals no matter the obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sydneykaela
- Linkedin: Sydney Gustave
- Youtube: Life As Sydd
- Other: TikTok: @SydneyKaela
Image Credits
Photographs by @behindtheye and Edited by @viewsfrom.mik3