W hen rising senior Sydnni Adams stood up for herself, Cindy Trusty noticed. 

Trusty, the community director of Foundation Hall and advisor to the Resident Student Association (RSA), nominated Adams for Georgia College & State University’s 2023 Leadership in Moral Courage Bobcat Award. It includes a $1,000 academic scholarship for her diplomatic response to a situation regarding RSA. Adams won the award.

The organization faced several hardships early spring semester with the loss of nearly all executive board members. Only three students were left on the executive board, and they had to compensate by sharing the remaining tasks. So, Adams, as the national coordinating chair, took on additional duties.

As new members were recruited, the RSA president placed them into new positions to lighten the load on the original, hardworking board members. However, this resulted in delegating some of Adams’ positions. Adams wasn’t present when another student was assigned her preferred roles.

She discussed the position changes with the RSA president. Then, Adams met with the RSA president and an advisor to consider the reasons her duties were delegated. Although Adams understood, she expressed concern over a decision that should’ve been made in her presence and with her approval.

Despite her concern, Adams remained professional throughout the transition, mentoring a newly delegated RSA member.

“Sydnni maintained a sweet disposition through it all,” Trusty said. “She gracefully communicated her dissatisfaction with the action and was understanding and forgiving. It was truly impressive and something I rarely witness—even in people twice her age.”  

Adams was surprised when she won the 2023 Leadership in Moral Courage Bobcat Award.

“I was honored to receive this award, because everything I do is out of the kindness of my heart,” she said. “I never expect anything in return.”

Adams felt it was important to speak up, because she wanted to ensure decisions were discussed before becoming final. She’s pleased with the results. This experience taught her there’s a right way to speak to others.

“Everyone apologized, and we moved forward,” she said. “There was more communication among everyone in RSA.”

“Confrontation doesn't have to be negative—it can always be positive,” Adams said. “I love learning from other people. And I’ve learned that not everyone communicates how I might want them to. So, it's about being respectful of that.”

When Adams graduates with her criminal justice degree in May 2024, she will pursue her master's degree in sports management and as a juris doctor. She’d like to be an attorney for MLB, NBA or NFL players or other professional athletes.

In her career, she plans on using the leadership skills that landed this award.

“It can be a very vulnerable time for clients,” Adams said. “So, it’s important to have open communication in a respectful tone between both parties.”

Although Adams didn’t have anything to lose by speaking up for herself, she gained self-confidence.

“Always go with your gut feeling, even if you're afraid of the consequences,” Adams said. 

“No matter how big or small the action seemed in the moment, she showed moral courage with a pleasant disposition, by advocating for herself and being a team player,” Trusty said.

Adams continues to have a profound presence in her community. In addition to holding leadership positions with RSA and Student Government Association (SGA), she recently pledged to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and will become a community advisor on West Campus beginning fall semester.

Trusty wants Adams to continue being confident for years to come.

“I encourage you to continue exercising your strength to say no, setting boundaries and sharing your perspective with compassion, patience and understanding for those around you, which you have succeeded in doing,” Trusty said. “People, like you, who voice their concerns and confront issues head-on are the ones who change the world for the better.”