Sydney Miller, a double major in human development and family studies (HDFS) and Spanish, has built a well-rounded college experience at Iowa State through leadership, hands-on learning, and a strong focus on her future career. Originally from Spirit Lake, Iowa, Miller graduated in Spring 2026 and will take the next step toward a career in mental health and counseling. 

Although Miller initially planned to study interior design, she realized it was not the right fit before even starting classes. After talking with her high school counselor and reflecting on her interests, she was introduced to human development and family studies. The major stood out to her because of its fusion of psychology, family science, and human behavior. 

 “I didn’t want to just pick one thing,” she said. “I liked that HDFS let me explore a little bit of everything.” 

That decision ultimately shaped her academic and career direction. Throughout her time at Iowa State, Miller developed a strong interest in child development and psychology, particularly how children think, behave, and interact with their environments. She now hopes to pursue a career as a school counselor or child-focused mental health professional. 

Sydney credits her coursework with helping her feel prepared for that path. She found that many Iowa State professors went beyond traditional lectures and connected material to real-world situations. 

“You go into some classes not knowing what to expect, and then they end up being some of the most impactful,” she said. “Professors really push you to think beyond just the textbook.” 

Miller added that one of the most valuable aspects of the HDFS program has been the people. While students share the same major, they often pursue very different career paths, which creates a diverse learning environment. 

“You’re surrounded by people who all want to do different things, and that gives you so many different perspectives,” she said. 

For Miller, an internship at Stepping Stone Family Services in Des Moines has confirmed her career goals and given her hands-on experience. There, she has been shadowing counselors in both office and home-based settings, learning more about behavioral health and therapy. The experience has also given her a clearer understanding of the steps she needs to take after graduation, including pursuing a graduate degree and becoming a licensed therapist. 

In addition to her academic and professional experiences, Miller has been highly involved in color guard for over 11 years. She participated in Iowa State’s marching band and has spent the past two years in Winter Guard, where she served as co-president. Her involvement in the organization has been a major part of her college experience and even influenced her decision to attend Iowa State. 

“It’s one of my favorite things I’ve done,” she said. “It’s such a big part of why I chose Iowa State.” 

Miller also studied abroad in Spain, where she completed a significant portion of her major requirements in Spanish. Fully immersed in the language, she took courses with Spanish-speaking professors and lived with host parents who spoke no English. The experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone and allowed her to connect with students from around the world. 

“It was such a unique experience,” she said. “You’re communicating with people from different countries, and sometimes the only shared language is Spanish.” 

As she reflects on her time at Iowa State, Miller emphasizes the importance of being involved and making the most of the experience. 

“College is what you make of it,” she said. “If you show up, get involved, and stay open to new opportunities, you’ll get so much out of it.” 

She also encourages students to take advantage of connections with professors and peers, noting that those relationships can have a lasting impact both during and after college. 

Following graduation, Miller and her husband plan to move back to Spirit Lake, where she will continue working with Stepping Stone Family Services. She will help expand their services in the area while building her own client base. 

“It’s definitely something new, but I’m excited to see where it goes,” she said.