Sydnee Batzlaff is a student at The University of North Florida studying multimedia journalism and American Sign Language/English interpreting. Her career goal is to become a news reporter for a local station and interpret for American Sign Language part-time. Eventually she plans to focus on only interpreting after she works in the news industry. 

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    Sydnee is  interned in the Fall of 2020 for the University of North Florida School of Communication with Inside Swoop in 90. Her job was to write, produce and anchor her own newscast each day. She also did other projects for the School of Communication such as, a weekly TV show or PSAs. This semester, she will be doing an internship for ASL interpreting with the Independent Living Resource Center in Jacksonville.

     

     She has a passion for helping those with special needs. She has studied ASL and deaf culture since high school. Recently she found a love for those who are blind or visually impaired through her sorority's philanthropy, Service for Sight. Serving as the vice president of philanthropy for two terms, she coordinated philanthropic missions for their members and has made many connections throughout the community. She previously worked for a non-profit called Vision is Priceless. She served as a program specialist and performed vision screenings throughout the community and coordinated appointments for eye exams. Having a job that makes a difference in people’s lives is something she appreciates. 

     

     Sydnee believes in determination and persistence. She never gives up on a goal once it is set in her mind. In high school, she told herself she would graduate high school with her Associate of Arts Degree and that is exactly what she did. She is very goal-orientated and has a plan for everything. Her education and career plan have been a goal of hers since high school and hasn’t changed. With her determination, she is capable of making her goals happen.  

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     In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures with her friends, traveling (especially on cruises) and hanging out with her pets. She loves to edit and post travel videos from her GoPro and DSLR camera on YouTube. She also enjoys going to deaf events and becoming more involved in the deaf community.  

     

     Sydnee is a great asset to a team.  She believes that Journalism and ASL interpreting will allow her to make a difference and ultimately help people.