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Sydney Hanfland’s Eastern Illinois University experience results in confidence, clear path to career in high-demand field

CHARLESTON, IL (05/05/2026) For Teutopolis High School graduate Sydney Hanfland, choosing Eastern Illinois University was about more than just proximity and affordability — it was about becoming part of something bigger.

“I appreciated the small, tight-knit campus family,” Sydney says, reflecting on her decision to attend EIU. “My mom and several of my aunts and uncles are EIU graduates, and they’ve all shared how important EIU is to them. It’s always been part of my family’s story.”

Now a senior majoring in Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) with a minor in Psychology, Sydney is preparing to take her next step: Beginning a master’s program in speech-language pathology in Summer 2026. Her journey at EIU highlights what so many EIU students discover — an experience rooted in connection, hands-on learning, and meaningful outcomes.

What sets EIU apart for Sydney is something many undergraduate programs don’t offer — early clinical experience.

“The undergraduate clinical opportunities are huge,” she reveals. “Being able to work directly with clients and apply what we’re learning right away has made such a difference in my confidence and growth.”

Through EIU’s on-campus clinic, Sydney progressed from observing graduate clinicians to serving as an undergraduate student clinician herself. She’s worked with pediatric clients, practiced hearing evaluations, used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, and even incorporated American Sign Language into her training.

That blend of classroom learning and real-world application is central to the CDS program’s design — giving students practical skills before they ever reach graduate school.

Like other students attending the Charleston, Illinois-based University, Sydney’s EIU experience extends well beyond the classroom. As an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), she took on leadership roles that connected her academic interests with community impact. For the past two years, she has served as EIU’s Autism Center Representative, helping organize outreach and advocacy efforts. One of her proudest achievements was helping plan “A Walk for Joy,” an autism acceptance event that brought together students and community members.

“It showed the direct impact of advocacy and community involvement,” she says. “Seeing everyone come together for a shared cause made me really proud to be a part of this community.” The event raised $780 for the Channing’s Joy Foundation, supporting therapy access, communication tools, and special education classrooms-demonstrating how student-led initiatives at EIU enhance what students learn and do in a traditional classroom setting.

Ask Sydney what truly defines her EIU experience, and she doesn’t hesitate: The people. From faculty mentorship to peer support, she describes a University and an academic department built on accessibility and genuine care.

“The open-door policy creates such a welcoming environment,” she said. “Our professors are approachable, encouraging, and really invested in our success.”

That sense of community shows up in both formal and informal ways — from annual banquets celebrating graduating students to events that connect clinicians and clients outside of therapy sessions.

“EIU is about so much more than academics,” Sydney adds. “We celebrate each other, support each other, and build real relationships.”

EIU’s emphasis on experiential learning, professional exposure, and student relationships has positioned Sydney — and many of her peers — for success beyond graduation. Through guest lectures, conferences, and networking opportunities, she’s connected with professionals across healthcare settings, explored career paths, and gained insight into the day-to-day realities of the field. For example, attending the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference, made possible through University support, was one of many experiences that broadened her perspective.

“Opportunities like that really help you understand what’s possible and where you fit,” she says.

For prospective students considering their options, Sydney points to a combination that defines the EIU experience: Affordability, accessibility, and opportunity.

“It’s a place where you can really get involved and find your people,” Sydney shares. “You get a strong education and hands-on experience that actually prepares you for your career.”

Sydney’s story reflects broader opportunities for EIU students — and the undeniable outcomes those opportunities result in for Eastern’s graduates. As an example, recent data from EIU Career Services indicates that students graduating from EIU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences enjoy a 100 percent placement rate, meaning graduates are employed or are enrolled in a Master’s Degree program within six months of degree completion. As she prepares for a fulfilling future as a speech-language pathologist, Sydney plans to pursue a Master’s Degree at EIU beginning in Summer 2026.

Above all, Sydney is confident that EIU has empowered her with the skills, conviction, and connections to make a positive and immediate impact. And for her, it all comes back to that original sense of belonging, a central theme to EIU’s mission of fostering opportunities for student-faculty scholarship and applied learning experiences within a student-centered campus culture.

“EIU has provided me with a supportive environment where I’ve grown both personally and professionally,” she concludes. “That’s what makes EIU so special, for me and for everyone else lucky enough to call Eastern Illinois University home.”

With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.

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