Meet an undergraduate student putting majors in theater and cognitive science into practice as an aspiring speech-language pathologist
Theater and cognitive science don’t seem to have much in common on the surface. But ӰƵ student Sydney Raby finds them to be the perfect combination for a future career as a speech-language pathologist.
“I’ve always loved storytelling and understanding how people think and communicate,” said Raby, a fourth-year student from Massachusetts. “Theater lets me explore emotion, expression and connection from a creative angle, while cognitive science helps me understand the brain processes behind them. Together, they give me a fuller picture of how humans learn, feel, and interact.”
Raby hopes to work with children, supporting their communication development. In particular, she hopes to have the opportunity to assist children who are neurodivergent, helping them develop tools to connect with the world around them.
Over the summer, she had the opportunity to work at an early intervention speech program with the Summer Preschool Language Program at Boston University. It was further confirmation that she was heading the right direction.
“Seeing children grow more confident in expressing themselves was so rewarding, and it reminded me why I’m passionate about communication,” she said.
Raby considers her background in theater an advantage when working with children as it allows her to connect with them through creativity and play. The ability to pursue studies in vastly different subjects was exactly what drew Raby to CWRU in the first place.
“I realized how many opportunities CWRU students have to explore different interests, collaborate across disciplines, and get involved in the community,” she said. “That combination made it the right fit for me.”
She had even more opportunities to do just that as a participant in the President's Leadership Scholars program, which offered her insights into leadership and enhanced her on-campus engagement. During her time on campus, Raby has served on the executive board for Spartan Tappers, and was part of the Jewish Leadership Team, Spartan Cheer, Case Glee Club, and multiple theater groups.
“Each of these roles has allowed me to build community, collaborate with others, and express myself through performance and service,” she said.
Learn more about Raby’s experiences on campus.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
1. What about the President's Leadership Scholars program appealed to you?
I was really interested in being part of a program that focuses on leadership for social change. The idea of learning how to use leadership to make a positive impact, especially through service and collaboration, was appealing to me. In high school, I did a lot of work on disability and social change, so being able to continue that in college through this program spoke to me.
2. How has this program contributed to your educational experience?
The President’s Leadership Scholars program has pushed me to think deeply about what leadership actually means. It’s not just about holding positions; it’s about listening, learning and helping others succeed. I’ve met many amazing peers and mentors through the program, and it has shaped how I approach everything, from group projects to community work.
3. What is your fondest memory from the program?
My favorite parts of the program are the everyday interactions and the friends I’ve made through it. The community we’ve built is really special, and I’m still amazed that I get to work with all these incredibly talented people. Those connections have been the most meaningful part of the experience for me.
4. What have your campus involvement experiences meant to you?
They’ve given me a strong sense of community and belonging. Through these activities, I’ve met some of my closest friends and learned how powerful it can be to create spaces where people feel seen and supported. These experiences have helped me grow as both a leader and a person.
5. Why was it important to you to be an engaged member of the CWRU community?
Engagement has always been important to me because it’s how you build community. Getting involved helped me find my place on campus, connect with others who share my values, and contribute to something bigger than myself. I think that sense of connection is what makes the college experience truly meaningful.
