Sydney Campusano is a Bear Ambassador: a front-line student employee for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions who provides campus tours, serves on panels, and welcomes visitors from all over the world—essentially spreading the good word of WashU by sharing her own WashU story. And she loves it! “I love the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and help them envision themselves as part of the WashU community. It is my goal to make sure every student I encounter believes that they are just as deserving as everyone else to be at an institution as rigorous and prestigious as WashU.”
Name: Sydney Campusano
Year: Class of 2028
Major: Sociology & Dance
Minor: Public Health & Society
On-campus job title: Bear Ambassador
On-campus job department: Undergraduate Admissions
Student employees like Sydney are essential to the work of Undergraduate Admissions. According to her supervisor and Manager of Visit Experience and Student Staff, Jennie Jean-Jacques, “The Bear Ambassador position is not one that could be filled by an external applicant, because it requires the lived experience of being a WashU student. We absolutely could not do the important work of college access and recruiting prospective students to WashU without our Bear Ambassadors. Their collective talent, time, and energy are integral to our team at WashU.”
And even as a new Ambassador, Sydney has already had an impact! “Her authenticity and passion for the job has been refreshing, and I have personally witnessed her connect with many visitors to campus. Like most Bear Ambassadors, Sydney started off intimidated by the campus tour; however, with practice, training, and repetition, Sydney is one of our more confident tour guides. She takes a lot of initiative, does not hesitate to speak up, and answers any tough questions with ease,” says Jean-Jacques.
While Sydney’s work as a Bear Ambassador has impacted her team and prospective students, her job has also positively influenced her: “This role has helped me develop leadership and customer service skills that are valuable in any career, especially those involving teamwork and public engagement. I have strengthened my public speaking and interpersonal communication skills, which have boosted my confidence and professionalism.”
But with job opportunities throughout St. Louis, why on-campus employment? For Sydney, “this job allows me to connect with others by sharing what makes WashU special while also limiting the stress of working far from home. The convenience factor was extremely important; the quick commute allows me to stay on top of my academic workload. Being a student employee has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. Not only have I gained friends and connections, but I’ve had the privilege to engage with leadership at WashU, students from all over the world, and be part of something so much bigger than myself.”
Inspired by Syndey’s work? Learn more about becoming a Bear Ambassador or one of the several other on-campus employment opportunities offered through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please check Handshake for specific openings and current job descriptions.
Written by Sarah Sims, August 4, 2025
