LIFE

Sydnie Collins, 18, is the first to admit it: She loves to talk. So, what better way to improve her community than by speaking out against the stigma surrounding mental health struggles?

“During the pandemic, my mental health was kind of depleting,” Sydnie says. “I remember thinking: there’s probably other kids my age who feel the same way.” 

This feeling motivated Sydnie to take a totally unconventional approach to making the world a better place: by creating her very own outreach podcast. She sees her show, Perfect Timing, as “an uplifting and empowering environment” where she “brings a seat to the table for kids that feel a little bit voiceless.”

Thanks to Sydnie’s bubbly personality and sense of humor, this unique method of giving back really stuck for her. At first, she recorded from a not-so-soundproof closet in her bedroom, with no professional mics. Now, nearly every week, she talks to entrepreneurs, artists, activists and authors—all to promote a message of positivity for those who might not find it otherwise. 

We flipped the script and chatted with Sydnie, interviewer extraordinaire, about the story behind her success, plus her big dreams for the future. 

Girls' Life: How'd you come up with the idea to start "Perfect Timing"? Why a podcast?

Sydnie Collins: Growing up, I actually wasn't really a podcast listener. But All American on Netflix was my mom's favorite show [during the pandemic] and one of the main characters, Olivia, starts her own podcast. My mom was like: Why don't you do what she does? And I'm like: That sounds wild. Okay!

GL: Where does the name "Perfect Timing" come from?

Sydnie: My mom and I were sitting down to brainstorm names. She wrote down a few and then I saw "Perfect Timing," and it just stuck with me. I often relate it to the idea that everything is done in God's perfect timing. You can be 70 years old and decide that you want to become an activist, an author or an actress. It's never too late to start something. It's never too early, either.

GL: How did you find the confidence to host your own podcast?

Sydnie: We don't think about it this way, but it's just something you have to practice. People ask me all the time, they're like: Sydnie, how do you do these public speaking engagements? And I'm like: I literally just have to do it over and over and over again. I used to be extremely shy. Public speaking was the last thing I ever wanted to do. Now it's my favorite thing in the world. 

GL: What types of guests do you usually chat with on "Perfect Timing"?

Sydnie:  I look for people who, by all means, just want to create a change or create a positive impact. I've had authors on. I've had motivational speakers and entrepreneurs.

GL: Do you have any other major projects in the works?

Sydnie: I actually just co-authored a book called You Can Go to College for Free. It's mainly published by Dr. Rhea Watson, who's known for helping students internationally get into college and graduate debt-free, I've had her on my podcast twice now to share her story, and I'm hoping the book will help students who are like me know that they're not alone in the stress of applying. I want to give them the confidence to continue to push on.

GL: Where do you hope to take "Perfect Timing" in the future?

Sydnie: Having a TV show or something like that would be the dream one day. But the podcast just fits with me because, as you can tell, I love to talk. So, it really was just the best way for me to break out into the community—with my voice.

GL: What advice might you give to girls who want to do more for their community, but don't know where to start?

Sydnie: You don't have to start your own business. You don't need to become this crazy entrepreneur. You can start small. You can join organizations that are already doing work that you're passionate about, whether it be women's rights or education system reform or another worthy cause. 

Stream Sydnie's podcast "Perfect Timing" here!

Plus, if you're already giving back to your community in a unique way,
learn more about becoming a Prudential Emerging Visionary like Sydnie.

These real-life girls are making the world a better place. Read on and get inspired:
💞 Teen activist Zoya Haq is making *big* changes to what she's learning in school...and you can too!
💞 One girl designed her own mentoring app for foster youth and is making a *major* impact
💞 This international feminist org helps girls (just like you!) achieve their goals for giving back

Images courtesy of Sydnie Collins. 

by Madelon Basil | 11/15/2023