Sydney Seabaugh-Rendel, a Florida-licensed attorney and Vanderbilt Law graduate, is dedicated to advocating for students in special education and victims of sexual cyber harassment and misconduct. Her passion for advocacy began at the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, where she gained firsthand experience supporting individuals with disabilities and received faculty mentorship that helped shape her legal career. 
 
Recently earning a master’s degree in special education, Seabaugh-Rendel has deepened her expertise, allowing her to better serve clients with both expertise and empathy. 

Reflecting on her time at the Honors College, she encourages current and prospective students to seek opportunities beyond the classroom, as these experiences can help them discover their passions and the causes they want to champion. 

Q: Reflecting on your time in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, what experiences have had the most profound impact on your personal or professional development? 

During my time in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, I had the privilege of participating in two transformative experiences that significantly impacted my personal and professional development.  
 
One key moment was taking a course with Dr. Lindy Davidson, which reignited my passion for law, particularly in the area of disability rights. Through Dr. Davidson’s mentorship, I was introduced to Kyle Romano, who now teaches in the Honors College. Kyle, along with his colleagues at Custom Mobility, invited me to Washington D.C. to advocate with the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART), a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) for individuals with disabilities.  

You never know how a course, networking event, or opportunity through the Honors College might expand your perspective or spark a new interest. - Honors alum Sydney Seabaugh-Rendel

During this trip, Kyle and I met with members of Congress to advocate for legislation that would enhance access to essential technology for people with disabilities. Additionally, in the same Honors College course, our class collaborated with organizations in Cameroon to create a children's book about epilepsy, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding. During this course, I also conducted a research project comparing international disability rights to those of the United States. My goal was to understand how different cultures perceive disability and to advocate for better support of the daily needs of people with disabilities.  
 
Alongside a few colleagues, I also traveled to a global health conference at Harvard Medical School, where we presented both our class project and individual research findings. These experiences deepened my commitment to advocacy and laid a strong foundation for my legal career. After graduating from USF, I carried these Honors College lessons into my studies at Vanderbilt University Law School, where they continue to shape my approach to law and advocacy. 

Q: What drew you back to school for your master's degree?  

I recently received my Master of Education in Special Education (M.Ed) from Florida Gulf Coast University. Earning my master’s degree has equipped me with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students with disabilities, allowing me to be a more effective advocate as a special education and sexual misconduct attorney. This degree has provided me with critical insights into individualized education plans (IEPs), behavioral interventions, and the legal rights of students, enabling me to navigate complex educational policies and advocate for fair treatment in school settings.  
 
Additionally, engaging with educators and professionals in the field has been invaluable, as their firsthand experiences have broadened my perspective on the systemic issues within education. Collaborating with them has strengthened my ability to bridge the gap between legal advocacy and educational best practices, ensuring that the students and families I serve receive the support and justice they deserve. I am currently collaborating with professors on research aimed at improving the education system for students with disabilities and strengthening policies that protect the rights of all students. Through these efforts, I hope to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and just educational environment. 

Q: How do you envision your education graduate degree is changing or will change your practice of law?  

My practice currently focuses on advocating for students in special education and other educational matters, as well as for victims of sexual cyber harassment and misconduct. My M.Ed. equips me with the knowledge and insight to provide comprehensive advocacy, ensuring that students and victims receive the support, protection, and justice they deserve. 

Q: Can you share a case or experience that reinforced your passion for this field?  

One experience was seeing firsthand the challenges faced by students with disabilities when they encounter bullying in school settings. Through my background in special education, I have witnessed the gaps in support systems and the legal complexities that often leave these students vulnerable. 
 
There was a particularly impactful moment when I worked with a student who had a disability and was relentlessly bullied by peers. Despite school policies in place, the intervention strategies were ineffective, and the student’s academic and emotional well-being suffered. This case highlights the critical need for stronger legal protections and more effective intervention strategies. It solidified my desire to not only advocate for students like this but also to work on shaping policies that ensure their safety, dignity, and access to education. 

Q: What advice do you have for current Honors students? 

My advice to current Honors students is to stay open to new opportunities and continuously explore your passions. You never know how a course, networking event, or opportunity through the Honors College might expand your perspective or spark a new interest.  
 
Take full advantage of the incredible faculty, who are well-connected in the community, and seek out ways to gain real-world experience in your field of interest. Build strong relationships with faculty and staff — they can become lifelong mentors who support your growth.  
 
Connect with professionals in your desired field to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of potential career paths. Enjoy the journey of your academic career — it is a blessing!