Brandi Swiderski’s path to Portland State University was anything but typical. A recovering addict, mother, and first-generation college student, Swiderski turned a moment of truth with her child into the spark that launched a transformative academic journey. Now graduating with a double major from The School of Business — with plans to return for her MBA and MS in Applied Data Science — Brandi shares how she rebuilt her future and found her voice at PSU.
Inside Portland State: What was your journey to Portland State?
Swiderski: My journey to Portland State has been anything but traditional and far from easy. I’m a recovering addict. For years, I struggled just to survive, through addiction, homelessness and other traumas. Recovery gave me a second chance, and I knew I wanted to make it count. But in early recovery, I played it safe. I focused on stability, routine and just staying consistent. That changed when my child Toby was struggling with school during the pandemic. I kept telling them how important it was to finish, to graduate. One day, they looked at me and said, “You never graduated so why do you care if I do?” That moment stopped me in my tracks.
I signed up for GED classes shortly after, and I earned my GED within three months. And something shifted. I started to wonder: What would happen if I bet on myself? What would happen if I stepped outside of the little comfort bubble I had created? What would happen if I went all in, on me?
Since then, I’ve kept a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire undergraduate journey while juggling student leadership, honors courses, parenting and being a partner. I was selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Scholar just before graduating from Clatsop Community College. When it came time to transfer, I chose Portland State because of its deep commitment to ethical and community-based leadership. I saw myself in that mission, connected to the servant leadership, and I knew this was the place where I could keep growing.
Now, I’m graduating from PSU with my bachelor’s, double majoring in supply and logistics management and business tech and analytics, and I will be the first in my family to graduate college.
Inside Portland State: What will you miss most?
Swiderski: Springtime on campus. The cherry blossoms, the sunshine, students gathering in the Park Blocks. It’s such a beautiful and energizing time at PSU. I’ll also really miss the sense of community here. Even at such a large university, I never felt invisible. I always felt like my story mattered. And of course, I’ll miss my business honors cohort. We’re a small group, but we’ve supported each other, pushed each other and grown together in ways I’ll always carry with me. I really enjoy being in the company of people who challenge me to be a better me.
That said, I’m not saying goodbye for long. I’ll be back in the fall to begin my dual MBA and MS in Applied Data Science for Business.
Inside Portland State: Can you share a memory that stands out for you when you think about your time at PSU?
Swiderski: One of the most emotional moments was moving Toby into the Broadway dorms. As I drove away and saw the building in my rearview mirror, it really hit me: I was sending my child out into the world, but we’d both be starting something new, together. We began at PSU the same year: me as a transfer student, and them as a first year.
Some of my favorite memories are the small ones: meeting up with Toby for a quick chat before or after class, grabbing Pho 503 or a donut from Coco together, just being able to stay connected during this huge chapter in both of our lives. Being at PSU has really made our relationship stronger. And every time I saw their name on the honor roll, I felt so proud. It’s something incredibly special we’ve been able to share as mother and child.
Inside Portland State: Is there a professor or class that was especially impactful for you?
Swiderski: Professor Wagner’s Security, Privacy and Ethics class really stuck with me. It pushed me to think critically about the importance of diversity and inclusion, something that I don’t get exposed to too often living in a rural area. It reminded me that ethical leadership isn’t just a concept, it’s a responsibility.
Another class that had a big impact was Communication in Groups. It sounds simple, but group communication is anything but easy. That class helped me understand just how much intentional effort it takes to collaborate well, to keep everyone aligned and to make sure all voices are heard. Those lessons have shaped how I show up as a leader and a teammate.
Inside Portland State: As you get ready to graduate, how do you think your work or experiences have made a difference in our community? And what kind of impact do you hope to make in the future?
Swiderski: I’ve been open about my story, about recovery and everything I’ve overcome. I believe there’s power when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. I hope the difference I’ve made is in helping reduce the stigma around addiction, especially in the city where it’s so visible. People struggling with addiction deserve dignity and empathy too. They’re not just statistics or problems to fix. They’re people, and their stories matter.
At PSU, I’ve tried to lead with compassion and purpose. Whether it was in the classroom or through leadership roles, I’ve done my best to show that real change starts when we center humanity. I want to be a beacon of hope for people who feel broken, who feel like they don’t belong at the table, because they do. We all do.
In the future, I want to lead a nonprofit that supports women who’ve experienced addiction, homelessness and domestic violence. My goal is to create a space where people can reclaim their stories, access the resources they need and build futures they’re proud of.
Inside Portland State: Any advice for current and future PSU students?
Swiderski: Build relationships with your professors, especially if you’re taking online classes. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions or ask for clarity when something doesn’t make sense. They want to see you succeed, but you have to be willing to advocate for yourself.
Also, build community and lean on it when you need to. You don’t have to do this alone. Be open to growth, and give yourself permission to take up space. You belong here, and you don’t have to prove your worth to anyone. Just keep going.