Viral ring girl Sydney Thomas celebrates college graduation after ‘far from typical' journey
The 21-year-old influencer revealed on her Instagram that she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in three years amid highs and lows, including the passing of her mother.
'Did it in 3🎓 @univofalabama,' Thomas wrote, including snapshots of her wearing a white dress and her graduation gown. 'As I look back and reflect on my college experience, I can't help but acknowledge how monumental each of these years has been in shaping me into who I am today. From navigating the loss of my mother to the whirlwind of unexpected overnight fame, Alabama has been the one constant through it all- continually welcoming me with open arms and keeping me grounded in who I am.
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3 Sydney Thomas recalled 'the whirlwind of unexpected overnight fame' while celebrating her college graduation on Wednesday, May 6, 2025.
Instagram/Sydney Thomas
'Though my college journey was far from typical, I've found such beauty and comfort in the abnormalcy of it all, trusting that everything unfolded in alignment with Gods divine timing.
'This has been such a beautiful chapter in the story of my life—one I'll look back on often. And while it's bittersweet that it's come to an end a year early, I know that wherever my path leads next, Alabama will always be sweet home to me.❤️ Roll Tide, forever & always.'
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3 Sydney Thomas recalled 'the whirlwind of unexpected overnight fame' while celebrating her college graduation on Wednesday, May 6, 2025.
Instagram/Sydney Thomas
One image showed Thomas wearing a red dress while chugging a bottle of champagne.
She posed with her friends in other snapshots.
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Thomas, who is a native of St. Louis, previously said she was enrolled in online classes in Alabama due to her travel schedule.
The blonde beauty became an overnight sensation during the Paul-Tyson rumble, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2024.
3 Sydney Thomas is embracing her newfound fame after the ring girl nearly stole the spotlight during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight on November 15, 2024.
TikTok/Sydney Thomas
Thomas, who garnered massive attention after that, landed brand deals on social media and interviews.
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She celebrated reaching one million followers on TikTok after the fight and eventually signed with Creative Artists Agency for representation.
Thomas previously shared that she was discovered by Paul's company through social media.
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