Sydney Cross

Sydney Cross BA '21

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’21

Hometown

Mount Shasta, California

Current City

San Francisco, California

Major

International Affairs

Extracurriculars

Softball

Overseas study

Athens, Greece (fall 2019)

Continuing Studies

UC Hastings College of the Law

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Opportunity, Beautiful, Challenging

Life After L&C

August 2022 Update

What have you been doing since graduation?

I graduated in May 2021, and moved to San Francisco that August to start law school at UC Hastings. I’m now entering my second year, and I will be graduating in May 2024. Over the summer I was a judicial extern at the SF Superior Court. I also just moved into a new apartment with my sister (who is just starting her first year at Hastings) and my best friend Hannah Urbach (who also went to L&C and was on the softball team with me).

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for law school?

L&C prepared me for the large amounts of reading and writing in law school.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important things I learned at L&C were how to be a great writer, make connections, and manage a busy schedule.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I stay connected by watching softball games on PioStream.

Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?

I went to Homecoming last year, and really enjoyed watching the football game from the tent in the end-zone.


Life at L&C

Sydney Cross BA '21 What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

My favorite class was United States Foreign Policy which is taught by Cyrus Partovi. During this class I learned so much about the U.S. and how countries all over the world interact with each other from a historical perspective.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

My mentor on campus is Cyrus Partovi. He is my advisor for my international affairs major. I consider him my mentor because when I need advice or help with school/classes or with career/educational plans after Lewis & Clark I go to him.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted to come to Lewis & Clark because I knew it was a very prestigious school that would challenge me academically and prepare me for life after school and my future career. I also love Portland, which made L&C even more appealing, and I had the opportunity to continue my softball career. Overall, I knew L&C would be the perfect fit for me.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience so far?

I chose to study abroad in Athens, Greece, because it was always a dream of mine to explore all the country’s ancient history. My overseas experience allowed me to see and experience a different part of the world. It also enriched my educational experience at LC because I was able to bring back everything that I learned, such as history and working with refugees on the island of Lesvos, and apply them to all of my classes.

Why did you choose to play softball at a DIII school? How do you balance athletics and academics?

I chose to play softball at a DIII school because I knew my academics would always come first. My academics are my number one priority and I love that I have the opportunity to be completely committed to my classes and grades. Playing sports at a DIII school is so amazing because all of the coaches and other athletic faculty are always extremely supportive of every athlete’s academics. DIII sports are perfect because I can be a full-time student and also play my favorite sport on top of that. It takes a lot of time management and extra hours in the library to manage both school and sports, but in the end, it is all worth it because I am making unforgettable memories with my team, and also earning an amazing education.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the softball field. It’s the place where I can go to relax and just have fun with my teammates and play the sport we all love.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

My favorite thing about living in Portland is that there so many fun things to do outside of school, such as going to the movies, restaurants, farmers’ markets, shopping, museums, and professional athletic games.