Sydney Cross ’10, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, discovered Trinity through a very unconventional route. A committed member of the Girl Scouts, she was on a Scout- sponsored trip to London when one of her traveling companions spoke of Trinity. Sydney was curious, and did her research online and by telephone. She liked what she learned and applied to Trinity—sight unseen.

Upon arrival in Washington, Sydney quickly put her leadership skills to good use as freshman class vice president. In addition to involvement with the Trinity community, she took advantage of Trinity’s Washington location from day one. She interned with the Democratic National Committee in 2008, and attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. While there, Sydney became involved with the Black Caucus of the College Democrats of America, and was subsequently elected vice president. She later secured a job with the State Department in the Bureau of Administration’s Information Privacy Office.

An international affairs major, Sydney cites her Trinity professors as inspirational, providing her with opportunities to explore many fields that helped to shape her interests.

Sydney’s studies and work experiences have prepared her well. She is one of 20 selectees for the coveted Rangel Graduate Fellowship program that provides a path to careers in the Foreign Service with full financial support through two years of graduate study, internships, and professional development. Following commencement, Sydney traveled to Israel with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Campus Allies Mission program. Her Rangel Fellowship will begin with an internship on Capitol Hill this summer in the office of Congressman John Conyers, Jr. She is attending Howard University for graduate school.