Alumni Spotlight: Lee chasing dreams at Syracuse U

“Prior to joining the Knight Crier, I had no journalistic writing experience. I had only taken the course because I wanted to have Mr. Manero as a teacher again. Taking this chance, I ended up finding my passion: journalism.”

Cydney Lee, graduate of the class of 2016, is no stranger when it comes to branching out beyond her comfort zone. Lee tried to be involved as much as possible in the NPHS community. She was a member of  the softball team, French Club, Key Club, and the African American Awareness Club (AAAC). Lee emphasized the importance of academics, and as a result was inducted into The National Honors Society (NHS) in her junior year.

What is your favorite part of college?

“I think my favorite part of college is getting to meet so many new and different people. Being in sort of a bubble my whole life, I have encountered and befriended some of the coolest people here in college. We’re all chasing a common goal yet we’re pursuing our dreams in a variety of ways so it’s really inspiring. Being surrounded by ambitious peers just motivates me to be the best I can be as well.”

What are you involved in and pursuing in college right now?

“Right now I am a junior at Syracuse University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology. I am also hoping to pick up a minor in Public Communications soon. I am super involved in school right now, it’s kind of crazy. I am a general member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Psychology Club. I also write for three different publications on campus: The Daily Orange (The DO), Mixtape Magazine, and Renegade Magazine. The DO is the independent student newspaper of Syracuse, NY. It was also ranked the #2 college paper in the country by Princeton Review in 2018 so I am really proud and honored to contribute to such an acclaimed publication. Mixtape Magazine is Syracuse’s first and only hip-hop magazine on campus, and Renegade Magazine is the only black general interest magazine on campus.”

What do you miss most about North Penn?

“Honestly, I don’t really miss high school that much.”

What is your advice to high school students?

“My advice to high schoolers would be to try things that are new and out of your comfort zone. If there’s one thing I learned/am learning in college it’s to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You never know when or how you will find your passion (if you haven’t already) and when you do, you should pursue it head on.”