Meet this week’s campus celeb, Allison Schnitker! She is your 2014 Homecoming Queen. She is also involved in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, as well as Mizzou Alternative Breaks. Allison spoke to us about her experiences in the different organizations that she belongs to on campus.
Her Campus Mizzou: Congrats on being crowned Homecoming Queen! What was it like to be crowned in front of thousands of people?
Allison Schnitker: It was a truly surreal moment that I will cherish forever! The entire thing still doesn’t seem real. Even though it was intimidating to stand in front of thousands of people, it was an immense honor and I was undoubtedly blessed to have so many wonderful people supporting me both on the field and in the stands.
HCM: How has being in a sorority helped you throughout your college experience?
AS: Coming from someone who was very new to Greek life, joining Kappa Alpha Theta was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made on this campus. It has given me countless opportunities and has changed me and my college experience for the better. How lucky am I to have a chapter full of women there to challenge and support me always? These women have been a rock in my life and serve as a springboard for so many friendships and leadership opportunities and I feel very fortunate to have found a home in Theta.
HCM: What is the best part about working with Mizzou Alternative Breaks?
AS: There are so many wonderful parts about working with Mizzou Alternative Breaks, but the best part would have to be the people. I have the chance to surround myself with some of the best people on this campus that are changing lives and communities around the world. I think there are few organizations that would give me the chance to work with so many passionate, driven, and hardworking individuals that have enriched my life in ways that they don’t even know. They make me want to be a better person each and every day.
HCM: How has being involved in different organizations that promote service helped you to grow as a person?
AS: I think working with various service organizations has helped me grow in many ways. It has challenged me to put myself out of my comfort zone, encouraged me to explore what I want to do with my life, and proved how great my passion for serving others is. I think it is important for everyone to discover different passions they have and also to realize that each of us has the power to change people’s lives, in both big and small ways.
HCM: What is your favorite moment that you have had at Mizzou so far?
AS: Is it possible to say every single one? Each experience and memory has shaped this to be the best 3 1/2 years! Without a doubt, the entire Homecoming experience this year was something that I’ll never forget. But aside from that, I really appreciate all of the small moments with the incredible people that I have met here. It’s easy to remember the big moments but those times that you laughed until you cried — those are just as special.
(Photo credit: Shane Epping)