The men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Zeta Xi Chapter at The University of South Florida are hosting Sigma Week! As a part of the week-long series of events, their holding the 2nd annual Miss Phi Beta Sigma Scholarship Pageant. They’re goal is to “promote diversity, individuality and overall achievement among [the] contestants.” In support of their 100th year, they’re looking for “The Lady of the Century.”
Her Campus USF is supporting contestant number one, Tyler Fordham! Read on to find out why she’s our Lady of the Century.
Tyler is a 21-year-old marketing and sociology major who hopes to pursue a career in consumer psychology. She’s a member of Her Campus USF and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. She also works as a social media assistant for USF Housing and Residential Education.
She loves being a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma because, “when we’re hanging out it doesn’t feel like a bunch if sorority girls. I don’t seem like the sorority type myself, so I can have sisterhood but still be weird and quirky.”
Tyler has radiant and fun personality. She almost always has a smile on her face and a genuine, kind word to share with others. When asked what people would be surprised to know about her, she told us that she used to be really chubby as a child.
“The doctor said I was at a pre-diabetes level. So, I’ve been on a healthy lifestyle (relatively, at least) since elementary school. I transformed my diet and I’m a lot more physically active,” she said. “I still have a long way to go. I used to be a round little bookworm. Glasses, big cheeks, two ponytails everyday–it was awful.”
We’re glad she made such and important lifestyle change, but baby Tyler sounds pretty adorable to us!
Tyler is passionate about self-expression and finding your own voice.
“I’m super passionate about people finding an outlet to express themselves, something that can transcend all words and emotions and can bring a person through dark times,” she said. “I was an only child and I know a lot of other people feel alone sometimes, so I want people to be able to self-love and be their own source of happiness.”
Tyler is “Lady of the Century” because she embraces her imperfections and learns from her mistakes.
“I’m kind of the underdog– not the prettiest, not the skinniest, not the smartest, not the most popular. I want to represent “average” girls and show that even if others may not view us as spectacular, we are all amazing in out own way. Celebrate your strengths and don’t stress about qualities that others have that you like. I’ve just accepted myself, taken inventory of my personality and capabilities and I’m like “cool,'” she said.
We couldn’t agree more.
For more information on the Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant vivsit check out the Sigma Week Official Website.