Name: Meesha Munnings
Year: Senior
Age: 22
Hometown: Lake Placid, FL
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Psychology
Her Campus (HC): So, you mentioned that you’re majoring in Exercise Science. Are we talking medical school in the near future?
Meesha Munnings (MM): I actually want to be a physician’s assistant and hopefully work with an OBGYN or infertility specialist.
HC: That’s awesome! Most recently, you won Homecoming Princess. Can you tell us a little bit about where the idea to run came from?
MM: When I was at orientation, I saw the Homecoming statue and thought, “Hey, maybe I could do that!” because I was on homecoming court in high school. Then I came here and realized how many students were on campus and sort of belittled myself. I felt that I didn’t know that many people, but I still applied and then got an interview! I was so shocked, I remember that I called my mom crying, [telling] her that I got the interview.
HC: After going through the emotions of not being sure if you would win, what were your reactions the day when you were crowned?
MM: I honestly did not think that I was going to win. The other ladies who were on court had been at FSU the entire four years and had established themselves on campus, so I thought I would get runner up… but I didn’t. When they didn’t call my name for runner up I was like “wow, maybe I have a chance.” I was literally shaking on stage when they called my name, I was so shocked.
HC: In addition to being crowned Homecoming Princess, which is amazing, you’re also really involved on campus. What organizations are you a part of?
MM: Well, I’m actually a transfer student. I transferred here my sophomore year. My first semester here I wasn’t involved in anything. Then in the spring, I participated in PeaceJam and Relay 4 Life, and those are the two organizations that I basically stuck with. I tried other organizations, but it didn’t really work out, which is fine because everything happens in its right timing. I’ve moved up in PeaceJam and Relay 4 Life. I feel that if you decide to branch out and join organizations, make sure your heart is in it. It’s much more than just a nametag or a position.
HC: Within those organizations, do you hold any leadership roles?
MM: Yes. In PeaceJam I am the Mentor Development Intern and I am also the NPHC Greek Development Liaison, as well as the Chaplain in Delta Sigma Theta.
HC: After moving up in these organizations and going through the homecoming process, what has been the biggest lesson that you have learned here at Florida State?
MM: Definitely to embrace diversity. I’m from a small town, and here it is a melting pot of so many different cultures. In PeaceJam I know someone from every agency on campus. I mean, I want to go to an Indian wedding. I want to go to Africa. How many people can say that they have these opportunities and experiences?
HC: You have had so many great experiences at FSU. Who inspires you the most?
MM: I would have to say my mother. My mom had my brother at fifteen and wanted to come to college but couldn’t yet, so she worked her way up. She started working at a bank and since then has become Banking Center Manager without any college degree or classes. I feel like she pushed me to come to college. She told me that I didn’t have an option. She inspires me to do better because she has done so much without this experience.
HC: Being that it is your senior year, what legacy do you hope to leave when you graduate?
MM: Stop belittling ourselves. I feel that as women we sometimes think that we are not worthy of pursuing positions or not worthy to be whatever our minds tell us that we can be. We need to start saying, “Yes! We can do this.” That’s the legacy I want to leave. I’m a young woman, a transfer student who wasn’t in any organizations yet I still won Homecoming Princess. Anyone can win; it’s not something that you have to be in the “in crowd” to benefit from.
HC: Lastly, any shout-outs that you’d like to give?
MM: Yes! Shout out to the Kappa Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated!