Her Campus had a chance to speak with this Pretty Poodle, Symonne Stryjewski. Not only is she heavily involved on Hampton’s campus, but she devotes her time as a fourth year Architecture major from Stone Mountain, Georgia. Symmone is also a Spring 2016 initiate of the Zeta Xi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
HC: What made you interested in your organization?
SS: I am Legacy of my aunt but when I did my research I knew that this was the organization for me. My founders were educators as well as strong women, and there was so much rich history.
HC: Do you feel as though being Greek has changed some people?
SS: Yes, but good and bad. It makes you more confident and willing to challenge yourself. You’re not afraid of things you once were.
HC: Do you find that your love life gets in the way of your obligations for your organization?
SS: No because honestly I’m able to manage time very well. Being that I’m an architecture major, I’m up all of hours of the night so I’ve learned to balance.
HC: Do you believe that it’s possible to date another Greek, or are you opposed?
SS: I’m down to date another Greek because we both understand each other’s obligations. If I happen to be busy he’ll be more understanding, vice versa.
HC: What’s the best part about having line sisters?
SS: It’s amazing. I’m the only child, so having line sisters is great. I love each and every one of them. It’s not always perfect but at the end of the day you know that you’ll have your sisters for life.
HC: Do you feel like people have a different perception of you because you’re Greek?
SS: “Wow, she did it.” was the reaction that many people had, because you hardly see any Architecture majors that are Greek.
HC: What do you feel the role of Black Greek letter organizations are, in the African American community?
SS: It’s very important because we are the future. We’re just a beacon of what we’ve done in the past to what we are now. We’re continually growing as African American men and women.
HC: Do you believe that the stereotypes about your organization are true?
SS: No I don’t. I believe that when it comes to our numbers, we are about quality, not quantity. It’s what our founders believed in and we stay true to that.
HC: What does sisterhood mean to you?
SS: Sisterhood means everything. Without sisterhood, why are we in a Sorority? I always have my sister’s back and they always have mine.
HC: How do you balance your social life, on top of everything else?
SS: It’s hard because there’s always something happening. However, I didn’t come to Hampton to major in SGRho, but to major in Architecture. That is my first priority and then everything else follows.
HC: Do you think that it’s become more difficult to balance your friendships being that you are Greek now?
SS: Yes, a lot of them think that I’m busy. But my friends understand that I have obligations and I make time for them when I am able to.
HC: Who are you outside of being, Symonne the SGRho?
SS: I am Symonne, the President of the American institute of Architecture Students. I am Symonne the Daughter, the Christian, the friend. I’m really well-rounded, and I don’t lean on my letters to define who I am as the person.