Name: Elizabeth Sylvester
Major, Year: Writing Seminars Major, Theatre Arts & Studies Minor, 2016
Hometown: Rome, NY
Affiliated with: Kappa Alpha Theta, the JHU Barnstormers
You can probably find me…in the Brody Café between classes, or working at the Merrick Barn (the home of the Theatre Arts & Studies program here at Hopkins)
The best thing about Hopkins is…the people! It’s a very cliché answer, but honestly I could not have survived this far without the help of some amazing friends.
Something I’m especially proud of is…being able to balance schoolwork while also being CEO of Theta and Secretary of the JHU Barnstormers, taking voice lessons at Peabody, rehearsing and putting up the spring musical, TA-ing for John Astin, working at the Barn. . . I don’t know how I’m still alive. I think it has something to do with the Dirty Chais at Brody.
Something most people don’t know about me is…I have sung and traveled Europe with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
This year, I hope to…stay sane and kick my procrastination habits.
In five years, I will be…hopefully working in the arts, either as an administrator of a theatre company, symphony, etc., or maybe even acting myself. Who knows what the future holds – I could end up in something completely different!
Next up for me is…the Barnstormers’ production of Company! I’ve had the best experiences with musicals here at Hopkins – from being “Johanna” in Sweeney Todd to “Julie Jordan” in Carousel, to “Kathy” now . . . it’s the most fun I have all year!
Shameless Plug: Come see Company the first two weekends of April in the Swirnow Theatre! More information (including ticket reservations) can be found on our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/361074234079165/ Or by going to www.thejhubarnstormers.org
How has Greek Life shaped your Hopkins experience? My freshman year, I never gave much thought to being in a sorority; I let formal recruitment pass me by. But when Theta recolonized the next year, I thought: why not? I would be getting the chance to start a whole new organization on campus, and setting traditions for years to come. I am so proud of all of us, and of how far we’ve come. I have grown alongside this chapter; it’s very dear to me.
What skills has this leadership position given you? Being Executive Assistant last year honed my logistical and administrative skills, but it can be a very passive position. Being CEO is a much more hands-on job, so I’ve had to step up in ways that don’t necessarily come naturally to me; it’s a learning experience, but already I have been blessed with increased confidence in the worth of my opinion.
What is your favorite thing about Greek life? Again, the people! My sisters are the best people in the world, and I couldn’t imagine my time here at Hopkins without them.