Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.
Year: Senior
Majors: Psychology and SCOM
Minor: Family studies
“There’s strong and then there’s Delta STRONG.”
Her Campus: What made you decide on coming to JMU? Do you have a specific memory where you remember knowing that this was the perfect place for you?
Tatiana: Honestly, I never stepped foot on JMU’s campus before 1787. I wanted to explore and be away from home but also close enough to come back if there was an emergency. I decided to stay in-state and it was between Mason and JMU. I prayed and did eenie meenie mynie moe. JMU won — it was my destiny! It wasn’t until I got involved on campus that I knew it was perfect for me. The people are great and really make you feel at home.
HC: What originally got you interested in joining Delta Sigma Theta?
T: It’s really hard to explain but it was just in my heart. I had some mentors in high school who were members of Greek organizations and I saw their impact on the community. I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. This history of my organization was just breath-taking and I really admired how dedicated the members of the Iota Alpha Chapter (here at JMU) were to serving the campus. They just did so much and became some of my biggest role models. I knew there was no other choice for me. I crossed in Spring 2010 so I’ve been in the chapter for three years. I’ve held positions such as social action chair, vice president and now president. My goal is definitely to leave my mark and spread awareness about my chapter. We’re such a small chapter (currently 11 members which is big for multi-cultural Greek chapters at JMU) but we really do big things despite our numbers. I’m very proud of my chapter and all of its success. My experience has also been amazing. I’m basically the only child — I have an 11-year-old sister but she’s more like my daughter — so gaining sisters and learning to work with a bunch of women were both unique experiences. Through it all, I’ve learned so much not only about myself but my sisters and they’ve helped me grow into the woman I am today.
HC: As president, do you have any advice on staying organized and also juggling different involvements and classes?
T: As a college student in general, my planner is my life. I write everything down to stay organized. At one point in my college career I was juggling 21 credit hours, two jobs, four orgs, and neglecting sleep and a social life. I’ve definitely learned the art of balance and saying “no” (I have a huge issue with taking on too much). My best advice for other students and underclassmen would be to definitely be to get involved. It is also important to remember that sometimes less is more, so it’s better to give 100 percent to a few things than 50 percent to a bunch of things.
HC: How did you celebrate your centennial?
T: 2013 has definitely been an amazing year thus far. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with the primary focus on the black community. We have all been anticipating this moment for a very long time so it has been phenomenal celebrating with the sorority. Nationally, we’ve celebrated doing various community service events (22 specifically to honor our founders) in DC where our organization was founded at Howard University. Here on campus, we’ve done the same and also came up with a list of initiatives to challenge ourselves. On January 13th, 2013, we spent the day in DC with over 13,000 sorority sisters from all over the world. It was so humbling being around that many women who dedicate their lives everyday to serving others. We just ended our Delta Week entitled “Call of Duty: Red Ops” to emphasis our ultimate goal and mission to serve JMU. We began the week with our Founders Day Banquet in the Montpelier Room, which went very well. It was an honor to have our week after MLK week and during the MLK Formal program that the Center for Multicultural Student Services holds every year. I must say that out of all my years in the chapter and at JMU, this has been my favorite and I’m so filled with joy. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to JMU. I just love being a Duke.
To find out more about Delta Sigma Theta you can check out the sorority’s Twitter and Instagram (@IA_Deltas) or head over to the chapter’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IA1913JMU!