This week I had the opportunity to speak with Sonya Schiaffino, member of Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority Incorporated and Her Campus writer for SUNY New Paltz. She spoke to me about her experiences at New Paltz so far.
Q: Why did you choose SUNY New Paltz?
A: I chose New Paltz because it was exactly what I was looking for in a college. The campus was the perfect size and the proximity to town was the best out of all the college tours I went on.
Q: What is your major?
A: I’m a sociology major with a concentration in Human Services and it is one of my favorite aspects of going to SUNY New Paltz.
Q: How did you choose your major?
A: I was originally an English major hoping to go into secondary education, however I took an Intro to Human Services class sophomore year and fell in love with Human Services, leading me to switch my major immediately!
Q: What made you choose Greek Life?
A: Coming out of high school one of the biggest questions I asked at tours was how big Greek life was on campus because I was beyond avidly against greek life. Once I came to New Paltz and I was introduced to Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority Inc. it changed my entire perception on Greek organizations. I love the sisterhood and the intense love that comes out of a sorority on top of all the opportunities awarded to me to participate in community service and philanthropy.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Greek Life?
A: My favorite thing about Greek life is the connections and networking opportunities that have come out of Greek Life. Some of my favorite people I’ve met on this campus have come from other Greek organizations.
Q: How did you find out about Her Campus?
A: I found out about Her Campus through one of those significant connections I made through Greek Life. It has allowed me the possibility to explore my options and exercise my writing skills
Q: What made you join Her Campus?
A: I knew it would allow me to use the skills that caused me to originally major in English. I like the opportunity to be imaginative and creative and tell some of my favorite stories.
Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?
A: My favorite spot on campus is actually any bench in the sun on a Fall or Spring day. My sorority actually has it’s own bench on campus near the Hopfer house and it’s one of the prettiest spots, overlooking the “Gunk”.
Q: What is your favorite thing about New Paltz? A: The atmosphere. It is one hundred percent the best part of this school. The people and the campus and environment make for a really welcoming and productive situation.
Q: Any advice for newcomers to our campus?
A: Be relaxed, stay yourself and be open to everyone around you. People at New Paltz are so welcoming and will provide you with love and support, no matter what niche you wind up in.
As you can see Sonya is very involved on campus and has loved her time in New Paltz so far. If you see her around don’t be afraid to say a quick hello!