In honor of National Women’s History Month, I sat down with one of my favorite women on Susquehanna’s campus. I met her as my Big last semester when I was inducted into the service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), and she quickly became one of my favorite people on campus. She’s super awesome and I was so excited to sit down with her over dinner and get to know her a little better this week.
What year are you graduating?
I guess I should say 2019 because that’s what I always said, but I’m graduating a semester early next December.
Where are you from?
Rochester, New York.
What is your major?
I’m a Communications major with a focus in Public Relations.
What all do you do on campus?
Not a whole lot. I’m president of Alpha Phi Omega and I work in the President’s office. I also just started writing for Susquehanna’s Odyssey chapter.
Why did you decide to join APO?
I kind of joined on a whim, the way you did. A friend dragged me to open chapter during recruitment week and I just decided to go for it. Now I’m in love with APO even though I barely knew what it was before I joined.
What made you want to run for the exec board?
I was on exec for my pledge class as the service chair and I really enjoyed it. Then when the old secretary stepped down last fall, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved again, so I took over her position. Running for president just made sense after that.
What are your favorite service projects?
Definitely Riverwoods. I’ve always had a soft spot for old people and I love that so many of them are still passionate about something like going to church after all these years. I really like that I can help them do what they’re passionate about, even if it’s just wheeling them to church on Sunday mornings.
What is your favorite thing about Susquehanna?
I love the family aspect here. Once you’re here for a while, you just become part of this big family. Our alumni are super involved and take pride in where they went to school and there are so many couples who work on campus and bring their family’s around. It just makes Susquehanna feel more like home.
What advice do you have for other women who are looking to get into leadership positions on campus?
Jump in head first and stop caring what other people think. There’s a stigma about strong-willed women are bitchy, but you really can’t worry about that.
Who is your biggest role model?
Probably my Aunt Chrissy. She’s a good representation of making a beautiful life out of very little.
What are your favorite things to do in your downtime?
I love reading. I also like watching shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, New Girl, and Friends on Netflix. Needlepoint is my grandma hobby, but I also like baking and cake decorating and hanging out with my 3-year-old niece.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with women?
Don’t let other people’s expectations affect your decisions.
Where can people follow you on social media?
Follow me on Instagram! @emmamusic101