Name: Nikki Harris
Age: 20
Year: Senior
Major: Communication
Hometown: Berlin, CT
What is your current position within the UConn HC chapter? What positions have you held in the past and how does this one compare?
I’m currently the president/Campus Correspondent for Her Campus UConn. Last year I was the vice president and the year before that I was the secretary. With every position I’ve held on the HC UConn team, I’ve learned a lot. This year, being able to lead a group of strong, intelligent women to success is going to be amazing. I love being able to help them grow as writers and see everyone work together. I’m so honored to be the CC this year.
What’s your favorite thing about Her Campus?
I’d have to say the sense of community. I joined my second semester of freshman year after being dragged by my roommate and friend (thank you!!) and it changed my college experience. Instead of being holed up in my room being homesick, I now had a room full of people who were passionate and shared the same interests as me. We have writers from all corners of campus whether they’re journalism majors, communication majors, engineering majors, or health science majors. You get to meet people you might not have had the chance to otherwise. It’s a diverse bunch and I love how all the differing thoughts and opinions come together to create a flourishing collection of content each week.
Favorite HC memory?
Hmmm… I have two. The first is the moment our CC from two years ago, Erin Craw, approached me and asked if I was going to apply for CC the next year. I was surprised that she thought I would make a good campus correspondent and was extremely flattered. That moment changed my course completely. I was happy to be the secretary and hadn’t thought of aiming any higher until that moment. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up getting the position. However, it went to the perfect person for the job, Sarah Levine, and as vice president I had the best year ever working with her.
My second favorite moment is when, last year, we had 90-100 girls show up for our informational session after the UConn Involvement Fair. Sarah and I were in complete shock when we had to move out of our classroom and into the amphitheater in Austin to accommodate the number of girls who came. We had been a team of roughly 15 the year before and to see this many students be interested in HC UConn was wonderful. I’m not going to lie, we were pretty nervous about how to make the transition from managing a team of 15 to a team of possibly 100 members, but it all worked out and I’m so thankful and proud of all the girls on the team for making that possible.
What is your dream job?
I’d love to work for a magazine company or in public relations. As long as I’m happy and proud of what I do, that’s my dream job.
Celebrity crush?
There are so many, but I’d have to say Zac Efron is still my numero uno. But then again Miles Teller…
What’s your favorite thing about attending UConn?
Jonathan the Husky. I got to meet him for the first time a few days ago and it made my week. We have the cutest mascot in the entire world.
How do you feel about this being your last year?
It’s so scary! But also exciting. I’m going to try to make it the best year possible and cherish it while it’s still here. I want to be proud of this year and look back and not have any regrets or feel like I missed out on anything.
Favorite article that you have written:
I was watching live (from my living room couch) when the whole Steve Harvey debacle happened at the Miss Universe pageant and after the initial moments of shock and secondhand embarrassment, I jumped on my computer and began writing an article. I had my piece published before a lot of major news sources wrote about it, and I know it didn’t get a lot of attention since I’m not CNN or Buzzfeed, but I was very proud of myself. I felt like a real journalist in that moment so I’d have to say my Steve Harvey Announces Incorrect Miss Universe Winner feature is my favorite piece. If you want to check out any of my other articles you can find them here!
Do you have any advice for those pursuing a position on the HC UConn team?
Just be yourself. We have a lot of girls on our team and their differences are what make them special. Different perspectives are what make our team powerful. If you’re writing an article about, say, the Kardashians, that’s cool, but what makes your take on them unique? Don’t lose your voice in what you write.
For anyone thinking of applying this year, definitely do so! Applications open this Wednesday, September 14th, after our informational session at 7pm in Rowe 122. If you love to write but it’s not your major or you don’t think you’re that great at it, give it a shot anyways. You’ll never get what you want if you don’t try for it. We’re here to help you along the way, so don’t let the nerves stop you.
Also, for any position you want in life whether it be in a club or a job, reaching out is key. I’ve had several girls email me over the summer about joining HC and that can make all the difference. I love to see girls who are passionate about HC UConn already and who can’t wait to get started.
All photos courtesy of Nikki’s Instagram