Name: Amanda Olson
Major: Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Janesville, WI
HC: Why did you choose to attend UW-Stout?
AO: I chose to attend Stout mostly because my choice in major. I had the option between here and UW-Green Bay. Ultimately I chose Stout because I really wanted to get away from my hometown and do that cliché thing that college students do and “find themselves.” I wanted to go far away but not too far, so three and a half hours away is perfect for me right now.
HC: What does winning Ms. Greek Week mean to you?
AO: Winning Ms. Greek Week in my opinion means being a really good representation of what Greek life is all about. Along with having confidence, genuineness and dedication to Greek life.
HC: Aside from being named Ms. Greek Week, what was the best part about Greek Week this year?
AO: Honestly, Greek Week this year was the best year yet. Sigma Sigma Sigma took first place overall which hasn’t been done in a very long time. Also the Sigma Sigma Sigma dance team took first place in the dance competition, using a dance routine I actually choreographed. I’m a proud and happy Tri-Sigma all around. My sisters and I worked really hard this year and we are happy we got to prove our hard work to everyone.
HC: What’s your favorite thing(s) about Greek life?
AO: My favorite thing about Greek life is the feeling of family. Along with all of my Sigma sisters, I’m friends with numerous fraternity men and other sorority women that I can go to when I’m having a really bad day. They have my back and it’s the best feeling ever. I also love the leadership skills and confidence being a part of Greek life has given me along with the amazing support system from all of my Greek sisters and brothers. Without it and them, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to stand up in front of a gym full of people and do what I did on Friday.
HC: Where do you get your inspiration?
AO: My friends and family are always a huge inspiration for me. Whenever I do something great my mom is always the first person from back home to tell me how proud of me she is. She sends my cute cards in the mail sometimes telling me she misses me and that she’s proud of everything I’m doing, she’s the cutest. She’s the one that always inspires me to do well and never give up on anything I want in life. My best friend Leah also inspires me a lot: to be strong, independent, and happy. She’s my justifier whenever I’m worrying too much or confused about anything that’s going on in my life. She keeps me sane.
HC: What are your plans and hopes for your future?
AO: Well, I try not to plan everything out in my life too far ahead because things can happen that can really throw you for a loop. I’m going to school to be a probation officer, we’ll see if that sticks. I should know what I’m doing with my life because I’m graduating next May. I do know that I really want to help people and change peoples’ lives, no matter what that may be. I’ve played around with idea of moving far away too. I went to Las Vegas over Spring Break and fell in love with the city and the atmosphere, so I might just end up there. If not, I need to be in a big city with a lot going on and a lot of noise.
SPEED ROUND:
Favorite Spot on Campus: As weird as this may sound, the Ask5000 Helpdesk. I actually work there, but sometimes when I’m not working I’ll just go there to work on homework or just to visit (bother) my co-workers.
Favorite TV Show: Shameless on Showtime. It’s currently on its 4th season. I watched the first three over winter break… No shame ;)
Dream Job: If I could do anything in the world, and money wasn’t a worry, I would love to travel to different music festivals around the world. I would like to write about them, help set up for them, interview artists and anything else. Festivals like Summerfest, Lollapalooza, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Coachella, EDC, Chive Fest and others.
One Word Your Friends Use to Describe You: Carefree/free-spirit.