“You will never catch me wearing white after Labor Day,” jokes Meredith-Leigh. She is the ideal southern girl, from her ‘yes mams’ and ‘no sirs’ to her preppy church-with-grandma outfits, complete with a string of pearls, of course. But there is so much more to this Carolina lady than Jack Rogers and Lilly Pulitzer.
Meredith-Leigh is exhaustingly involved in several organizations on Wake’s campus. Beyond being an RA to thirty-two freshmen girls (and two boys!), she is also the president of Kappa Delta, works for Benson’s marketing department and is a student representative for the committee on student life. These days, however, she is most excited for her upcoming involvement in a Wake service trip to South Africa.
MLP has waited anxiously for this trip and has felt a “calling” to go to Africa since freshman year. “After I heard Professor Niepold give a speech about her non-profit, Nyana, I knew I had to go.” Thus, when the opportunity arose, Meredith-Leigh combined her southern charm and Wake Forest ambition into one adorable and profitable fundraiser, Bag Tags!
“Being who I am, I frequent shops that sell all things monogrammed. One day I saw a luggage tag and thought ‘I can make that.’ So I made one for myself and one for my grandma,” says Meredith-Leigh. “It was her who suggested I sell them for my trip.” From there, she created a template of designs for sale, offering to make customs tags as well “for just a little extra.”
A few months, tons of generosity and a lot of Benson Copy Center runs later, Meredith-Leigh is off to Cape Town as soon as finals are over. And as if volunteering wasn’t already enough, MLP plans to make a documentary film during the trip about her experiences and spiritual growth.
“This isn’t a mission trip, but I think it will be interesting to explore spiritual growth in a non-religious environment,” says Meredith-Leigh.
When she isn’t busy with any of her residents, sorority, Africa trip, classes (she is a communication major and a journalism and entrepreneurship double minor!), Meredith-Leigh enjoys spending time with her friends, family and boyfriend.
“It’s really hard balancing everything,” admits Meredith-Leigh. “But it is very important to be a positive influence on those around me.” Despite being so busy, MLP always has the time to talk to an acquaintance in the Pit, listen to a resident’s problem or hang out with her friends.
So the next time you see a southern belle with a strand of pearls and a smile for
everyone, make sure to introduce yourself to Miss Meredith-Leigh Pleasants.