Major: Journalism & NutritionMinor: Creative WritingHometown: Mentor, Ohio Year: Sophomore
Her Campus: What are you involved with on campus?Tess Sohngen: I am a lifeguard, Learn to Swim Instructor, and ARC Instructor at the Rec Center. So I do anything from watching the pool, to teaching kids how to swim, to teaching CPR and First Aid classes at the Rec. I am also an Assistant Editor for Her Campus Miami OH. I love playing intramural broomball and soccer as well.
HC: What’s your position for Her Campus and how long have you been a part of the organization?TS: Since last semester I am one of the Assistant Editors for Her Campus, which has so much fun, a lot of work, and very rewarding. Last year I was a writer for Her Campus, so this is just my second year with HC.
HC: How has being a member of Her Campus contributed to or shaped your overall college experience? TS: Being a member of Her Campus has been the most rewarding experience at Miami University on both an academic and personal level. Through Her Campus, I feel not only more involved on campus, but writing for Her Campus has also made me feel like I am making a positive contribution to the student community. Growing up as the oldest in my family, I never had an older sister or close friend to show me the ropes: how to apply makeup, what clothes not to wear, and helpful girl-advice. Her Campus and the friends I’ve made through it have been that role model for me, and I’m so thankful for that!
HC: What has been your favorite Miami memory so far? TS: Last semester my friends and I had a girls’ day out—we went to You’re: Fired and painted mugs, and then we went to Kona Bistro for dinner. It was such a nice and relaxing day to just spend time together without worrying about classes or work. My friends are truly incredible, and anytime I spend with them is bound to make for a good memory.
HC: You recently studied abroad over the J-term… Can you talk about that opportunity? What were the highlights of the trip?TS: This January I went to Tanzania and Zanzibar through the volunteer group GIVE. For the first week and a half we volunteered in Zanzibar—mixing cement in the morning then teaching English in the afternoon to the locals—then traveled to Tanzania for a two-day safari. The last week of the trip, about half of the people in our group stayed to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbing Kili was definitely something I will never forget, but the highlight of the trip for me was back in Zanzibar: I spent about a week painting an African-themed picture with a local artist, Tshaban. I love painting, so it was incredible to share that with someone from across the world who loves painting just as much as I do.
HC: Do ever plan on going back to Tanzania?TS: I would love to go back to Tanzania, but I don’t think I will be able to anytime soon! Hopefully I will find the time when I’m older and not broke.
HC: What or who are you inspired by?TS: My mom is my biggest inspiration. She doesn’t get intimidated by anyone, and she’s always been there to support my siblings and me. While I was in middle school and high school, she became a member of the school board. She fought for what was right in a school system that did a lot of wrong to some of its students, and she kept fighting even though she was making a lot of enemies in the community. My mom also went through a long an emotionally exhausting divorce about the same time, but she picked herself back up, went back to school, and found a real job. She’s a constant inspiration to me, and she’s also my best friend.
HC: What do you hope to be doing five years from now?TS: I really don’t know! So much can change in five years that I’m nervous to even think about it. As long as I’m still writing and doing something that I feel makes a difference, I’ll be happy wherever I am.