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Robert “Robby” Snyder ‘14

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

What is your major?
B.A. in Philosophy, Political Science. B.S. in Economics
 
Single or taken?
Single
 
What do you look for in a girl?
A sense of humor is a huge plus. I love being outdoors, so someone who’s into sports and the outdoor activities will have a lot in common with me. Other than that, just someone who’s interesting and fun to be around. A nice smile doesn’t hurt either.
 
What are some deal breakers?
I try not to have any definite deal breakers, but if I had to choose one it’d be smoking. And clinginess… pretty sure I speak for all guys on that front.
 
What is your ideal date?
I grew up on Hilton Head Island, so I’m partial to anything outdoors. My perfect date would include a nice bike ride, swim, or boat ride. Let’s throw in a picnic, too. My most memorable high school date was a picnic. As lame as it sounds, I planned it myself and was pretty proud of how it worked out. I just won’t forget napkins this time…
 
Do you participate in any clubs, sports, or other activities?
I’m the recruitment chair for my fraternity, Delta Chi, and I serve on the IFC Judicial Board. I cofounded a nonprofit organization, Green Hope, so I devote a lot of my time to that. As for sports, I play intramural soccer, run, and lift. I’m excited to have the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this summer and I’m working on getting in shape for the climb.
 
Tell me about Green Hope and your involvement with it.
Green Hope started in the summer of 2011 when a friend and I were volunteering in an orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania. One of the teachers had been planning on eventually starting an orphanage school in her home village, and when we visited we quickly decided to help her out. We were pretty naive, because we had no idea how much work it would take to get it all started. But all our work thus far has paid off, because Green Hope is open and accommodates 28 children ages 2-5. We’re returning this summer to expand the facilities and develop the school curriculum to include health education. The motto says it all: “Kuua umaskini kwa kupitia elimu.” Swahili for “Fighting poverty through education.”
           
How have your experiences with this organization impacted your day to day life?
As anyone who has spent a few months in a developing country will tell you, it really puts things into perspective. I realize it’s cliché, but it’s the truth. Remembering what the kids are going through just in order to get an education motivates me to achieve in my own educational experience. There are so many things I could add, but I think overall (and my family and friends would agree) this experience has developed me into a more responsible, civic-minded person.

Claire is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, double majoring in Nonfiction English Writing and Communication Rhetoric. She is one of two Campus Correspondents for HC Pitt and has held internships at Redbook Magazine and Verve Social Magazine. Claire is from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, not too far from New York City. Her interests include fashion, writing, traveling (she spent a semester abroad in Australia!), and spending time with friends and family. Claire aspires to obtain a career working for a fashion magazine in New York City after she graduates.