Suzie Littlewood is beyond the average Seawolf here at Sonoma State. Brilliant, funny, and flawless, in less than three years she has taken this campus by storm and excelled in everything she has set her mind to. She manages a rigorous schedule, multitasks like a champ, and still has time to make you feel special. When she’s not with a student, on a horse, or studying away at Charlie Brown’s, she can be found yelling about vaginas and driving me and Madison to Taco Bell in the middle of the night. And through it all, she has made a great impact not only on the school itself, but on the people who are blessed to interact with such a being. She is truly a remarkable person and one of my dearest friends.
Her Campus: What are you involved with at Sonoma State?
Suzie Littlewood: Sometimes it seems like I’m involved in too many things. I’m an editor of HerCampus (ayooo), an ACE Science and Tech peer mentor, Summer Orientation leader, part of the Vagina Monologues, and a member of the Equestrian Team.
HC: Why did you choose to get involved in those things? What do you get out of each?
SL: This is going to be a long one. I first got involved with the Equestrian Team my freshman year. I’ve been riding horses since I was seven years old so I didn’t want to give it up in college! It keeps me active and keeps me involved with horses, which I love. Last year was my first year as a peer mentor and it was an amazing experience, it literally changed my life. I changed my major and career plans because it made me realize that I’m passionate about working in higher education. I started doing Summer O to get more experience in the field and it was the best, so now I can never stop. I also started writing for HerCampus last year, and took on a position as editor this year! I’ve always loved writing, it has always been one of my favorite creative outlets so it’s fun to keep doing it in college. And all of my groups have allowed me to meet the most amazing, wonderful, inspiring people, including Vagina Monologues. I just joined this year and I love being around such kickass women doing such great work.
HC: What is the hardest part about your particular level of involvement?
SL: Ahhh it’s a lot to juggle. I don’t have a lot of free time.
HC: What’s the best part?
SL: ALL OF IT. I love being involved, I’ve definitely met my life-long friends in these groups. And I love everything I do, it makes me feel good, so it’s not even really work. And it all helps me in the long run giving me experience and helping me figure out what I’m passionate about and what I want to do with my life.
HC: How do you personally keep balance?
SL: I spend lots of time with myself and my thoughts, whether it’s writing in my journal, meditating, riding my horse, or watching 30 Rock. I also make sure to spend time with my friends because they keep me grounded.
HC: It seems like you’ve built a strong sense of community on this campus.
SL: Oh for sure! It’s really cool having so many connections to the campus and students.
HC: What does community leadership mean to you?
SL: It means serving others before yourself, setting a good example, being motivated by and motivating the people around me.
HC: What advice do you have to other students who want to build community at sonoma state?
SL: Get involved with anything and everything you’re interested in! We have something for everyone, I swear. And don’t be afraid to just take the plunge into something totally new and unknown. We all start somewhere, alone and nervous, and grow into our community. Don’t be afraid if you haven’t found your niche yet, keep trying new things!
HC: Well thank you so much for your time Suzie! Keep up the hard work and happy birthday week!
SL: Thanks HC! Love yall!!!