A challenge. That is what Alyssa Hicks, a senior at Shippensburg University, seems to live for. Whether it be inside or outside the classroom, she is always looking to challenge and better herself. From something as simple as enrolling in a difficult class to something as large as joining a new organization, Hicks has taken advantage of every opportunity she could at SU.

“If you don’t challenge yourself, then what is the point?” Hicks said.

Hicks is an English major with a concentration in writing and a minor in communication/journalism. She will be attending Widener University School of Law after graduation.

She has been involved in Alpha Phi where she was the former president and has held multiple other positions. She was also on the Greek Week executive board, and she is currently the Greek life representative for Student Senate, as well as the chair of academic affairs and legislative advocacy. Hicks is also a member of the English honors fraternity, Sigma Tau Delta, and the Greek life honors fraternity, Order of Omega.

Being involved with Student Senate, Hicks plans to attend Advocacy Day. It is a day in which representatives from each school in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) go to the capital to discuss changes that have occurred at their respective schools and then receive feedback. The event took place on April 10, and Hicks was there alongside SU president, George “Jody” Harpster.

“Student Senate has been the most eye opening experience and has taught me a lot about the inner workings of the university. It was something different and really enlightening,” Hicks said.

Hicks has also volunteered for the Tom Wolf campaign. She said that after law school she has an interest to not necessarily work for a firm, but to work for a political party. After taking a communications law class at SU, she has become more interested in the communications aspect.

All the challenges she has taken on have seemed to pay off. Hicks has been on the Dean’s List since her very first semester, was dubbed “most likely to succeed” by the Greek community and received scholarships through Alpha Phi.

“I’m really proud of going here. I’ll miss everything because I’ve built a life here,” Hicks said.

In May, Hicks will also be awarded Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities at the 2015 Student Awards.

Leaving SU will be bittersweet for Hicks, though she is prepared to attend Widener University School of Law after graduating in May.

“People ask [if I’m] excited for graduation, and it’s really bittersweet. I’ve had a really great experience [at SU],” Hicks said.

Her advice: “[College] is really what you make it. Whether or not you are prepared is up to you.”

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