By Alisha Jarrett for the YJ
The sky above West Virginia State University is grey and stormy, with heavy clouds hanging low. But Senaia “SiSi” Harris doesn’t let a little weather rain on her parade.
The 22-year-old, “Miss State” clicks her white high heels into the hallway of the student union, water dripping from her black and white polka-dotted hoop skirted dress.
She straightens her pearl necklace and curled tresses as she greets a janitor walking down the corridor. “Hello, Miss Pam, how’s it going?” She flashes her trademark megawatt smile.
Suddenly, the sun is out again.
The bubbly, 5-foot-seven SiSi, graduating in May, serves as Miss State, and as the president of WVSU’s Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, living by AKA’s inspiring motto “to be of service to all mankind.”
Her charity works range from volunteering at hospitals and reading at elementary schools to promoting WVSU events such as the Red Cross blood drive.
She is influenced by the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” in uniting campus organizations that represent WVSU and its history. And she focuses on youth education and literacy.
As a child, Senaia was often the only African-American child in advanced classes and as a result, was often bullied. While visiting Piedmont Elementary School, she noticed a young African-American girl crying. Classmates teased her for winning the spelling bee. She sees herslhe in the child. She speaks to her privately. Then places her sparkling tiara on her head and crowns her the “Princess of Black and Gold” in front of the class.
It is 2014. Eighteen-year-old Senaia is influenced by former Miss State Tiffany White to run for Miss Freshman.
SiSi’s upbeat attitude and presence made her a shoe-in for the title. From there, she became Miss Sophomore. Miss Junior. Miss Black and Gold. West Virginia Garden Miss and now Miss State.
“One of the most challenging aspects of being Miss State is juggling your schedule and giving as much of yourself as possible without overdoing it,” Harris said. She carefully divvies up her duties at home, work and school as well as finding time for self-care.
SiSi is honored to represent a culturally rich HBCU. Proud of her African-American heritage, she finds it important to keep tradition alive at WVSU, and in her own life.
“I draw much of my inspiration from my grandmother, Arletha Brown,” SiSi said.
She lived with Arletha and grandpa, Donald Brown, at age 15. It was “Letha” who influenced Senaia’s retro style of crinoline dresses, matching jewelry and pumps.
“Growing up, my grandmother wore crinolines, too. She was one to dress for events, especially for work, and she always thought it was important to be presentable. How you dress portrays who you are, what you believe in and how you carry yourself. It’s very important to dress like a lady.”
And this shimmering superhero of a lady is changing the world.
One smile at a time.
