Meet Ruth Massillon, Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator (CERC) for Area IV. The CERC is responsible for assisting and working with AKPsi chapters. Ruth was initiated into the Xi Omega chapter in 2016. She joined the staff in November 2017 after graduating from University of South Florida in May 2017. Find out what you and Ruth have in common!
- Before working at the Heritage Center, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
It would have to be Lowe’s. I mean because I’m just a very girly girl, so working at Lowe’s it took a while for me to kind of grasp all the different hardware and lumber and paint and different size of bolts and all that stuff. And I had a lot of male customers, so that definitely helped me to I won’t say channel a different side of me, but I guess somewhat grow a masculine version of myself working at Lowe’s.
- Least favorite Food?
For me, it would be asparagus or brussels sprouts. Maybe because I haven’t had any good versions of them, and I haven’t mastered learning how to make them so asparagus and brussels sprouts.
- Are you messy or organized?
I would say mine is…more of organized because I don’t like mess.
- What is the favorite part about working at the Heritage Center?
I would have to say being able to work with the different chapters and just seeing how they’re all different but all the same. And also, just having the opportunity to see kind of the background to AKPsi and what goes on in the background and the work that goes into making things come to life for the students and the chapters.
- How do you define success?
I’ll say the first thing that comes to mind as far as success is in question, being able to do something that you love. Like your best version of you in action.
- What is your hidden talent?
I can drive with no hands. With my knees. Or my pinky. It’s not really hidden. I also sing.
- Where is your hometown?
Oh, 305. To be more formal, I was born and raised in the city of Miami, FL.
- What is your favorite meal?
Diri kole ak pwa, griot and macaroni au gratin. It’s a Caribbean mac and cheese with different meats and veggies baked.
- If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Only for a day? I want to travel. But I don’t know what my specific job would be. But I want to be a background singer. I would sing background for celebrity artists and I also always wanted to be on Glee, but I don’t want to be an Actor. I don‘t want to be on TV. So, like for movies like the person that sings for commercials and sing in general. Like Moana movies and stuff.
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to volunteer, cook. I love to clean and watch Youtube videos all day, tutorials, story times – it just goes on and on. I love to reorganize. I like to change things and see them in different ways. Rearrange. Maybe my bed would look better against the wall, or maybe against the window? Work out, and I like to sleep. Oh, I also like to meal prep.
- What does true leadership mean to you?
I would have to say that leadership is being selfless. Emanating all your strengths onto the people below you. So, if you’re great at something, you are selfless, and you are open to distributing and sharing that among your team.
- What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts off by getting in here to the office. I like to get in sometime just a little earlier so I can get a couple of things out of the way. I check my email, and after that, I like to have my breakfast smoothies in the morning or some oatmeal, respond to emails check emails. Check Chapterspot for any status update change requests. Anything of that sort. Run the pledge reports from Chapterspot. At lunchtime, I usually have a salad or just any kind of leftovers I have. And then continuing on any projects or special emails from Alec or Melinda that we are requested to do a specific task or something. Then go to the gym.
- What are your hopes for our industry (Greek Life)?
My aspirations for the industry as far as it pertains to chapters and different organization, outside of the heritage center and outside of the organization, student members will take the initiative to create positive and good traditions that can be passed down to new incoming student members. Students will develop certain attributes that can be passed down through the chapter that will uphold the chapter for years to come.
- If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
My individual would be Rosa Parks, and I would just want to be able to meet her and spend time with her. It’s just inspiring to be with a strong Black woman.