Virginia State University voted for the new Mister & Miss VSU during the Spring 2024 semester. Taking on the new roles of Mister and Miss Virginia State are senior Craig Wrenn and senior Chyna Prince. They sat down for an interview to unpack what it means to take on these new roles in the Royal Court.
Q. What made you want to be Mister/Miss Virginia State University?
Wrenn: “I’ve been saying I want to come to Virginia State since I was about eight years old so it’s a full circle moment for me! I wanted to step into a student leadership position where I could make an impact and inspire the next generation of students.”
Prince: “My aspirations for wanting to be Miss VSU come from being from this area. I wanted to serve as a figure that is tangible and accessible for the community and fosters an environment that incites positive change. I also wanted to show young girls a positive example of womanhood and what it means to be a woman that carries herself with class and poise. I wanted to be a physical representation of being a figure within the community and the classroom.”
Q. What are some things that are required of you in this role?
Wrenn: “We go to football games, student leadership conferences, we hold office hours, and we plan events. We also have an open door policy for anyone who has questions or is interested in Royal Court.”
Prince: “No two days are the same; however each day is rewarding! Going into this you have to have the mindset of remembering that if I signed up for this I must give it 110 percent. Some days we hold office hours and plan events. Other days we make appearances and deliver speeches. Most importantly we are well knowledgeable figures on campus that can relay information about the various resources that Virginia State has to offer.”
Q. How do you balance your responsibilities at VSU alongside your personal and professional life?
Wrenn: “I think just trying to make time for myself is important. To be honest I’m not the best at it but I’m working on it. I try to make time for myself whether that be for self care or rest or any other aspect of life that I put energy into. I try to find the key balance that works for me.”
Prince: “Balance is not something that is taught however you have to embrace it. Like I said before, no two days are the same, so sometimes Miss VSU consumes my 9 to 5, but then other times I have time to relax and focus on what makes me happy. I try to ground myself by spending time with my line sisters or hanging out with friends. It’s important to remember, like Craig said, we are not on a pedestal, we’re just students. Anyone could be Mister or Miss Virginia State, but it’s about being able to uphold that standard.”
Q. How do you engage with the student body in this position?
Wrenn: “I think I best engage with the student body by being accessible and being available. People know that they can come and talk to me. I don’t think I’m on a pedestal, I’m always walking around striking up conversations with different people or speaking to people I don’t know.”
Prince: “As student leaders we engage with the student body by being well knowledgeable in everything VSU has to offer. We engage with Trojan pride by supporting football games with Code Blue. We engage in the classroom by being positive examples as students that our peers and future generations can look up to. We also engage just by being an approachable face.”
Q. What’s your favorite part of holding this title?
Wrenn: “I think the inspiration and impact that I have hit me once I started seeing underclassmen guys telling me that they could see themselves as Mister VSU. Having people confide in me means a lot to me because it shows that I’m doing something right in being someone that they can look up to.”
Prince: “My favorite part of holding this title would be fostering an environment that can thrive. Great leaders make great leaders! Being that I am knowledgeable on Royal Court, I am able to foster an environment where each member of Royal Court can grow to carry themselves as kings and queens and learn the ropes of Royal Court. My mom always says you never see a farmer plant a seed and not see it grow or not come back and get its harvest so it’s very rewarding being able to drop little gems of knowledge on them and watch them carry that on to their peers as well.”
Q. What challenges have you encountered in this role?
Wrenn:“Because this is my first time having a position in student leadership adjusting to the added responsibilities of being Mister Virginia State and being in the spotlight where people are counting on me to be the face of the school has been a mental challenge for me. It’s all about growing and realizing that I was put in this position for a reason and I must embrace it.”
Prince: “One of my mantras is heavy is the head that wears the crown so it rings true! There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being Miss VSU; you’re a student, you’re a queen, you have a personal life, you have family, organizations that you also have responsibilities to but I would say the biggest challenge is finding that balance to stay grounded and make time for all of the things that make up your life. Once you sign your name on that dotted line you can’t take it back so you just have to learn how to balance it all out. As challenging as it may be, it is very rewarding in the end.”
Q. What advice do you want to give to students that want to take your place after you leave?
Wrenn: “I would say if you put your mind to it and it’s something you really want to do, then you can do anything. If it’s within someone’s wishes or desires to be Mister Virginia State University they should go for it and shoot for their dreams because nobody will do it if you don’t do it. Do it for yourself and stay solid in your beliefs.”
Prince: “The advice I would give to anyone that wants to be Miss VSU would be a quote that I live by; Ecclesiastes 9:11. With any great achievement there’s going to be trial and error, however this does not determine your strength or whether it’s made for you. You have to do everything with a good heart and with the spirit of excellence.”
