The Queen wore Asics Tennis shoes are not usually royalty’s accessory of choice. For Wake Forest senior Lydia Pappas, however, accepting the title of Homecoming Queen wearing a black dress, light rain jacket and muddy Asics sneakers was not uncommon behavior. Pappas is well known for breaking trends, insisting on staying true to herself through her many commitments across campus. Though a title often associated with flattery and popularity, the Homecoming Queen award is an accomplishment that falls somewhat low on the list of Pappas’ many achievements. In her four years at Wake Forest, Lydia has served on the executive board of more than six different organizations, including student government, Best Buddies, Wake Forest Admissions, and Wake N’ Shake. Just this past semester, Lydia, a double major and triple minor, served as Chi Omega Recruitment Chair as well as a Project Pumpkin co-chair. How does she do it? She uses enthusiasm, humor, and a required sense of firmness to lead and unite groups from all areas of campus life.

“I have always believed if you’re going to be a fish in a big pond, you might as well try and be the biggest fish in the biggest pond,” said Pappas. Such motivation and eagerness has been brewing within this Wake Forest senior from a young age. Having competitively danced since the age of four, Pappas is quite comfortable in the spotlight – yet leadership for Pappas, however, is more than just a dance she performs effortlessly. Having had many role models throughout high school and college, Lydia explains that it is her greatest hope that the leadership and involvement she has taken on will inspire other students on this campus to do similarly, especially young women. “I think that women have a way of empathizing with others, listening to presented concerns of fellow students, and paying close attention to detail that sometimes men, though bringing many other strong qualities to the table, fail to possess,” explained Lydia. So what does Miss Pappas look like as leader?

Erin Reynolds, a sophomore at Wake Forest who met Lydia through the Dance company, revealed that Lydia is constantly trying to form new friendships. Reynolds explained that the many different personalities of the Dance Company all look to Lydia as she leads through example. “One minute she will be doing some absurd dance move, making everyone laugh, and the next, she is standing firm telling people where to stand and what to do next,” stated Reynolds. “She just relates to everyone using humor, but is so respectable at the same time.” Gabi Navarro, also a member of the Dance Company and a member of Pappas’ same sorority, reasons that Lydia is able to do so much due to her constantly present and engaged nature. “When she is at dance, she is thinking about dance. When she is in chapter, she is thinking about Chi Omega,” says Navarro. “She is always there, always with it, always ready to help.” It has not been all smooth sailing for this homecoming queen, however.

“There have definitely been times when I have spread myself too thin,” said Lydia. “My greatest fear is not being able to give 110% to everything I do and that fear has come true on many occasions.”Toyo Tires Mt 285 70r17 Papas recounted a particular time in the Spring of her junior year when she felt divided between her commitments to dance, school, student government, and her sorority. Best Laptop For Radiologist“I kind of hit a wall,” Lydia admitted, “so this year, I have tried to scale back.”Chorkie Puppies For Sale In Kansas Next up for this fearless Wake Forest leader is a job in Washington D.C. working as a partner for a political fundraising firm following graduation. Noticeably enthused by the prospect of this next adventure, Pappas feels as though her many extracurricular involvements have extensively prepared her for this undertaking.

In wishing the best for this soon-to-be Wake Forest grad, let us all hope for one thing… may DC bosses and fellow employees place Lydia’s beloved sneakers under the work-appropriate category of “business-casual.” WELCOME TO =PR= RUNNING Potomac River Running is a family-owned, local business with eight area DC-area stores to serve you. Though our name says “running” you don’t have to love, or even like running to come see us! We offer a personalized fitting experience to help you select the right shoe for you — whether to stand at work, head to the gym, or run your first (or 101st) race. You’ll find apparel choices that work for your activity of choice too! So whether you walk the dog, run after the kids, workout for fitness or for brownies, or race every weekend, let us help make that experience better! view all races >> THIS WEEK AT =PR= Come out to PR Reston on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:30 PM for our all-comer’s fun run with Under Armour! Our Under Armour rep will be at our fun run to demo the latest line of Under Armour apparel. 

All levels are welcome – we hope you’ll join us!Call us at the store at (703) 689-0999 in Reston. Come by PR Tysons on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:30 PM for a fun run Powered by HOKA ONE ONE & GU!  Hoka will have demo shoes and there will also be GU sampling with the all new “Strropwafel”! Our fun runs are typically about 30-50 minutes and the group leaves from the Tysons store. Runners can go at their own pace while running with others of similar ability. New runners may only want to run a mile or two. Experienced athletes might want to go further. We hope to have you join us! Join us as we invite Medstar to =PR= Arlington to conduct a seminar on Nutrition and Hydration. This session will focus on race week and race day strategies for food and fluids. We will discuss the importance of monitoring diet throughout training. In addition, strategies for short runs, long runs, and race day will be included. We will also discuss how you know when you are correctly hydrated and the importance of this for marathon training.

You won’t want to miss this! Come by PR Fairfax on Sunday, September 4 from 12-3 PM to pick up your race packet for this year’s Great American 5k. For complete race details, click HERE. Experiencing some aches and pains?  We have a list of local medical professionals that you can trust! Join =PR= for a variety of FREE clinics and seminars with topics ranging from injury prevention, to running mechanics, and ways on kick start your training! Check out our latest video library for a variety of helpful tips on way to help keep you active, healthy and injury free! STAY CONNECTED WITH =PR= RUNNING RT @PRRaces: Great morning out at the 2016 #SouthLakes10k! RT @VillatLeesburg: Warming up our @saucony run pops for tomorrow mornings #GetFit in the Plaza with @PRRunning! 5 Tips For Smart Snacking Go into any grocery these days, and you’ll find a dizzying number of engineered sports bars, drinks, meals, and gels Read On » Don’t Let the Heat Beat You This Summer