Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted a seminar for its etiquette series for students last Thursday, Oct.29.
In her first seminar appearance, guest speaker Alyssa Rhodes, second attendant to Miss Prairie View A&M University, gave a very spirited presentation on how to present ones self as a lady on campus.
She began by explaining the definition of a woman and how it was different than that of a lady saying, “The standards are set for being a lady. A lady is just that – a lady. And there shouldn’t be a switch that you just turn on and off.” The audience learned that a lady knows she is being watched from her dress, mannerisms, and her entire stature.
Rhodes put an emphasis on the fact that as women on campus, respect must be shown to male professors and other male students in choosing what to wear for the day. Tight booty shorts and a revealing top do not make for the greatest learning environments. A fluffy pink house slipper was also used as an example of what not to wear on campus, she said, proving that house shoes are for the house. Wearing four-inch heels to class is a no-no according to Rhodes. She said that walking on the campus’ cobblestone can make a difficult trip to class. A woman can wear heels, but it should be a low heel; something that’s appropriate to wear to class and comfortable to wear while strolling across campus.
Rhodes mentioned that a lady is also cautious of what she wears around other women. Rhodes stated that a woman would never wear clothing that embarrassed the company that they are with.
The information centered around being a woman by appearance. the clothes do not make the woman but by fitting the guidelines which the speaker put forth, women can start to become ladies or improve in certain areas.
It was said as well that a true lady is seen and not heard. A lady doesn’t have to make her presence known by being loud or shouting. Doing so is “unladylike.” And makeup shouldn’t be so dramatic. A lady’s makeup should be like her clothing. Presentable and tasteful, because “you’re just going to class,” as Rhodes repeatedly drilled throughout the entire program.
Following the presentation was a brief question and answer segment, with Rhodes explaining her views on what a gentleman should be.
“I think it was a success even though the turnout was small in number. I was able to get the point across because it was an intimate setting,” said Rhodes.
Toward the end of the presentation during the question and answer session, the male majority that made up the audience asked male oriented questions.
Harris Brown, an architecture graduate student, said, “I think it was a good seminar even though there weren’t a lot of women in attendance. The women who needed to be there were not there.”
Many people, with the hope that more women will attend and learn priceless information, eagerly await part two in the seminar series. Part two will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11.