73 Questions with Exec: Suma Appalaneni, President
“My mom has always told me to put myself first. In life, it is so easy to want to avoid conflict by pleasing the people around you, but if you don’t look out for yourself and your own happiness, no one else will.
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How are you feeling these days?
Honestly pretty great! I’m so happy things are starting to get more normal, and the beautiful weather certainly helps!
What’s your favorite food?
Easy. Dark Chocolate. Always.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV 1000%. My new favorite is Selling Sunset on Netflix.
What’s your favorite dessert?
Tiramisu
Do you have a secret talent?
I am weirdly good at untangling necklaces.
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Determined, Straightforward, and Genuine
WFU Style in three words?
Supportive, Unique, and Creative
Heels or flats?
Heels
What is the greatest fashion trend of all time?
Platform Sneakers. They can be dressed up or down and go with absolutely everything.
Must-have beauty product?
Okay, this is a weird one but aloe vera gel as under-eye brightening treatment. It makes my skin instantly feel so hydrated and alive. It’s really, really cheap too.
What is your go-to dance move?
I am the worst dancer ever so don’t have one.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to work in finance!
What is your spirit animal?
Koalas
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
My favorite place I’ve been to so far is definitely Australia. I love going to the beach, but I also love exploring and shopping, so Sydney and Melbourne were the perfect blend.
How are you enjoying quarantine?
I can’t say I’m enjoying it per se, but it’s not as bad as I expected. It’s given me a lot more time to catch up with my family, which is nice.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing myself
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Take. It. Slow. There’s no rush to grow up too fast. Also, sequin clothing is just- no.
Where do you go when you need to be alone?
I always go for a drive. It makes me feel in control.
What do you find yourself doing a lot of these days?
I find myself taking a lot more time for self-care. Before quarantine, I didn’t realize how impactful it was because I packed my schedule every day, but it has definitely made me feel more together since I’ve started.
What is your current obsession?
Style-wise, I am loving the bright colors trending right now!
What do you love most about your hometown?
I live right outside NYC in a tiny town where everyone knows each other, so I love that I have the best of both worlds.
What do you love the most about Wake Forest?
I love that it’s a perfect size. You see familiar faces everywhere, but you don’t know everyone.
What is one thing you could never live without?
Cliché, but my phone. I think I’d go insane.
What is your favorite season?
Spring, specifically the month of May. I feel like it’s always so happy, if that makes sense.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
I cannot stand slow walkers. It drives me crazy.
Who is the most fashionable woman that you know?
My style icon would probably be Hailey Beiber. I love all of her outfits
What is your favorite exercise?
I love swimming. It’s so easy to lose track of time and doesn’t feel like a lot of work.
What is your current favorite song?
Anything from Taylor Swift. Love her.
What’s your favorite candy?
Dark Chocolate
What is your first memory in life?
I can’t pinpoint a specific first memory, but I remember going to the park a ton as a kid.
Who is your biggest role model?
My aunt. Life has thrown so much at her, but she handles everything with grace and never takes any BS.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mom has always told me to put myself first. In life, it is so easy to want to avoid conflict by pleasing the people around you, but if you don’t look out for yourself and your own happiness, no one else will.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I’d be 28 so I see myself living my best life, working a great job, and hopefully starting to settle down.
What show have you recently binge-watched?
Selling Sunset
What fictional character would you love to spend the day with?
Blair Waldorf
Which celebrity would you love to spend the day with?
Gigi Hadid
What’s the last movie you watched?
Easy A
What is your idea of the best first date?
Definitely something with an activity so it’s not super awkward.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
For my 16th birthday, my best friend, who I’ve grown up with, hid 16 presents around my room, and all of them were memories from when we were kids. It was really sweet.
What is the silliest nickname ever given to you?
My parents used to call me “Sums” when I was really young, and every time I switch schools or meet new people, it always comes back. Not really silly but weird its followed me around my whole life.
When do you feel most beautiful?
When I’m with people I’m comfortable around and having a good time.
What’s your favorite song to blast in the car?
It definitely varies, but right now, anything by Carrie Underwood. I love her.
What would the title be if your life was a song?
“Know your worth”
What was your first concert?
Beyoncé
What is your favorite word of all time?
What’s the thing you are most excited for in life right now?
I am excited for this summer. I’m living in NYC and hopefully, everything will be back to normal by then!
If you could describe your style in three words what would it be?
Classy, Preppy, and Fun
What is your favorite beverage?
Coffee
What is your ideal birthday cake flavor?
Chocolate Mousse w/ Raspberry Filling from a bakery near my house.
What is your favorite tv show of all time?
Gossip Girl. A classic.
If you had a super power what would it be?
Controlling the weather
What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
Someone once told me that I light up the room, and that has really stuck with me.
What’s one habit you wish you could break?
My procrastination
What makes you laugh no matter what?
Funny animal videos on Instagram. I don’t know why, but I find them hilarious.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m the opposite of adventurous, but last summer I went to Iceland and hiked up a waterfall in a crack between two tectonic plates. One of the most amazing things I’ve experienced.
What’s the best lyric you’ve ever heard?
“You never know what’s gonna happen/you make plans and hear god laughing” from “Life Changes” by Thomas Rhett
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but are too scared to?
Skydiving
Ideal honeymoon vacation?
Bali or the Maldives
If you could raid one woman’s closet, whose would it be?
Gigi Hadid
Must-have purse item?
Dior Raspberry Lip Tint. It's a buildable formula, and the color is perfect for any outfit.
What is your favorite city?
New York City
What is your favorite flower?
I literally love all flowers, so this is hard, but I’d have to say White and Orange Lillies.
If you had a podcast what would it be about?
It would probably be about how to be a great person in your teens and how to navigate the world. High school, and even college, are so hard to navigate because you’re still trying to figure out who you are.
Favorite dish to cook?
I love making brownies. Not really a meal, but they’re something my Mom and I always make together.
Favorite book?
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Historical figure you would love to eat with?
Grace Kelly
Favorite time of day?
Sunset
Puppies or kittens?
Puppies
What is your favorite social media platform?
Instagram
Go-to karaoke song?
Anything from Carrie Underwood
What country do you hope to visit?
Morocco
Best way to decompress?
A bubble bath and Netflix
Where is your happy place?
Cove Beach, CT. My family used to go there all the time when I was younger so it always brings back happy memories.
