My Room – Nick Payne
It’s a long walk to the Greek Village, but I didn’t mind. After all, I was on my way to a very interesting opportunity. Walking past the Strom and across the neatly manicured lawns that lead to elaborate brick houses, it was hard not to be a little nervous. In a few minutes, I’d be at the Kappa Sigma Fraternity house, exploring the room of one of the most well-known representatives of Carolina.
Now it’s no secret that Nick Payne is somewhat of a campus celebrity. As student body president and vice president of Kappa Sigma, the amicable senior constantly has his hands full with the latest campus endeavors and organizing events. Many may wonder what exactly he does when he’s not in the Student Government office or heading a campus activity. What does the student body president’s room look like, anyway?
Fortunately for all the inquisitive readers out there, I was about to find out. Having never set foot inside a sorority or fraternity house, I was first and foremost curious as to whether the insides look as nice as the facades. As Payne guided me on a whirlwind tour of the first floor of the Kappa Sigma house, it swiftly became clear that they were. Compared to your average dorms, the house really did look and feel like … well, a house, complete with foyer, kitchen and lounge. After a quick perusal of the common areas, we headed upstairs to room 205.
“I only spend about five hours a day in here … and I’m usually catching up on e-mail,” Payne said, laughing as he pushed open the door to reveal a modest-sized single, a Carolina state flag covering the ceiling light casting a bluish glow onto the walls that were graced with a Kappa Sigma crest, and a “Payne for President ’07” poster.
“It’s pretty much your typical dorm,” he said, well, excluding the fact that residents of the Greek Village have the luxury of a private kitchen, one of the perks that Payne loves about living in Kappa Sigma.
But what of the legendary “presidential suite” at South Quad 420? Turns out the student body president is given a choice of housing. With Horseshoe apartments filled, Payne welcomed the opportunity to live in the Greek Village.
“I lived here sophomore year, and since I’m vice president of the fraternity, I thought it would be a good idea to live here again.”
With the biggest room in the house (excluding that of Kappa Sigma’s president) and no roommate, the benefits are self-evident. Payne described living in the Kappa Sigma house as a balance between his work in Student Government and his fraternity life.
“These guys keep me sane … I’m lucky to be part of both communities because they’re totally different,” Payne said. “What works for Student Government doesn’t necessarily work for Greek.”
Living in Kappa Sigma lets Payne take a breather.
“My room might not be what’s imagined,” he said, but what’s a better way to get rid of student government stress than going down the hall and playing video games?
And the favorite room item?
“I’m a fan of the leather couch. Isn’t it nice?” Payne said.
I happened to be sitting on it. It was a nice couch.
