Leadership

Leadership

When I first came to SHU, I was nervous about finding my people and fitting into the crowd. I had my few friends from orientation and my roommates, but I always had a goal to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I could. I knew that college was going to be my chance to grow and you can't grow if you're comfortable, so I really tried putting myself out there. It all started with Panhellenic Recruitment and everyone telling me that if you don't get involved, you're not going to be happy.

I never saw myself joining a sorority prior to college, but it was always something that I was encouraged to do. My mom's friend from high school had a daughter that went to SHU and she was in a sorority that she spoke so highly of. I registered for recruitment and decided to put my fears aside. I tried to go through the process with an open mind and not let the things I can't control worry me. Going into the weekend, I didn't know what to expect whatsoever. I wanted to go in with a blank slate and without anyone affecting my viewpoints. It was definitely intimidating to walk into the rooms filled with girls, but after the first round; I got the hang of it. Everyone was so welcoming and I definitely connected with a few sororities in specific. As the weekend dwindled down and I needed to make my choice, I knew Kappa Delta was the one for me (which happened to be the one my mom's friend's daughter was in). I loved Kappa Delta from the start and I had such a genuine connection with all the girls I spoke to. After becoming a member, I knew I wanted to get involved. I applied to be a SET (Sisterhood Enrichment Team) Leader, which meant that I worked with the new member class after me and helped them throughout their new member process (taking the exam, getting initiated, etc.). It was such an awesome way to get involved and I was able to work alongside our Vice President of Membership Education (VP-ME), which led me to apply for that position in the future. After this, I knew I wanted to be on the Executive Board but I didn't want to dive too deep. I applied to be the Panhellenic Delegate and luckily, I got it! In this position, I worked with all other Panhellenic Delegates to keep my chapter updated on other organization's events. I went to a weekly meeting and was basically the connection between Kappa Delta and Panhellenic. It was such a great way to get my feet wet and find the confidence to apply for VP-ME in the coming year. I applied for VP-ME and I couldn't believe that I got it, I was over the moon. As VP-ME, I panned and executed bid day as my main event. I picked SET Leaders, ran new member meetings, planned the new member retreat, conducted the new member exam, planned ritual events, hosted member education workshops, and overall did my best to be there for our new member class as they went through their new member process. The year I was VP-ME was honestly the best year of my life. After being on council for two years, I didn't think I was ready to be a general member for most of my senior year. Luckily, the chapter nominated me to be their senior class representative for our Standards Board. This means that I sit in on all meetings that relate around a standards issue. At the end of the day, Kappa Delta has given me more than I could imagine. I've never been more confident in who I am and I can thank Kappa Delta for that. I'm definitely going to cry an extreme amount when graduation rolls around in 88 days (according to the Red's clock).

Being a leader in Kappa Delta really pushed me to put myself out there in other areas of SHU. I applied to be an RSA (Resident Success Assistant) my freshmen year because my RSA was an incredible role model. She helped me get through some of my hardest times of being homesick and I always admired how much she wanted to help people. She really encouraged me to apply and I took that into consideration when thinking about the position. If it meant that I could help someone the way she helped me, I was all in. She is one of the main reasons that my freshmen year went the way it did and I'll be forever grateful for her. I applied, went through the process and so gratefully attained the position in the Seton/Merton Courtyard (crazy writing this three years later in the same place). I was so ecstatic and knew I was going to put my best foot forward in the position, I worked really hard. I specifically worked in Seton and I've worked there for the past three years. I didn't just want this job for the title or money, I truly wanted to help people and make an impact. Almost every staff has a position called the SRSA, which is a Senior Resident Success Assistant. Basically, a SRSA oversees the staff and creates the duty calendar, while also completing the regular RSA duties. As people would describe it, the Residence Hall Director (RHD) is the Coach and the SRSA is the Captain of the team. My SRSA for my first two years in Seton was one of the best people I've ever known and was my biggest role model. She inspired me and always pushed to be my best self. She wasn't only my SRSA and staff member, she was one of my best friends. She truly changed my life. She encouraged me to apply for the SRSA position my junior year, so I did. I couldn't believe that I got it and I was placed in Seton, yet again - words can't describe how excited I was. Here I am, three years later, as the SRSA in Seton. I feel so truly blessed for this experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Residential Life has given me a second family and a support system I never knew I needed, I don't wanna leave this organization (I'm sad).

I'll admit it, I didn't have the best grades in high school and really challenged myself coming to college. To my surprise, I did better in college than I did in high school. I applied to be a member of Order of Omega, which is a Greek Life Honor Society on campus. This honor society recognizes students in Greek Life that excel academically, have leadership positions outside and inside of their organizations, and participate in philanthropic activities. I was so honored to have been accepted because academic achievement wasn't something I received in high school. Since my major is Communications with a focus in Advertising and Public Relations, I applied to be their Social Media Coordinator. I got the position, redesigned their social media platforms and currently manage them. This position really allowed me to explore social media and get better at it, leading me to potentially want to pursue it in the future after graduation.

As per my major's curriculum, I needed to take a News Writing and Reporting course (I wasn't too excited about it). Although I was stubborn in the start, I really found a love for writing for our school's newspaper - The Spectrum. I wrote for the Perspectives section of the paper, which allowed me to discuss the next best thing happening on campus, in our community, or around the country. It was from this course, that I decided to apply the semester after to be on The Spectrum's Editorial Board in the Ad Sales and PR Section as their Social Media Manager. I got the position and still currently manage their social media platforms. I'm so lucky to do social media for different organizations on campus because it allows me to see how social media works for different areas!

Leadership on Sacred Heart's campus has really allowed me to become who I am right at this very moment. All of these positions have prepared me to graduate and confidently find a job that will support my goals and aspirations. I imagine what my college experience would've been like without these positions and to say the least, it would've been pretty boring. Each position taught me something special and allowed me to learn about my own leadership style. I can say #thankstoshu (hint, hint) for all of these opportunities, I'm beyond grateful.

- Xo Gab