When I went through the rush process, I never would have imagined what the experience would be like during a pandemic. Despite the obstacles involved, my conversations with AOII felt super natural. They went above and beyond in getting to know me and truly listened to what I had to say! I remember feeling like their questions were so thoughtful and it was obvious that they cared about me as an individual. What really sealed the deal for me was learning about their CAPS philanthropy. It was inspiring to see a sorority actively working to promote mental wellness!

As a freshman in the sorority, my experiences were a bit different (yes, i know more covid talk). Thankfully, AOII made sure to include us in every little activity, whether it be virtual hangouts or group chats! But the highlight of my first year was definitely the Big Little reveal - it was the first event we could do in person! I knew who my big was before we even got to the revealing, but the reveal still felt like I was meeting her for the first time! My sorority family gave me with a sense of security on campus, and strengthened my love for Alpha Omicron Pi.

Sophomore year I decided to live in-house, and it was the best decision I ever made! Being surrounded by so many girls and having a constant stream of activities made it feel like a never-ending sleepover (and we were living in a mansion)!! From movie nights to snowed-in hangouts, there was always something fun happening. Living in the house truly cemented my love for my sorority and created bonds that will last a lifetime.

As the Vice President of Membership and Recruitment, my role involved meeting with vendors, managing budgets, designing t-shirts, and selecting themes for our work week activities. Working with my director to ensure that every requirement was met was both challenging and fulfilling. However, what drove me to run for the position in the first place was my love for recruitment! My desire was to provide members with opportunities to bond and create memorable experiences. Working with the different exec members and directors has provided a platform for collaboration that I never take for granted. I have learned the value of accepting feedback from members and how I can help to bring change. The lessons I learned while running for the position were so amazing, and I would do it all over again if I had the chance!

Looking back, I can confidently say that Alpha Omicron Pi has left a lasting impact on my future. This sorority has provided me with the space to grow and evolve as a person, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges. If you asked freshman year me about leadership, I would've laughed, but AOII has instilled a newfound confidence in me and helped me discover more about myself than I ever thought possible. Being apart of this sisterhood has given me a vision for what I want my future to look like - one that is filled with creativity and leadership!

I am so grateful for the impact that Alpha Omicron Pi at the University of Arkansashas had on my life and plan on carrying the lessons I've learned with me for years to come!