Grow As You Go
Author: Yasamin K. / Editor: Ariana W. / Photos: Chapter Provided
Courtney R., a second-semester senior in Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII), has made her ultimate goal throughout college to grow into the best version of herself. She has involved herself not only within her chapter but within different areas around campus as well. Whether it’s through the Human Development and Family Sciences club or within her Panhellenic chapter, Courtney has done it all!
Courtney is an intern for the FSU Center for Family and Couple Therapy and she says “it's been really insightful, especially as I apply to grad school, and without the internship, I would feel so lost with my future.” In this role, Courtney works as the front desk staff and observes sessions to learn more about what it's like to be a counselor. She was inspired to apply for this internship through her work as President of the Human Development and Family Science Club and has been able to connect her two roles along the way.
In her role as President of the Human Development and Family Science club, Courtney has been able to host bi-weekly meetings for members and bring in guest speakers from within the field to speak about their professional experiences, and how students can get to that point. Members are required to perform volunteer events and Courtney feels that this “allows us to be more connected with the community, so giving back to the community is very important within our club.” Recently, the club has also started having social events in order to foster a community within the club. Courtney’s AOII sisters always make sure to share the club’s events on their social media, which is just one example of how they support Courtney’s passions!
Courtney speaks on her experience about becoming the President of the club, and what inspired her to take that leap. She had a mentor meeting with their club advisor about her passions and what she wants to do in the field and was encouraged to fill the role of President. “From past experiences, I really felt as though I could handle this role, and now 2 years later I love it!”
Throughout all these passions it has been her sorority fam in AOII that has motivated her along the way. Courtney also shares the story of her close friend in AOII, who is now the Panhellenic Delegate for their chapter, and says “she has always reminded me of the larger community that resides outside of our chapter.” Courtney’s twin in her “sorority fam” was the Panhellenic Delegate before that, which also helped her become more connected within the Panhellenic community. “Being around so many amazing women has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone and meet new people, which has given me the confidence to grow to where I am now.”
Tying it all back, Courtney reflects on her Panhellenic journey. She says that she entered Formal Recruitment with a difficult mentality, but ultimately learned to find her true home through the process. “While going through Recruitment, I spoke to Hannah (who has now graduated) and we truly bonded over moving so much while we were younger, and I felt like I had found my first permanent home within AOII.”
As her time in these communities, and here at Florida State comes to a close, Courtney shares this message back to the chapter that has given her so much over the past 4 years. “Remember your purpose and intentions. Focus on your values, and embrace your college experience. Growing to become your best self is one of the most important aspects of being in college.” Inspiring women like Courtney, are what shape our Panhellenic community and make it better everyday.