Madam(s) President
Writer: Ansley G. Editor: Grace C. Photographer: Abby W.
In 2019 at a Young Life event, a friendship like no other was formed. Grace T. and Sara K. met each other and immediately connected about their similar interests. They bonded over books, creative projects, pop culture, and fashion. It did not take long for them to realize they were both members of Pi Beta Phi at Florida State University. They instantly became close, which led to them becoming a big sister and little sister pair. However, their friendship only strengthened as Grace passed the torch to Sara as Pi Beta Phi’s Chapter President, creating a bond like no other.
“Sara is one of my closest friends,” Grace says. “But helping her flourish into President has further deepened our friendship.”
Grace served as President in 2021, and the year before she was the Vice President of Risk Management. “This role really helped prepare me for president,” Grace says. “It shaped me into a kind of leader who understood how to adapt, problem-solve, and be flexible.”
This job wasn’t easy, but it was a learning experience. “My experience as president was one of the most challenging times of my life,” Grace says. “It changed my life in so many ways, and I was able to connect with other leaders at FSU and around the country. I learned about myself and the things I am capable of.”
Grace is most proud of doing all the ceremonial tasks throughout the highs and lows. “I was able to initiate 98 women into Florida Beta, which is something I will cherish forever,” Grace says.
Grace and Sara worked closely together on the Executive Board last year, with Sara holding the position of Vice President of Member Experience.
“This role taught me how to delegate to my team of directors, negotiate contracts, and manage a large budget,” Sara says. “By working in this position through the pandemic and shadowing Grace throughout the year, I learned what it means to be a true servant leader.”
After serving as President for a couple of months, Sara has enjoyed it, but the job comes with its challenges. “It is difficult to feel like the entire weight of the chapter is on me, but I have an amazing Executive Board and a friend group that supports me through it,” Sara says.
Luckily, Sara had her big sister and best friend to transition her into the new position. “I really got all my training and practice over the year of Grace’s term just because I spent time with her and was able to pick up on her day-to-day tasks as President,” Sara says. “Now, it is really easy to ask her questions and turn to her when things get difficult.”
Grace has been so proud as she has watched Sara grow into an incredible leader. “I couldn’t imagine anyone better to step into the role and I’ve loved getting to watch her flourish into an amazing president,” Grace says. Sara and Grace are both so thankful for this new bond they share.
When Sara was preparing for the interview for Chapter President, Grace gave her some advice that has stuck with her every day. “Grace told me to think about my actions and how they have a lasting impact on the chapter. Leaving a lasting impact on the community, university, and chapter is important to me because I want Pi Phi to last another 100 years,” Sara says. “I think about this each time I make a decision, and it has been the best advice that I’ve gotten so far.”
While Grace is getting ready to graduate at the end of April with a degree in Political Science, Sara is setting all her goals for the rest of her term.
“I want to emphasize chapter history and ritual,” Sara says. “During the pandemic, we conducted a lot of things on Zoom to ensure the safety of our members which caused us to lose a lot of chapter ritual and significance. I hope to reemphasize this during my term.”
Serving as President was one of Grace’s greatest honors. “Being president of Pi Phi changed my life in so many ways professionally and personally,” Grace says. “I am so excited to share this bond with Sara and will always be her number one cheerleader.”