Meant to Fly Together
Author: Celina P. / Editors: Bella B. and Ariana W. / Photos: Ella M.
For Anabelle R. and Izzy J., members of Delta Zeta (DZ), meeting each other was a dream that came true. They met during Recruitment but bonded over a very unique extracurricular here at Florida State University (FSU), The High Flying Circus. Through a connection only these best friends share, they’ve learned that together they can fly to new heights.
The pair explains that while they talked about numerous topics throughout Recruitment, it was Florida State’s one-of-a-kind circus that really sparked the pair’s connection. Izzy joked about joining the circus herself because of her background in gymnastics but was unsure of her ability to do so. This is when Annabelle explained how she’s participated in the circus and as an active member of DZ. After Izzy realized DZ was her home, Bid Day was a blast. In the first weeks of the semester, the pair continued to talk about the Circus and eventually, Izzy signed up for tryouts and made the team. During this busy time, Annabelle quickly realized that she wanted Izzy to be her little. The often-told tale of meeting your little during Recruitment was no longer just a story but a reality.
When asked what their favorite part of the circus was Annabelle, who’s been a member for over a year, answered, “It’s a family that I compare to being almost like a sorority. You get the aspects of performance that you can only find in the circus, while also having the family unit that you’ll find in a sorority, and that’s what I love about being in the organization.” While Izzy is still a new member of the circus she shared similar feelings stating that “while I haven't experienced the performance aspects, I will say I greatly enjoy having another place to call home besides my sorority. I love having friends in different groups, introducing everyone to each other, and the differences that shine through.” Two different worlds that have give them a family, growth, and new ways to achieve personal goals.
Teamwork is a huge aspect of Panhellenic, with emotional maturity, communication, and bonding being taught to all women, no matter if they're new members or initiated sisters. We see the value of teamwork exemplified by these friends at the circus. Big-little duo Annabelle and Izzy both perform the same act, just in different groups. The act is one that requires three women to balance on top of each other, showcasing gymnastic skills and strength.
Izzy and Anabelle aren’t the only Panhellenic women in the Flying High Circus though. By joining the circus, the pair found a sisterhood that spanned across chapters. The circus became a home to foster connections with over twenty sisters. Izzy expressed that “I didn’t believe I could even meet so many women in Panhellenic in something like the circus but I have and that’s something special about both communities.”
“It doesn’t matter if you're in a sorority or not when it comes to the circus, but if you are, it brings one more thing that makes you love Panhellenic even more. In Panhellenic, we celebrate women and when there are so many members of the community in the circus we see that same girl empowerment shine through” states Annabelle. The circus and Panhellenic both share so much community. The bond between Anabelle and Izzy found in these communities is something to covet. With a friendship and sisterhood as special as theirs, it can be empowering to know that family is bigger than their chapter.
Together they grow together and fly together as sisters.