Staying Active in the Community
Writer: Sara F. Editor: Kyla M. and Grace C. Photographer: Bella D.S.
Throughout her college experience, Alpha Phi's Sarah A. has stayed busy with the things she loves. Not only in her chapter, but across campus as well. Aside from her busy life in Alpha Phi, Sarah is President of Chaarg, an all women's workout group, and in FSU’s Nursing Program.
Sarah is the current President of a women’s workout group, Chaarg, where members are divided into small, close-knit groups to workout. “To find a great group of friends and a fun workout group is what joining this community means to me,” Sarah says. Little did she know the impact it would have on her college experience.
After a semester in the organization Sarah was encouraged by two of the executive members to apply for a leadership position. That following semester she secured the title of Vice President of Media, where she learned the insights to manage social media, create graphics and posts, and was tasked with leading a small group in Chaarg.
One of her proudest accomplishments in this community was growing their number of members by 25% last Spring, the most they had ever had at that time. This fall, Sarah reached a 200% increase in members from the following year. “As President, the most impactful things have been seeing women gain confidence, friendships, and a love for working out,” Sarah says. She emphasized that the women who encouraged her to apply allowed her to be successful and make an impact on others, just like they had impacted her.
On top of her impressive leadership in Chaarg, Sarah continues her passions within FSU’s Nursing Program. Growing up around a family of nurses, her great grandmother was her initial inspiration for becoming a nurse. Her great grandmother worked for the army on the frontline as a nurse in Pearl Harbor when the attack occurred. More recently, her dad decided to attend school again to pursue his passion of becoming a nurse.
She joined FSU’s Nursing Program this year and found her true passion for making genuine connections with the families and patients. The two-year program entails classes and clinicals, getting real hands-on experience in the Tallahassee community.
Sarah has worked in a mental health unit, long-term care facilities, and is starting at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in the next few weeks. She works rigorous eight-hour shifts a couple times a week on top of her nursing courses. In the near future, Sarah plans to take the NCLEX nursing exam and go straight into the field. Although she is unsure of her specialization, she is interested in Emergency or Labor and Delivery.
Sarah has taken her passion for fitness and brought it to Alpha Phi, where she currently serves as the assistant to sisterhood, allowing her to help out with chapter events and involvement. Sarah is also the Alpha Phi delegate for a local fitness center in Tallahassee, organizing sorority nights for all her sisters to have a free workout class. She makes this possible by collaborating with officers on the executive team in her chapter.
Sarah’s connection to Alpha Phi runs deep, not only with her sisters, but also with their Philanthropy, Women’s Heart Health. As some of her family members suffer from heart issues, she connects to her chapter’s philanthropy on a personal level. On top of fundraising for heart health, her chapter dedicated an entire floor to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Her commitment to well-being has extended to her studies in the nursing program.
At the end of Sarah’s productive days, she knows she can always go home to Alpha Phi. Coming home to smiling faces and genuine friendships allows her to form those deeper connections to her chapter. Her leadership not only allows her to meet new people, but to create new experiences and skills as well. Finding women who share the same values as her has changed her life for the better.
As an active student around campus, Sarah A. says her biggest takeaway from her involvement are the skills and experiences that are transferable for her future endeavors. “Get yourself out there, but do it in your own way,” she says. Her value for pursuing things unique to herself is what fulfills her everyday. Sarah says she feels happy and grateful for the position she is in and everyone who supports her!