The Ones We Look Up To
Author: Isa C. / Editor: Ariana W. / Photos: Chapter Provided
Leah B. is the perfect example of involvement on and off campus. She has earned a special position in her chapter, Alpha Omicron Pi (AOii), as Vice President of Operations where she ensures the leadership of the chapter is running properly. Outside of her chapter, she’s involved in Campus Recreation and recently volunteered the last couple weeks of summer to be a Rho Gamma during Formal Recruitment.
Leah is proof that the best things can come from random occurrences. The second Leah became involved in Campus Recreation, she remarked how she immediately felt a sense of belonging and rightness. Little did she know, she was up for a promotion she never saw coming: Head Lifeguard. Up until recently, there had not been a Head Guard position among Campus Recreation. This unique position was created last year and spans a broad control of topics from overseeing operations to guest relations. As one of the first people to come into this position, she had to take it upon herself and figure out the best way to facilitate with her limited experience. “I was a little intimidated at first because I’d only been in the job for about six months,” Leah admitted when reflecting on her beginnings at Campus Recreation, “but I took on the opportunity and it's been one of the best decisions at Florida State”. Naturally, the growing pains made the transition a little difficult, however, Leah saw it as a positive movement in her leadership journey. Leading a team to their highest efficiency and learning how to lead peers whom she was comfortable around led to awkward stumbles in the process but yielded to a strong step forward. “The opportunity to lead a group that I knew was going to do well and I trusted, I knew I could lead them to success if I did it right,” Leah comments.
Without the urging of a fellow sister, Leah would’ve never applied to Campus Recreation. Last year, she explained how she was motivated to apply to the program by a friend in the chapter and how she was grateful she took the advice presented to her. “My role models are so important to me so it's weird to think of myself like that to other people… but it's an inherent thing of leadership.”
Erin M, Leah’s G-little, also works with her at Campus Recreation and explains how Leah’s attitude has impacted her. “She has truly made an influence on all of our lives and my experience at FSU would be extremely different if I never would have met her. I am thankful for knowing her every single day.” Without Leah’s support and guidance, Erin wouldn’t have applied for leadership positions in AOii. Leah’s influence continues to touch all those around her, creating long lasting friendships and unknowingly inspiring those around her. To her, these full circle moments make everything worth it and she’s excited to continue her senior year as she can possibly make a difference in the lives around her even after she graduates.
Now that she’s in her final year at Florida State University, she looks back on the experiences that she’s helped mold for younger students. Being able to see how her direct actions have affected those close to her gives Leah a “full circle” realization. Leah had felt one of these moments when she was a Rho Gamma during Panhellenic Recruitment this past summer and in her own chapter as well. For example, one of her PNM’s told her she wanted to become a Rho Gamma because of Leah. Leah describes how AOii places a heavy emphasis on service which has affected her mentality towards the future. “In my chapter, I see leadership more in service and I love the chapter so much that I want to give back to them in the ways they have given to me,” Leah explains.