Where Are They Now? Panhellenic Alumnae Take The Real World
Writers and Editors: Natalie C. and Ilana S. / Graphic Designer: Savannah T. / Photos submitted by alumni
Joining a chapter in the Panhellenic community is a special and meaningful opportunity that allows students to make the most out of their four years on Florida State’s campus. Not only does the Panhellenic community allow women to network, make friends, and create lasting memories, but it allows its members to have lifelong opportunities and connections to their sisters. There is a popular saying about greek life that states “It’s not four years, it’s for life.” For four Panhellenic alumnae, this quote surely reigns true. Their knowledge and experiences are crucial pieces of college that they have taken into their everyday lives.
Whether it be through career building, honoring values, or learning to lead, being in a Panhellenic chapter offers many opportunities that allow a woman to grow into a person she never knew she wanted to become. “The Panhellenic community does a stellar job of creating a program for every Panhellenic woman”, says Angela Ging, a 2019 FSU graduate and former member of Gamma Phi Beta. “I loved the constant opportunities to better yourself and your community. There was always an entry point for someone to engage within the community.” Leanne Grahn, a 2019 FSU graduate and sister of Gamma Phi Beta, shares her gratitude and admiration for the community as she continues to endeavor through her post- graduate lifestyle. “I think anyone who knows me knows how much I emphasize my appreciation for the Panhellenic community, as it played such a pivotal part in shaping me into the woman I am today,” says Leanne. “The networking aspect has always been incredibly helpful -- in fact it was thanks to the connections of sisters that I found out about all of my internships, as well as my full-time job”.
Though an active membership in Panhellenic only lasts for four years, the lessons learned and connections created often make an impact on women’s lives to last a lifetime. For some sisters, four active years are just the beginning of an incredible journey ahead. “My life changed from the moment I started recruitment and joined my chapter,” says Angela. “I was surrounded by women who had already done incredible things during their time during FSU. [I now] have a strong passion for fraternity/sorority life, and currently serve as a volunteer Recruitment Supervisor”.
Panhellenic has coined the term “Discover what lies within,” and former Delta Zeta, Shelby West, class of 2019, can definitely contest to the fact that her time in the Panhellenic community inspired her to pursue her current career. “During the summer of 2018, I really found a passion for immersing myself in the servitude of others. I found myself enjoying good, honest hard work for the sake of the community around me. Interested in pursuing something similar along the lines of fulfillment with the added element of challenge, I found myself looking into following in my parent’s footsteps and joining the Coast Guard.”
Shelby also said, in conjunction with her quote, that her journey in Delta Zeta steered her towards her choice to serve others in the Coast Guard, “One of the lines in Delta Zeta’s creed, “To those whom my life may touch in slight measure, may I give graciously of what is mine” stuck with me. This also aligns with Panhellenic at FSU’s pillars of leadership and service. I’m always looking for ways to help others.”
Clearly, as a current Fireman (E3) in the Coast Guard, Shelby is taking what she has learned as a Panhellenic woman and transferring it into the real world. Shelby partakes in a career where she utilizes Panhellenic values and gives for the greater good by serving our country every day. Shelby’s selflessness and kindness remind us that women like her are a great reflection, staple, and example of our community.
Former Panhellenic President and Alpha Chi Omega Sister, Alex Murray, class of 2019, has also shown to be a successful member of society after her days in Panhellenic. As a current patient coordinator in a New York City medical facility, Alex said “Every connection I made through Panhellenic helped get me to where I am now, even though it may not be specific to my current job. I met so many incredible alumnae, advisors, and active members, all of whom have helped shape me into the person I am, taught me something, or helped me through something bigger than myself.”
Alex also mentioned that Panhellenic has strengthened her personal values and has made her a better person in society and her current career position. Alex said “ I help coordinate the care and well-being of patients on a daily basis, and ensure they have optimal care from start to finish. A lot of what I did as president correlates to my current job as I was always “on call” and striving to ensure that each student (now patient) got what they need to succeed.”
Fortunately, Alex had the memories and lessons she learned through the Panhellenic community and her chapter to fall back on when she began her new role in the real world.
As an alumna, Alex stated she is so grateful to Panhellenic and explained that she will never forget all that the community has done for her. Alex said “My chapter and the Panhellenic community has given me everything, and I am forever grateful for the experiences I have been so blessed to have. I think once you’ve been a part of something as great as the Panhellenic community, you will always have those values close to you, and I strive to embody them and implement them into my everyday life.” As a former face of the community, Alex is shining in her adult life and is a true embodiment of a role model for the women in our community.
As new potential members of the Panhellenic roll in each year, alumni near and far are cheering them on. They look forward to watching their journeys unfold as theirs once did during their time at Florida State. When joining a Panhellenic chapter, members are often encouraged to put as much as they can into the chapter in order to receive the experience you desire. Panhellenic sisters, old and new, continue their lives with their lessons learned and bonds in their heart, knowing that they wouldn’t be where they are now if they didn’t take a leap of faith within the community. In Angela’s words, “You never know how much something can change your life, all you have to do is say YES!”