gsandri
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March 1, 2009 Gianna Sandri Senior |
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Freshman year, I contemplated joining a sorority. After a few months of social researching I found one I liked, but never felt really connected to it or felt that it really complimented who I was. I was also turned off by the initiation process- Greek life is definitely something to look into but it’s also not for everyone. I found my place with a group of good friends after freshman year. Don’t feel confined to the people you’re placed in the dorms with off the bat- there are plenty of people to meet throughout all whole four years.
Oh… student government- it really is not to be underestimated. There is an incredible amount to be said about running, campaigning, being chosen and assuming the responsibility along with a full course load. It’s exactly like having a part-time office job (no slack from professors just because you’ve decided to be a “leader”) which is why it’s so amazing for your resume. I’ve learned first-hand that employers place a lot of weight on a student government position and it definitely increases your value and chances when applying for an internship or job.
I spent a short stint looking over constitutions for student organizations as an associate justice and decided later that year that I would take my chances and run for Vice President of Administration and Programming. I was inducted at the end of sophomore year, and decided that I didn't want to go home for the summer and work as a lifeguard or at the mall anymore... I felt I needed a focus. I spent the summer living (free) in Martin Hall working as a student assistant for the new student orientation. If you’re a part of the class of 2011, I most likely talked to you or your parents at some point during the summer. That was my job, filing release forms, calling new students, answering general phone calls, taking care of petty cash forms, and during the actual orientation dates, I helped out with some administrative duties and logistics, manning the empty office while everyone was running the event. I became very comfortable in an office setting because of this and looking back, I learned a lot there that helped me tremendously during my first internship and during my junior year as Vice President.
Little did I know that student government, and the annual trip to a student leadership convention (NCSL) would lead me right into a killer networking opportunity for an internship you cannot find on the internet, or through co-op.
