It’s true: this is a segment of our lives we will never get back. As students, we often hear that the most precious years are these. This is why college should be everything we hoped for and more.
As a freshman, I recall a recurring shock that I, Alexandra Ernst, was in college. A puzzling thought often crossed my mind: What now?
I know that next year I will have a similar feeling when I am entering my final year and preparing for graduation. Regardless of class standing, we are all inevitably at our prime. It is not too early or too late to make the most out of our valuable college life.
Early in my sophomore year, after much searching, I discovered the answer to my question: involvement on campus is the only way to enrich the experience.
With the new fall semester comes also an important decision to make this year especially meaningful. The university’s mission is to educate in such a way as to inspire students “to lead meaningful lives with and for others.”
As undergraduates at a Jesuit institution, embracing the Jesuit values is important in creating and finding ourselves. Loyola is flourishing in rich opportunity.
For example, I counted 124 currently active and diverse organizations, clubs, and teams. Loyola offers possibilities galore to get involved, meet new people and enjoy college to the fullest.
Yet two of the major concerns for most people who want to get involved are time and money. Almost all of the programs are flexible with class and work schedules, and many cost nothing.
Organizations such as Students In Free Enterprise, Greek Life and Student Government Association, can all be philanthropically and socially stimulating.
Honors societies, clubs or fraternities in each college are great to help hone our abilities in our fields of study. Volunteering for The Maroon, NOLA Sound or Loyola University’s Community Action Program, are all very rewarding programs to affiliate with. Most organizations will start recruiting soon. For more details search organizations on Loyola’s website.
But Loyola takes it even further. The Student Activities Office is open to creating and developing new clubs and organizations, so the possibilities are endless!
Last year I began associating with several groups on campus and my life changed in the most positive ways. I found that the college experience is not just about going to class and partying.
Campus activities are a wonderful way to make new friends and broaden horizons. I have learned firsthand how fulfilling teamwork and leadership can be; and I know, no matter what career path I take, these skills will be of great value.
Interacting with my peers in this way is inspiring and has given me a stronger sense of the community we share at Loyola.
Getting to know the people around me has been more invigorating, fun and gratifying than anything else I have experienced on campus.
I encourage everyone, whether it is your first or last year at Loyola University, to make this year meaningful by getting involved.
Alexandra Ernst is a mass communication junior. She can be reached at amernst@loyno.edu
In My Opinion is a weekly column open to Loyola students. Those who are interested can email letter@loyno.edu
Delta Gamma New Orelans, Loyola University
DGs in the News!
The Maroon > Editorial and Opinions
Sorority life offers many opportunities
In My Opinion
Published: Thursday, October 1, 2009
Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2009
 "Photo: The Maroon")
The Maroon
Sorority Life
Let’s play a game. Some time today, walk up to a group of three or more sorority girls and just start talking.
If in 10 minutes you cannot find one similarity or connection, I will buy you a coffee from CC’s.
As a recruiter for a sorority I often hear the statement, “No, thanks. Greek life is not for me.”
While I somewhat understand the basis for this comment, I cannot help
but respond, “Then what is?” Are you interested in being a doctor?
Getting connected with a company for an internship? Having a study
group? Playing sports? Traveling? Watching a popular TV show?
If they can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, they might have a misconception about Greek life.
Greek life often receives a bad wrap. In my sorority, Delta Gamma, we
have a tradition called “Delta Gamma is…” where everyone in our
sorority goes around and articulates what our sorority means to them.
Being the outgoing, entergetic person I am, my sisters assume I have an
immediate response, but I don’t. This is because my sorority is not
just one thing to me, but many.
One of the unique things about Delta Gamma is the ability for many
different girls with diverse backgrounds and interests to have a common
bond.
It is an eclectic group where opera singers, future doctors, models,
hippies, sports players, mathematicians and journalists can get
together and never lack in discussion topics.
This seemingly impossible situation also helps all of our women learn vital leadership and team building skills.
I have attended numerous leadership camps, held dozens of leadership
positions, and I can honestly say my involvement in Delta Gamma has
served as the most beneficial guide in leading and connecting with
others.
After accomplishing the task of getting 60 girls to decide on one t-shirt color, you can conquer the world.
Another priceless benefit of my sorority is the constant support system for any situation.
After only a year in my sorority, I have seen these women ban together
to help Sarah Cooper, the Student Government Association president,
campaign for her election.
I have seen these women huddled together in the library tutoring one another for a major exam.
I have seen these women in less than an hour turn an average Danna
Student Center table into a quaint shop selling jewelry and cupcakes.
I have seen these women driving at 3 a.m. to go pick up another sister
at the airport from a delayed flight, and I have seen these women rush
to aid each other when they receive devastating news.
These women balance school, community service, extracurriculars and a
social life with the utmost grace and skill, and I can only hope to one
day be able to emulate these women I am so thankful to be associated
with.
So next time you pass a member of Greek life, Delta Gamma or not, try to look past the letters, get to know them and find out how they have benefitted from being part of this amazingly unique group of people.
Involvement Enriches College Experience
IN MY OPINION
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Updated: Thursday, September 10, 2009
 "Photo: Kevin Zansler/ The Maroon")
Kevin Zansler/ The Maroon
Cooper, Rossi Win 2009 Elections
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009
Updated: Thursday, April 2, 2009
 "Photo: Kevin Zansler/The Maroon")
Kevin Zansler/The Maroon
SGA president-elect and marketing junior Sarah Cooper hugs her campaign manager, mass communication freshman Kate Gremillion, after SGA election results were announced March 31 in the Danna Center. Cooper won against opponent Ashley Shabankareh, music industry education senior, with a 60 percent majority.
 "Photo: Kevin Zansler/The Maroon")
Kevin Zansler/The Maroon
Vice president elect Maria Rossi, English junior (center) holds back a flood of emotion upon learning of her victory March 31.
The Student Government Association in Spring 2009 elected two fresh faces for the president and vice president positions.
On March 31 at 8 p.m., marketing junior Sarah Cooper was elected SGA president by a 60 percent vote over her opponent, Ashley Shabankareh, music education and music industry junior. Maria Rossi, English junior, will serve as her vice president.
In the post-election atmosphere the candidates reflected on their personal experiences throughout campaign week.
“At the beginning of the week, I felt like the underdog because it seemed like no one knew who I was. People on my campaign team were often asked ‘well, who is Sarah Cooper?” Cooper said.
But Cooper’s determination only forced her to work harder.
“I really started gaining confidence from the help of the students who supported me. I spoke to so many people. I went to many different types of organizations, not just the ones I’m directly involved in. I hit all aspects of the school, and I feel like that is a good reflection of the kind of administration I’m going to run,” Cooper said.
Cooper’s administration will emphasize personal connections with students. “Whenever someone comes into the Hub with a problem, we will write down their name and number and do the best we can to deal with it. Even within the administration, I will be making sure their jobs are getting done and they are in sync with one another,” Cooper said.
Cooper, who describes herself as a naturally outgoing person, had no problem walking up to strangers to campaign. She got positive feedback from student who appreciated her one-on-one campaigning technique, she said.
Her confidence in her campaign, Cooper said, was due, in large part, to support from her sorority, Delta Gamma, her campaign team and the endorsement from SGA president Cade Cypriano, political science senior.
“Having support from someone who already was the president really boosted my confidence. He was a great president and did so much for the student body. With his support I definitely felt I could push through this campaign,” Cooper said.
When marketing senior Scott Bryars, the commissioner of elections announced Cooper’s win she said it didn’t feel real. “I didn’t really get it until all my friends started hugging me,” Cooper said.
Cooper said she is excited to have the opportunity to make changes that students have been asking for. To Cooper, her greatest strength is her ability to communicate. With a fresh perspective for Loyola, Cooper is committed to strengthening SGA’s ability to communicate.
“SGA needs to come out of the basement and establish a presence on campus,” Cooper said.
Cooper’s commitment to changing the presence of SGA on campus begins with herself. She wants to make sure the university knows that she is getting things done.
“I want to be out there, hands on with my job. I want to be a face that people feel comfortable approaching,” Cooper said.
Maria Rossi, SGA vice president compliments Cooper’s basic platform. Rossi looks forward to working with Cooper.
“I want to observe Sarah and learn from her. She is so ambitious; when she talks to people her eyes light up and she is so passionate. I want those qualities,” Rossi said.
“SGA has been something I’ve always felt passionate for. I felt called to do as much as I could for Loyola and I feel like SGA is my niche,” Rossi said.
Rossi was confident with her campaign from the beginning. She reached out to her friends in a wide range of organizations on campus, as well as her professors.
It was her professors who gave her the best advice.
“I would talk to my professors who gave me advice about what they expected to see in a student leader. They gave me better insight and to what a student leader should be and what they want to see. Also they told me about the good leaders from the past,” Rossi said.
As vice president, Rossi wants to make sure that every student on campus knows what SGA is. She wants to hear their voices, complaints and all. Most importantly, Rossi is dedicated to connecting with the student body on a personal level.
Stephanie Pawlik can be reached at sdpawlik@loyno.edu.