(Photo courtesy of the University of Massachusetts) “UMass Lowell’s campus offers many extracurriculars for students.”
Osahuese Ogbesoyen
Connector Editor
The lives of college students vary depending on the organizations they choose to tie themselves to. Deciding what club best supports your interests and fits your schedule is a pivotal step that shapes your college experience. It dictates the friends you make and also the opportunities you may receive. This is why universities across the globe not exclusive to Umass Lowell host club fairs at the beginning of the academic year to help facilitate the process of getting involved with campus culture and feeling a part of campus life and affairs.
Alayna Woodward is a current senior at Umass Lowell who has been a part of the Phi Sigma Rho sorority for almost four years now where she holds the position on the executive board as the new member educator. Her membership here may differ from other members in the sorority as she is also a part of the nursing program at UML and has two part-time jobs on and off campus. She is an intramural sports supervisor and off campus a patient care technician at Lowell General Hospital. When asked Woodward explained her deep connection to her Greek sisterhood. “Being in a club like Phi Rho has shaped my life in so many ways.” She describes her sisterhood as a source of support and her membership opening up a door of opportunities that have only been possible from being a Sister. She participates in more studying and volunteer hours and has a well-rounded social life on campus.
Many clubs give students the opportunity to meet new people outside of the classroom setting. Woodward shares that being in a Greek organization has made her open to speaking to many different people. She doesn’t shy away from conversations with new people or confrontations with already established relationships. This new skill has been translated into her everyday life helping her communicate better with all those around her in the classroom and workspace. Going even further Greek life has molded her into a leader. Woodward says that she has, “learn[ed] how to be a leader, and take things seriously while also learning how to have fun, and prioritize my mental health as well.” This experience has shaped her for success and she recommends other students to try joining a Greek organization to help find a forever home.
Unlike other clubs, Greek Life has an initiation that supports all new members through a big sister or brother model. When you join a Greek organization Woodward explains you are selected by an already existing member who has been approved to become a big sister. “A big sister or “big” is someone who will be there to support you in life, and sorority matters.” This role as a “big” is taken very seriously. There is a process weeks ahead deciding who to take as a little, how they can be supported, and the ultimate decision is made to pair a new member with someone who can support them in life, school, work, or the sorority. So do you think you have what it takes like Woodward to balance school, work, and Greek life?
