College is a big change for everyone, whether you’re going out-of-state or just a
couple hours from home, but I faced another challenge my freshmen year: all of my classes were online.
I know what you’re thinking — "Why would you choose this? I’m sure you had plenty of other options." You’re right, I had other options, but my heart was set on going to UF and I had full confidence in my abilities that I could pull this PaCE thing off, and so far, it’s going well. UF is an inclusive school and they made me feel right at home, even though I have never stepped foot into a lecture hall. UF made it very clear that I was the same as any other student on/off campus and that I had access to the same resources and activities, including Greek life.
I saw Greek life as my key into meeting new people, getting involved on campus,
and finding a fun community. I debated on it for a while, because as a someone who has always been more sporty, the idea of recruitment did not sound very pleasant to me. My mom convinced me to give it a try because even if recruitment didn’t work out, I still would be able to meet new people. As always, my mom was right, and I ended up looking forward to recruitment because of the many different women I had the privilege to talk to all day.
Luckily, everything worked out in the end, and I found my home at Alpha Chi Omega — I can't imagine myself in anywhere else. My sorority gave me exactly what I was looking for, and now it’s hard to remember I’m a PaCE student. I have met so many new people from a lot of different places, I've even met a bunch of other women who are in PaCE.
My big is in PaCE, and that was one of the first things that we immediately connected on. I am so excited to see her transfer on-campus officially this upcoming fall. Even though I can’t be with some of my sisters during the lecture, I still meet them at the house for meals or study with them at the libraries. Not only did I meet so many sisters, but I am now involved in two clubs and one organization, thanks to the upperclassmen in Alpha Chi.
It can still be difficult being in PaCE, but just because all your classes are online doesn’t mean your experience at UF and in Greek life will look any different than a student who isn’t in PaCE. I don’t know where I would be without Alpha Chi, but I am forever thankful for the friends they have given me and the involvement opportunities they have exposed me to. Just remember, PaCE is temporary, but your sisters are forever.
With Love, an Alpha Chi Omega Sister.