Sophia Johnson, Panhellenic Council President

I didn't expect myself to join greek life. I was a transfer student from a community college in the cities where it was hard to connect with others because everyone was so busy. I came to college and was thrilled to be able to feel a sense of community by living in the dorms. Sadly, I did not connect with my roommate and really struggled feeling like I belonged at UMD. I was walking around Kirby Commons seeing what everyone was tabling for to hopefully find a club that I would be interested in. That is when I spotted Alpha Sigma Tau. Headquarters was actually tabling instead of UMD students and they started to explain the process of being an organization on campus and I was fascinated. I wanted to join something bigger than myself and wanted to start something that affects others' lives. I had a meeting with the staff to find out more and accepted my bid the next day. I connected with so many women and had growth in leadership, personal, and educational skills. I stayed in AST because of the connections and leadership opportunities. I even became President. I never saw myself in that role, but then I loved watching everyone grow as individuals and strengthen their amazing characteristics. I believe that all brought me to where I am now, President of Panhellenic Council here on campus. I want to see all the organizations grow and see members grow themselves. I look forward to my term and the fact we will all grow together.
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I was finishing up my term as AST President when Tori (our Greek Life Advisor) suggested to me that I ran for Panhellenic President. I remember freezing in her office and thinking "wait, that actually sounds fun". It would be a huge, new, and  intimidating role that I could try for, but the outcome would be amazing. I would be able to help all organizations besides my own and strength sororities ties on campus. I believe our campus already has a really tight Greek Life, but there is always room for improvement. I look forward to the day that women can name nearly every other woman in different organizations besides their own. Yes, this is a much larger scale than my last position, but I look forward to that challenge and am excited for our greek life to become closer as a family.