Hey everyone! Before I jump into why I love ADPi so much, here is a little about me! I’m Sarah Shannon, a member of Alpha Class 2018 and I am a second-year psychology major and an innovation/health disparities in society minor on a pre-PA track. I am involved on and off campus whether it be volunteering at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in the PICU or PCICU with Dream Team or waking up early to cook breakfast for the amazing families and staff at the Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida. I've also recently become a leader for a new organization called Women World Leaders through one of my very own sisters, and I can’t wait to see what this brings to the young women on campus. Ever since my freshman year, getting involved was always encouraged by the young women in Alpha Delta Pi.
From the moment I ran home to ADPi, I've made friends who I know will be in my life far beyond college because of how authentic and loving they are. I remember how nervous I was about not only making new friends but making friends who loved me for me. Then, I met some of my best friends like Halle, Nicole, and Leah to name a few right off the bat. These young women have been by my side since the first day we ran home to ADPi, and I know we will be friends forever.
Going into recruitment last year, I didn’t know many people who went to UF nor did I know anything about Greek Life. When I stepped into the doors of ADPi, I knew I was home- as cliché as it sounds. I had never felt so loved and encouraged by a group of women through just a brief conversation, and that said a lot about the characters within our chapter. After running home to ADPi, I was immediately getting involved from the support of older chapter women. My freshman year I participated in Dance Marathon as a dancer where I danced for 26.2 hours straight in honor of the children being treated at UF Health Shands. This was one of the best experiences I have had next to going on my first mission trip to Guatemala with 7 other ADPi’s. This was one of the most humbling experiences of my life, and by far my favorite part of my freshman year. During Spring Break, all 8 of us spent our week installing water filters into the homes of those who were using and drinking contaminated water daily as well as having the opportunity to share our faith. I was not only doing what I was passionate about, but I was doing it alongside some of my best friends.
This past year, I got my Little, Emily. Emily is one of the sweetest and most beautiful people I have ever met, and I am so thankful to have her in my ADPi family. Her and I have become so close within the past six months. This role is huge for me, because it's always within my intentions to make others feel loved and cared for. As Emily’s Big, I aim to be the best role model, mentor, and friend that I can be. My ADPi family has been one of my greatest blessings, and I love them all so much.
As Valentine’s Day draws near, it is important for me to make everyone in my life, like my friends in ADPi, feel loved. I like to imagine every day as an opportunity to love one another, but even more so on this day. Alpha Delta Pi has not only helped me become more confident, happy, and strong, but it has helped me love others well. I can’t wait to see how much love 2020 brings to the Gamma Iota chapter at the University of Florida!
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