Chances are if you’ve ever stumbled across the Feel Good Grilled Cheeses in the Union, you’ve met Madi. Just in case you haven’t been lucky enough to meet her yet, Her Campus at the University of Pittsburgh decided to interview her so you aren’t missing out!
Name: Madi Scull
Year: Sophomore Majors/Minors: Communication Rhetoric, Sociology, and Gender, Sexuality and Womens Studies with a Chinese minor.
Fun Fact: I found a Pittsburgh Penguin on Tinder!
Organizations: Gamma Sigma Sigma (GSS)
HC: Tell me a little bit about your organization. Why is it unique?
Madi: GSS is the only service sorority on Pitt’s campus. We are a sorority that strikes a perfect balance between Greek life and service opportunities. We have rush, Bigs/Littles, family trees, sisterhood, etc, but we are also able to come together to produce massive amounts of service hours for change in our community. Additionally, we are non-exclusionary, so if someone rushes and meets our Member-In-Training criteria, they will be inducted and activated as sisters.
HC: You hold a chair position, don’t you? Can you tell us a little more about that?
Madi: In addition to my responsibilities as a sister of GSS, I was also elected to the chair position of Service Auditor by our Executive Board. My position, essentially, is to be the keeper of a master spreadsheet tracking all the hours of service done by every sister and Member in Training over the course of the year. These service hours are mainly kept to ensure sisters are doing the hour minimums to retain sister status moving into the next semester. It has been an excellent experience thus far being able to take on a larger position in GSS and to work for the organization that has already shown me so much love!
HC: Why did you decide to join GSS?
Madi: I decided to join GSS when I found that I was lacking the parts of Greek life that fit my personality best. I wanted to be able to be a part of something greater, and with my sisters, I am proud to see what great things we are doing every day. My sisters are some of my best friends, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. It is always inspiring to see what a large group of dedicated girls can do over the course of a semester. It’s inspiring, really.
HC: What is the best thing you’ve done since joining?
Madi: Aside from the service projects I have participated in, I would definitely say that the best thing I’ve done so far is to run for my chair position. It is such an honor to be trusted with this level of responsibility and I greatly enjoy managing this administrative aspect of keeping my sorority running smoothly!
HC: If someone is interested in joining, how do they do so?
Madi: Anyone who wants to become a sister of GSS must go through the process of rush for our sorority. We hold rush once a year in the fall semester, so keep an eye out for rush posters being posted for the date rush starts! It’s a great experience! I encourage anyone even remotely considering rushing GSS to come to an informational session at the beginning of rush week to find out more about us. We have so many great sisters ready to welcome in a new class of sisters next fall!!
HC: Are you a part of any other organizations on campus?
Madi: My schedule right now is pretty full managing my courseload and GSS commitments, but formerly I have participated the most in Pitt Program Council. I am looking forward to rejoining next fall when my classes conflict less with meeting times! I have also participated in Animal Lover’s Club here on campus.
HC: How do you feel participation in GSS has enhanced your college experience?
Madi: Wow— I could talk to you endlessly on this topic, but the SparkNotes version is this: I have gained so many sisters in this whole process. Anytime you need something, there is always someone you can call. We are a very large family! I’ll tell you a story as an example. I was in Social Theory last semester and got a nosebleed in the middle of class. I was able to text one of my sisters what happened, and she brought my books and sweatshirt to the bathroom for me after class so I could cover the shirt my nose ruined. Having sisters all over campus is amazing. Never underestimate the power of a smile on a familiar face when you’re having a hectic day on campus!
HC: Do you have any advice for freshman looking at different service organizations?
Madi: Definitely consider GSS! You can rush your first Fall semester at Pitt, and many girls do not take this opportunity for fear of missing out on other opportunities that may come along later! If you rush GSS, you won’t regret it. We have so many amazing girls and opportunities for service and leadership.
HC: Do you have a quote that inspires you/guides you in decision making?
Madi: “An America where every person, no matter their race, their disability, or their sexual orientation realizes the full promise of equality that is our birthright as Americans.” -Bernie Sanders
HC: That’s an incredibly important quote, especially these days. One more SUPER important question: Sorrento’s or Antoon’s?
Madi: Sorrento’s… is there even another option?
HC: Okay, last one, I promise! Is there anything you haven’t done yet on campus that you feel like you must do before this year ends?
Madi: I plan to involve myself more in local political movements to fight for equality. Love always wins!
All photos provided by Madi Scull!