Delta Phi Epsilon is an international sorority focused on empowering women to be their best selves. On the founding principles of justice, sisterhood, and love, the organization provides an experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. After interviewing one individual, whose life was so positively impacted, its no question that the Beta Rho Chapter at UIC continues to embrace these ideals.
This weeks Campus Profile is DPhiE’s beautiful and charismatic president, Sarah Triner!
Aside from the obvious, a true beauty and inspiring leader, Sarah is a loyal Blackhawks Fan and horseback-riding enthusiast. Catch her on campus, rocking her sorority’s purple and gold letters or promoting the Blackhawks at different events across the city!
Basics:
Name: Sarah Triner
Year: Senior
Hometown: Winfield, Illinois
Birthday: August 11, 1995
Heritage: Italian, Black and Bohemian
Major: Communication
UIC Life:
Local or Commuter?
Local
What are you involved with on campus?
Delta Phi Epsilon and French Club
What is your favorite thing about UIC?
The sense of community, I feel like since it’s not big as other colleges, it’s easier to feel connected to other people. I also love the diversity here. I was probably one of the only mixed kids in my hometown so I really enjoy being surrounded by so many other cultures and to have the opportunity to learn more about them.
What is your least favorite thing about UIC?
The fact that is a commuter based campus.
What are your ideal plans after graduation?
I would like to work within sports possibly sports media or something that has to do with marketing, public relations or event/community relations. In my dreams it would someday work for the Chicago Blackhawks.
When you graduate, what will you miss the most about UIC?
Greek life!
Greek Life:
How did you know that DPhiE was the sorority for you during recruitment?
My best friend of 15 years convinced me to go through recruitment. I almost didn’t rush, but when I walked into the room of Delta Phi Epsilon there was a feeling of a sense of belonging. They were so cheerful and welcoming and when I walked in I felt like I didn’t have to pretend to act a certain way. I felt like I could be myself and they would accept me for who I was.
What do you like the most about DPhiE?
At first what I liked most was the sisterhood. But as I’ve gotten older, our philanthropy, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has been very close to my heart. Two years ago, we got in contact with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation headquarters in Chicago and we got matched up to the Burns Family. We now sponsor their son Dean, who lives with cystic fibrosis. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to build a relationship with the Burns family and to see that we have a direct impact with them.
What would you say is the most rewarding part about being the President?
When you are a younger member, it’s hard to find your place at first but it is helpful having the older girls there to guide and inspire you. When I was a younger member so many older girls, like my grandbig, helped me to push myself to be as active as possible and take advantage of all that the sorority has to offer. It’s inspiring to be able to be that guide for the younger members and to be that person that helps them reach their fullest potential within the organization.
What would you say is the most difficult part about being the President?
There are times when you have to make calls for the benefit of the entire chapter and people that you are friends with aren’t always going to like the calls that you make or they can’t always see the bigger picture. At the end of the day, I know the decisions are the ones made for the betterment of the sorority.
Tell me what you love the most about your Greek Family?
With my big, she’s always a mentor that I can turn to. She is just someone that can guide you through the sorority. My grandbig was the one who inspired to take on more responsibility for the sorority. I can always be myself with my big and grandbig and they accept me and help me through all of my struggles and are there to celebrate with me through my successes
Advice for girls rushing a sorority?
Always be yourself don’t act like how you think they would want you to act. Don’t look up articles about what to do during rush. Choose where you can truly see yourself in the long run. Don’t choose based on what your friends want.
Advice to the girl who will be the next President of your sorority?
If you’re voted into that position, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. There’s a lot of stress and difficult decisions to make but your chapter elected you for a reason. Be sure to make time outside of that for yourself to relax. Don’t think that you have to do everything yourself because you’re in that position. You have a whole leadership team and chapter to support you. And I promise you, all of the ups and downs that you go through will truly be worth it in the long haul.
What have you learned about yourself from being president of an organization?
I have learned to trust myself more and believe that I’m capable of the things that I am doing. I have more self-confidence now and I’ve grown into a stronger leader and a stronger individual.
Work Life:
Where do you work?
I recently was brought onto the marketing street team for the Chicago Blackhawks
What do you do?
The position entails a lot of different things but basically we have different responsibilities, like on game nights that we help out with such as facilitating certain sweepstakes etc. But we also get sent out to promote the Blackhawks at different events throughout the city during the year! I’m super excited to be joining the street team this year, especially for a team that I am so passionate about. Not only because of the hockey team itself but also because of how inspiring the organization is overall. I’m definitely looking forward to all that I will learn and the experience that I will gain from this opportunity.
Describe your dream job.
My dream job is definitely to work for the Chicago Blackhawks full time at some point in my life but I’m not completely positive of what department. I’ve always thought about doing something within media. But I’m also really passionate about having a physical connection and impact on the community so I would love to do something that allows me to be involved and interactive in their events throughout the community.
Fun Facts:
Any passions?
Blackhawks, singing, and horseback riding, and ice skating.
What’s something that people don’t really know about you?
I’m a little shy when I first meet people and self-confidence is always something that I have struggled with but I don’t portray that to the people around me.
What kind of music are you into?
Beyoncé is my ride or die
Favorite Movie?
Pride and Prejudice and White Chicks
Favorite TV Show?
How to Get Away with Murder and Once Upon a Time
Pet Peeves?
People that always go back on their word
What’s something on your bucket list?
Horseback riding on the grand canyon.
If you won the lottery whats the first thing you would buy?
A plane ticket to France and second I’d buy season tickets to the Blackhawks
How many languages do you speak?
2. English and French
Love Life:
Interested in?
Men
Relationship Status?
Single
Celebrity Crushes?
Charlie Puth
What do you look for in a guy?
Someone I can laugh with and be myself with
What is your deal breaker?
Lack of ambition and selfishness
Describe your dream date?
Going to a Blackhawks game, glass seats.