Haylie Collins is a junior at Florida State University, where she is majoring in Human Resource Management. As President of Delta Zeta, Vice Chair of the FSU Student Foundation, and Membership Chair for the Ignite Party, Haylie gives us a look into her life as one of FSU’s most involved students.
Kalie Marsch: So, Haylie, I know you love being involved on campus and giving back to the FSU community. What organizations are you involved in exactly?
Haylie Collins: I currently serve as the President of my sorority, Delta Zeta and I am also involved with the FSU Student Foundation as the Vice Chair and the Ignite Party as the Membership Chair. I was recently slated for Senate for Seat 1 in the College of Arts and Sciences. I like to stay busy by being very involved on campus! Outside of campus, I work as a receptionist at the Florida Center for Reading Research.
KM: Wow! I can see you are super busy. How did you get involved with all of these organizations in the first place?
HC: When I was a freshman I decided that I wanted to go through sorority recruitment. I can honestly say it was the best decision that I have ever made. I fell in love with Delta Zeta during recruitment and remained highly involved during my new member period. The President of Delta Zeta at that time encouraged me to apply for the Student Foundation. I loved working with everyone on the board so I remained involved. As my term as President is nearing its end, I have been interested in getting more involved with Student Government. I had some friends that were members of the Ignite Party and encouraged me to get involved and learn more this past summer.
KM: I’m sure DZ is honored to have you as their President. I can tell you are super passionate about your sorority and upholding your duties as President. What advice would you offer anyone who is interested in these organizations?
HC: I would tell anyone that is interested in getting involved—not only in these organizations, but in any organizations on campus— that they are making the right choice! Getting involved on campus is the best thing you can do during your college career. You form amazing relationships and have so many great experiences that you otherwise might not have. I would also tell people not to get discouraged if they don’t succeed at their first time trying something in a new organization.
KM: Good advice! What has been the most rewarding part about being DZ president?
HC: Being President, although very stressful at times, has been the most rewarding experience of my life! If I had to pinpoint one or two things, I would have to say that building stronger relationships with my sisters and seeing the positive change in the chapter have been amazing. I think that Delta Zeta has come a long way in the past year. It has been so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off.
KM: It’s funny how some of the most stressful times in our lives are also the most rewarding. What are your plans for the rest of your college career and the years that follow?
HC: It’s hard to believe that my college career is halfway over! For the remainder of my time here at Florida State, I plan on remaining highly involved on campus and continuing my work towards bettering the University. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
KM: College really does fly by! It’s almost scary how it’s almost over for us. Out of all of your extracurriculars, which is your favorite and why?
HC: This is a hard question to answer! All of my extracurriculars are near and dear to my heart and they all offer different things in my life. I love all of my involvement for different reasons! Every organization that I have been involved with has taught me so many different life lessons!
KM: I can see why it’s so hard for you to pick one favorite! What are some of the duties you have to complete as the President of Delta Zeta?
HC: Some of the duties I have to complete as DZ President is running chapter, holding Executive Board meetings, serving as a liaison between the chapter and advisors, and meeting with various people about any concerns they have in the chapter. There are a lot of unspoken responsibilities in being a sorority president, but my favorite is probably just meeting with people and talking to them about their concerns. I have a passion for helping with people and it makes me feel good when I can give someone a piece of advice or ease their mind about a frustration they are having.