As college students, we are always in a struggle to balance our accomplishments and responsibilities with the importance of a social life. Catherine Taich, a Junior in History, has not only struck a balance of being a normal college student, but she has exceeded these expectations and has truly set herself up as a role model for women all around campus. Catherine is originally from New York, but now calls Chicago her home. Don’t let her tiny frame fool you, Catherine is involved with internships, RSO’s, Panhellenic, philanthropies, and much more.
HC: Catherine, what activities are you involved with here on campus?
I am president and founder of the RSO’s Grassroots Soccer and I-Style, the president of Business of Fashion, in Kappa Delta Sorority, a Runway-Rep for the University of Illinois Rent the Runway team, a member of the Scandinavian Club, a member of the Illini Equestrian club, and am in Order of Omega’s Honor Society.
HC: Tell me more about the RSO’s that you founded.
Grassroots soccer is a philanthropy club that raises money for soccer clinics in poverty stricken countries in Africa. At these clinics they have informational sessions about HIV and Aids for those involved. I-Style is an RSO that educates students about careers in the fashion world. The main focus of the RSO is on social media in fashion careers. We help members with internship searches, PR, resume building, and portfolio building. We encourage our members to create and maintain and fashion blog as well.
HC: How do you like being in the Greek Community?
I went through recruitment as a Sophomore, and I’m so glad I did. I’m a sister in the Kappa Delta Sorority now. For the chapter, I am Leadership Chair and the PR Assistant. All of my sisters support how busy I am and actually help me out and are members in most of my clubs. It’s so nice to have a support system that will back you up in whatever you do.
HC: How do you stay balanced with schoolwork and still have a social life?
It’s really natural for me to take on a lot because I’ve been that way my whole life. Being busy makes me feel more focused and organized than if I had a bunch of free time. Some clubs meet once every other week, so as long as you schedule appropriately, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I can still attend most social events and have fun because it’s all about organization in scheduling.
HC: What internships do you have?
I am a Style Guru for Collegefashionista.com and an intern with Handbag Designer 101. For Handbag Designer 101, I was in New York this summer working with InStyle magazine. I got to have a hands-on experience with the magazine and met several designers while doing so.
HC: What advice do you have for someone who is looking to be more involved?
Honestly, to get involved you need to go out and do it by yourself. If you don’t go out and do things on your own, then you never will. Nobody is here telling you that you have to go join an RSO. Self-motivation is how I got out there. Not being in the Greek community freshman year is when I started making lots of connections in the RSO world. However, I put my grades before everything else. Be wise about going out, because you can definitely go out and have fun, but you always have to get up the next morning and take care of your responsibilities. You can’t get much done if you are in bed all day!!
If anyone is interested in getting involved with any of Catherine’s RSO’s or simply would like to ask her for advice, you can contact her at catherine.taich@gmail.com. Also, you can keep track of Catherine by reading her blog at mydaddyscreditcard.blogspot.com.