Senior, Melissa Jermann, helped save her sorority while being completely committed to her coursework, her position in the CAFE Lab, and Middle Earth.
1. Where are you from originally and why did you choose to attend the University at Albany?
I am originally from Queens, NY but I just moved to Massapequa Park, NY this past summer. I was interested in a SUNY school because of the low cost so I would not have to take out a loan, since I knew I wanted to go to graduate school in the future. SUNY Albany was a large University that was away from home but not too far away, so it was a perfect fit.
2. What is your major/minor and what things on campus do you do that directly benefits your area of studies?
My major is Psychology with a minor in Counseling Psychology under the Education Department. I have been a Research Assistant for five semesters through the Child and Family Experience (CAFE) Lab under the direction of Dr. Gordis. I am currently involved in two projects in the lab, one here on campus and one at the Boys and Girls Club in Schenectady, NY. I am also a member of the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program on the hotline track, where I answer phone calls from students on campus as well as the Albany community.
3. You’re the President of Alpha Epsilon Phi – what has been your journey with the sorority, from rushing to the E-board position you now hold?
My journey with the sorority has been a difficult but exhilarating one that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. After accepting my bid to Alpha Epsilon Phi and becoming a member I have held positions as Community Service Chair, VP Social Standards and President. When I became President, our chapter was not in good standing with the school. But after hard work and dedication from the Executive Board and myself, we are now at exceptional standing with the school. We received this rating last semester and Alpha Epsilon Phi was the only NPC sorority to receive it. That was by far the proudest moment I have experienced as a sister and President of AEPhi.
4. What does your sorority stand for? What are some things you and your sisters do to benefit UAlbany and the community?
Alpha Epsilon Phi stands for sisterhood and unconditional friendship while also dedicating yourself to service, intellectual growth and personal development. Last semester, every sister in our chapter had to do over 30 hours of community service. We participated in the Breast Cancer Walk, Starlight Foundation 5k and the Pine Hills Clean-Up. We also held fundraiser events for our two philanthropies, Sharsheret Breast Cancer Foundation and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. Our fundraisers consist of bake sales, glitter tattoos, candy apples and bowling. Not only do we give back to the community and our philanthropies, but as a sisterhood, we have an amazing time doing so.
5. What advice would you give to a girl who was interested in rushing and being a part of Greek Life? What are some of the qualifications you must have to do so?
My advice would be to rush every sorority and find out where you feel comfortable and truly belong. Joining a sorority is like finding a second family; you not only meet your best friends but you become sisters for life. In order to rush a sorority here at the University you must have a 2.65 GPA and be in good standing with the school. You are not allowed to rush and pledge until your second semester freshman year. I fully encourage girls to rush around and to see if a sorority is a good fit for them.
6. How will being an alumnus of AEPhi help you in your future?
Alpha Epsilon Phi was founded in 1909 and the Eta Chapter here at the University was founded in 1917. That being said, there are a lot of alumni for networking possibilities. By having so many alumni there is a good chance someone has a major or job that you are interested in. You can connect with these sisters for advice, internships or even a job and they would be more than willing to help!
7. What false stereotypes do you hear about being a sorority girl? What would you say to someone who looked down, or didn’t understand Greek life?
Movies and the media portray a sorority girl in an extremely negative view, such as drinking, partying and hazing. Alpha Epsilon Phi is the complete opposite of those stereotypes and we are proud to say so. For people who look down or don’t understand Greek life, I would say you don’t know the feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself until you join a sorority. Joining a sisterhood is much more than those stereotypes – it is about respect, love, friendship and service.
8. What are you passionate about?
I have always been passionate about helping people which is why I chose Psychology as a major. After taking AP Psychology senior year in high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the field of mental health. I love listening to people and helping them create solutions to fix their problems.
9. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?
In five years from now I would like to be finishing up a PhD in Clinical Psychology, which I am planning to apply for this upcoming fall. I want to specialize in working with children who have mental health issues such as anxiety, ADHD or emotional behavior disruptions. In 10 years from now I hope to be a part of a private practice and working my way to own one myself.
10. What will you miss most about UAlbany after graduation, and why?
I will miss seeing and living only a couple feet away from my best friends, and most importantly, my sorority. Graduation makes me feel a very bitter sweet emotion. I am excited to go on to bigger and better things, but I know that I will miss the connection I have with my sorority sisters. All of the girls in my sorority will accomplish amazing things in their life, but more importantly, I know that we will still share our life together because joining a sorority isn’t just for 4 years – it’s for a lifetime.
(Photo Courtesy of Melissa Jermann)