Ann Ross is a junior and Alpha Pi Chapter President of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) at Florida State University. She is double majoring in Psychology and Media and Communication Studies. I was lucky to steal a few minutes from her day to ask about her daily life as a sorority chapter president.
Her Campus (HC): What are some of the duties of a sorority president?
Ann Ross (AR): As a sorority president, I essentially oversee any administrative, public and community relations of the chapter. Every day, I meet with members of the executive team or advisors to plan various events, provide guidance, and help resolve any issues. While being a sorority president is full of endless meetings, my primary role is to support the executive team and my sisters! I am always available as a listening ear or shoulder to cry on in hopes that I can help everyone have a positive college experience.
HC: How do you balance time between other extracurriculars, work, school and social time?
AR: Balancing my time is never easy, especially when multiple organizations hold events at the same time, but it helps to have a good support system! I’m so lucky to have different communities who support me in anything I do, whether in AOII, Relay for Life or at work! Plus, I enjoy staying busy, and I live off my Google Calendar!
HC: What do your mornings look like?
AR: I typically have class or work to start my day. Meetings don’t usually start until later, so the mornings are when I have the time to prioritize my academics. I’m thankful that working at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) allows me to focus on my schoolwork when students aren’t coming in for tutoring. I also usually like to start my days on a good note with a treat, whether it’s a Starbucks pastry or a chai latte from Redeye!
HC: What do you typically do in the afternoon?
AR: I usually finish class or work in the afternoons because I try to fit everything in before 5 p.m. I’ve noticed that people typically want to meet in the evenings, so I finish any personal activities by the evening. If I went to class in the morning, I would work in the afternoons or vice versa.
HC: What is your night routine?
AR: The evenings are when I take time for AOII! I usually have at least one meeting every day, which sometimes means back-to-back meetings from when I end my shift at 5 p.m. until I sleep that night. If we do not have an event to help with, I will check in with officers to see how they are doing and what I can do to support them. Keeping this time blocked off in my schedule has been very helpful for those last-minute text messages hoping to schedule a time to chat!
HC: How do you prepare for the coming week?
AR: Clearing a day only for me has been a lifesaver! On Fridays, I don’t have class or work, so this is the time when I can plan any additional meetings that I didn’t have time for during the week. I schedule any appointments or even trips to Target for Fridays, and I plan chapter meetings and any events for the following week on Sundays. Sometimes you need to take time for yourself, too, so this also leaves my schedule open for any fun trips with friends or even a lazy day around the house.
HC: Is there anything you must sacrifice since you’re so busy?
AR: I used to think that being the president of AOII would mean being at every event, but I’ve found myself prioritizing a meeting with our headquarters staff or a Panhellenic meeting over a sisterhood event or in-house movie night. There was also a time when I felt I needed to choose one organization to be involved in rather than balancing both. However, choosing to stay involved in multiple organizations at a time has sometimes forced me to sacrifice one experience over another. For example, I am missing AOII’s sisterhood retreat for this year’s Relay For Life event. Although those decisions are hard to make, I am so grateful that I can still be a member of both organizations.
HC: Do any of your executive positions relate to what you want to do in the future?
AR: My executive positions have taught me a lot about who I am and what I want to do in the future. I used to see myself as a quiet person comfortable working independently, but now I know I want a work environment full of life and teamwork! I thrive off of conversation and talking through problems with my team and working in student organizations at FSU has better prepared me for my future in the workplace.
Ann Ross proves consistently that college is all about balance and work ethic. Her grit inspires her peers, and hopefully, by getting a glimpse into her daily routine, you’ll also be inspired.
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