Florida State University is very well known for the Greek life presence that encompasses so much of what our university is. Panhellenic, one of the four councils that make up FSU’s Greek life, is full of achieving, interesting and sisterly women, eager to shine in this world and make a difference on our campus. Along with the rest of her Executive Board, Panhellenic President Rocio Colado is an integral part of making the Panhellenic Community the well-oiled machine that it is. Today she shared with me her opinion on her position, the challenges she’s faced and her view on the present-day Panhellenic community!
Her Campus (HC): What inspired you to apply for Panhellenic President?
Rocio Colado (RC): My predecessors as well as the amazing women I got to work alongside during my term as Vice President of Programming for PH. They made me realize that sorority women are quite literally unstoppable if only they choose to be so. I wanted to be able to tease that out and empower our women so they knew that could achieve anything they set their minds to. The passion I’ve felt for Panhellenic started back when I was going through recruitment in 2019 and has only increased due to the incredible individuals that make this community stand firmly, despite all trials and tribulations.
HC: What’s the most valuable skill you have gained during your term?
RC: Resiliency, without a doubt! If there’s one thing I can say about this term, it is that it has thrown multiple curveballs my way which I could’ve never really been prepared for. What this position has shown me is that there is a certain beauty in being resilient despite being amidst the most unpredictable moments you can’t prepare for. Resiliency has been a huge skill in how I’m able to carry out my term to the finish line. I may not know it all, but knowing I’ll continue to be resilient brings me comfort, even throughout the unknown.
HC: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Panhellenic today?
RC: Our ability to see beyond Panhellenic. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the power of this community, especially within a sorority. However, I am a strong advocate for discovering what lies beyond your area of comfort. When we graduate, we will no longer be surrounded exclusively by the Greek community. I don’t want us to get too comfortable in our four walls. I want all of us to be able to utilize all we learned and be able to pour it into new experiences and relationships.
HC: What has been your most rewarding or favorite experience as President?
RC: Seeing how much our community has grown in such a short amount of time. We’ve grown to care for each other more, despite not knowing every single person in the environment of Panhellenic. It’s a different type of a special feeling when you can look back and say that we’re beginning to look out for one another, despite not knowing one another. We’ve instilled a culture of love and compassion, both within Panhellenic as well as in the larger community with our other 3 Greek councils, IFC, NPHC and MGC. I wouldn’t change that experience for the world.
HC: What has been the most challenging aspect of this position?
RC: Trusting myself! As a woman, it was easy to undermine me and the ability I had to influence and lead a community filled to the brim with leaders that will change the world (I’m sure of it). However, if it weren’t for those same women, I don’t think I would’ve felt as empowered as I do now. Unbeknownst to them, I drew so much of my strength, determination, and inspiration from them. I’ll forever be grateful.
HC: What advice would you give to someone who is on the fence about going through recruitment?
RC: If you have even the smallest inkling of interest in going through Panhellenic Recruitment, reach out! DM us, email us, or speak to a friend who is involved in a sorority; I know how overwhelming it may be to stumble upon this idea of joining a ‘sorority,’ let alone a community of 4,500 women. The special thing is that at one point, we all shared similar feelings. Don’t go through this yourself; seek people out and engage in conversation. You never know what may come from it.
HC: What advice would you give to the next Panhellenic President?
RC: Never lose sight of who you are. It is especially beautiful to remain true to yourself and your passions amidst a position that brings moments of challenge, but also joy. I have never felt more content with who I am than at the point I’m at now. Use who you are as a catalyst to pour every piece of you into this community you are so passionate about. You can, and will be able to move every mountain possible, if only you choose to do so.
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