Florida State University offers a myriad of leadership opportunities, all of which require a great deal of responsibility and respect. Jessica Barloga, one such impressive campus leader as the President of the Panhellenic Community, has taken the time to be openly candid about her position and Greek Life. She’s a junior majoring in hospitality management, loves Florida State “more than any person who ever lived,” makes a mean grilled cheese and studied abroad in Switzerland.
Her Campus (HC): What’s something about the Panhellenic Community that people often don’t notice or is taken for granted?
Jessica Barloga (JB): Our community has incredible advisors, full-time staff and graduate students that are so passionate about FSU and the Panhellenic Community, which is something we all take advantage of. We also take advantage of all of the incredible feats Panhellenic women perform on the daily. They are marathon runners, researchers and so much more. These individuals go unnoticed because they are not traditional, formal leaders. They don’t get the recognition they deserve.
HC: What are some stereotypes about the Panhellenic community and the FSU community you would like to change or that you are currently changing?
JB: A lot of the stereotypes about the Panhellenic community come from the fact that our actions as Panhellenic women do not reflect our values. We have to make our everyday actions embody our community. The stereotypes about FSU are very similar to stereotypes about the Panhellenic Community. As a student leader, I want to leave this university better than when I came here. We need to fight these stereotypes from within. I want to change how these communities are on a day-to-day basis, not the perceptions of other people directly. One of my favorite quotes is, “Character is who you are deep down inside, reputation is what others think of you. Focus on your character and reputation will take care of itself.” I believe that wholeheartedly. Not only did we as Panhellenic women take an oath to be the best versions of ourselves, but our university is a research institution that prides itself on its traditions and its 700-plus extracurricular organizations and believes in the development of its students, faculty and alumni. We have to live up to these expectations.
HC: What advice would you give to aspiring Panhellenic leaders or leaders in general?
JB: Do things other people won’t do. As a freshman wanting to get in the Panhellenic Community, I would go to events and meetings by myself. The best way to get involved is to show up when no one else will, make yourself available to the community and put yourself out there! I didn’t know that going to these events was going to make me Panhellenic President; I just became passionate about it. You should also take the initiative to reach out to people in positions already. The Panhellenic Community is especially useful; we are all about women empowering women, we want you to succeed! Use your resources and get in contact with us and other leaders.
Courtesy: Jessica Barloga
HC: How does female empowerment enter the Greek life of FSU?
JB: I’m going to start with history because that’s who I am as a person. Sororities were founded for women empowerment because they were going to school when it wasn’t acceptable to be getting an education. Florida State University’s personal history is really unique because it was a women’s institution, which caused its Panhellenic Association to be founded early in the institution’s history. Our motto is, “Discover what lies within,” because we believe in the potential of every woman in the community. We want you to succeed. We believe in you. Sororities are about finding people who empower you and will continue to do so long after you graduate. However, I don’t believe you only find this empowerment in the Greek community, we should always be empowering each other, taking the initiative to help each other.
HC: What’s the most important thing about being a leader?
JB: Making connections with people. Leaders want to make positive change, and that doesn’t happen without the help of others. In addition, being a leader is not about you, it’s about others. It’s about truly caring about everyone and what they have to say. In order to improve your community and accurately represent them, you have to get to know your community. That’s why I’m so obsessed with one-on-ones.
HC: How do you balance your life? What’s your advice to people who are dealing with balancing their commitments?
JB: Recently someone gave me some awesome advice. It was that balance means you’re spending equal time in different areas in your life. That’s almost never the case. Your priorities change over time, and so that may not always be achievable, but it’s important to take time for yourself and the people you love. You should also invest in a planner because it allows you to see what you spend your time doing and what you need to do a better job of prioritizing.
HC: What are your larger life goals?
JB: Because of my experiences at FSU and with the Panhellenic Community, I have found a passion for student affairs. My next goal post-graduation is to earn a Master’s degree in student affairs. I would like to have really awesome decorations for every holiday, run a marathon and paddle a class five river. I wish I had my passion roadmap, I could tell you all of them.
Jessica Barloga is an incredible leader, who should not be defined solely by her role in the Panhellenic Community. She is also involved in kNOw Lupus, Student Alumni Association, the Honors Program, Women Student Union, was a Colloquium Leader and is an overall awesome human being. She is one of the most inspirational, genuine and graceful women on Florida State campus.