This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Miami (OH) chapter.
HC Miami would like to extend our congratulations to Junior Caitlin Duckworth who recently accepted the position as President of the National PanHellenic Association at Miami University! She transitioned into this position just yesterday and is very excited about what’s to come. Keep reading to find out this collegiette’s hobbies, what inspired her to ultimately run for PanHellenic Prez, and her goals for the 2014-2015 year. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for the Greek community next year!
Major/Minor: Political Science and Economics with a Minor in French
Hobbies: I love watching football, traveling (I went to Europe twice last year!), and of course the normal things like shopping and spending time with my friends.
Interesting fact about yourself: I have a twin! His name is Christian and he goes to the University of Akron.
HC: Did you always see yourself holding a high position in Greek life?
CD: When I first joined my sorority (Alpha Delta Pi) I knew that I would like to hold some type of leadership position but at that moment I didn’t exactly envision myself becoming the President of PanHellenic. That idea developed as I grew to learn more about Miami’s Greek community. Early this semester I decided to run for this position because I felt like I have a lot I would like to give back to the community. It is a lot of responsibility but I couldn’t be any prouder to represent ALL of Miami’s amazing sorority women.
HC: Why did you run for this position?
CD: Over the past year I was on my own sorority’s executive board and I learned a lot about being in a Greek leadership role. After serving my own sorority, I wanted to help the entire community. My personal growth through my experience on Alpha Delta Pi’s executive board fundamentally changed me. I became more confident in my own leadership abilities. The Greek community has given me so many opportunities to become a better student, sister, and leader so I want to ensure that every member of every organization is able to have such opportunities.
HC: What are some of your favorite parts about being a part of PanHellenic? How has your outlook on Greek life changed?
CD: I am very excited to work with the rest of the PanHellenic council, IFC, NPHC and the entire Cliff Alexander Office. I think that each council member will contribute a diverse opinion and together we all can work to improve the community.
As far as how my outlook on Greek life has changed, I think that I have gained endless respect for the organizations on this campus. My mother was Greek, so I grew up hearing stories about her sorority experience. I always knew I wanted to go Greek, but I don’t think I realized when I was going through formal recruitment how much being Greek can transform your college experience. I would encourage all of those who are considering going through recruitment to give it a shot! I promise you all will be happy you did. I have learned over the past three years as a member of the Greek community that these organizations do amazing things. We raise money for philanthropies, we serve the greater Oxford Community, we perform well in the classroom, and we learn how to lead. Greek organizations are about so much more than simply joining a social organization. They can change your life if you let them!
HC: What are some goals you have for PanHellenic this year?
CD: I think we have a strong community but it can always be strengthened. Together I believe all of the chapters of PanHellenic can work to achieve their greatest potential. I want to strengthen the bonds with the community among the PanHellenic chapters as well as among the IFC and NPHC chapters. Additionally, one of my main objectives is to ensure that each chapter provides an organization that helps to fully develop its members. I should also mention that the rest of the members of the PanHellenic Executive Council are extremely passionate and have great ideas, as well. They are each able to focus on specific aspects of PanHellenic. I am here to help them achieve their goals!
