Name: Jillian Gray
Year: Senior – Class of 2016 (Sadly graduating in May)
Hometown: Andover, Massachusetts
Major: Business Administration, management concentration
Extracurricular Activities: Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Soul Cycle enthusiast.
You are now the Youth United Chair for Habitat For Humanity. Can you tell me a little bit more about what you do?
Yes, I am, and it has been an amazing position so far. I act as a liaison between the Youth United chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Sacred Heart’s campus chapter of HFH. I go to Youth United’s general meetings and help the high school and middle school students with fundraising and promotion ideas (http://www.habitatcfc.org/programs/youth-united/). I am able to act as an older role model for them, which is an amazing feeling at the end of the day.
When was the moment you realized Habitat was something you wanted to get involved in?
My first time on a Habitat work site was during my freshman year. I was participating in a pre-fall program called Community Connections. During that time, I was able to work on a house and really understand what Habitat was about. From that day forward, helping others became a passion of mine. When I am on the work site meeting the families and using power tools, I feel like I am on a natural high. I am so grateful that Sacred Heart has introduced me to this club because it is one of the many reasons why I love SHU so much.
How has your involvement in Greek Life impacted your decision in what career path you want to pursue?
To be honest, going into college I always told my parents that I was not a sorority girl and that recruitment wasn’t for me. My mother always wanted me to do it (I guess mothers really do know best). Being a member of Alpha Delta Pi, I have not only made my best friends, but I have also found my true passions. When I was a founding member with Alpha Delta Pi at Sacred Heart, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, just like most college students. I eventually became more involved, going from an active member, to an officer position, to an executive team member. On E-board, I serve as the Director of Social Enrichment, which basically means I plan all formals, date nights and other events with frats/sororities. After being in this position, I realized how much I love event planning. My hope is to get my master’s in public relations and apply that to the event planning field in some way, shape or form. So, shout out to ADPi for helping me get my life together!
What is your favorite memory at Sacred Heart University?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one to pick. I would have to say that a defining moment in my Sacred Heart career would have to be participating in the pre-fall program, Community Connections. Throughout the week, I was not only able to meet my best friends, but I was also able to become part of a family. I participated in this week as a freshman, and I have led the program the past three years. It is amazing to come out of the week with a sense of accomplishment and a support system you can always rely on.
As you approach your last semester as an undergrad at SHU, what is a piece of advice you’d like to give incoming freshman?
My greatest piece of advice to give freshman is to get involved. Join in as many clubs as you can; getting involved will help you realize what really matters to you. The more involved you get, the harder it will be to leave SHU.