Meet this week’s campus celebrity, twenty-two year old, Joey Pawlan, a senior Biology major/Chemistry minor from Northbrook, Illinois.
Those who know Joey, know how busy and involved he is. Greek life plays a huge part in Joey’s life and states that,
“Without a doubt, my favorite part of UT has been Fraternity and Sorority Life. When I was a freshman, I brought ZBT to campus as the founding president. Ever since then, I have dedicated myself to making ZBT as great as it can be and also helping the FSL community as a whole. I love everything about FSL and my favorite thing to do is to break those stereotypes about it. I would not be the man I am today or have had the wonderful college experience I have had if it wasn’t for FSL.”
Alongside serving as founding president of ZBT, he has also held social chair, was President of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and the External Vice-President of Order of Omega (a Greek life honor society). On top of that, he has mentored incoming freshmen as an ELITE Mentor, as well as incoming members of Greek life at UT as a Relevant mentor. Outside of FSL, he also finds time to serve as a Judicial Advisory Board member for Student Government. Needless to say, Joey is very busy.
With what free time Joey has, he likes to unwind by watching TV, hanging out with friends, and plays guitar-a hidden talent of his that many people don’t know about. He enjoys camping and has lived in the woods for over 40 days. He loves popcorn, and in fact, cannot live without it. “Anybody who knows me knows how much I love it and eat it.”
Joey has had so many memorable experiences while here at UT. His greatest accomplishment so far in life was starting ZBT on campus, and his proudest moment was when ZBT was chartered as well as being elected IFC President. But, nobody here at UT is perfect, so you can bet Joey has some embarrassing moments to share. When asked to share his most embarrassing moment, Joey answered with, “I constantly embarrass myself so it is hard to pick just one moment. I’m kind of a klutz so I have gotten my arm caught in a door, tripped over myself, wiped out while just walking on campus, fallen up stairs, walked into doors, and the list goes on and on, and it’s pretty embarrassing when people see me do these things and clap for me.”
While he loves UT, Joey definitely misses home, and especially the distinct seasons. He said he misses being able to look out his window, or walk outside and see the leaves changing colors in the fall.
Before Joey graduates, he wants to meet more people and take advantage of all the opportunities he has here. He is actually very thankful for the opportunities he has been given here at UT. He says, “I was not that involved in high school and I really wanted to get involved in college. I have been given amazing opportunities to get involved here, which I took advantage of, and I am so thankful that I am able to bring positive change to this campus.”
In the future, Joey hopes to be working towards an executive position in a company that will lead him to a successful career and family. He also hopes that one day, he can be like one of his role models, his grandfather. “He makes friends with everyone, everyone loves him, and he always makes every situation you are in fun. He is such a fun loving guy and he is never afraid to ask.”
Before Joey graduates, he has one last bit of advice for freshmen: “Get involved as soon as you can. The more involved you are, the more rewarding your college experience will be. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. There are so many opportunities in life and all you have to do is ask. You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to and most people are willing to help if you just ask.”