Before arriving at WPI as a first year student, I was very hesitant to join Greek life. All I knew were the generalized stereotypes portrayed by the media and I wanted no part of it. But upon coming to WPI, I quickly recognized how service-focused the sororities here are. This initially peaked my interest, so I decided to give recruitment a chance. Recruitment then introduced me to a community that deeply values giving back, growing your personal self, and making positive change (both at WPI and beyond).

I had never really given my values much thought before, so joining a community with such a strong foundation in its values enabled me to connect with my own purpose on a much deeper level. I began to dedicate every day to living out the Panhellenic values: leadership, scholarship, service and sisterhood. These values directly contributed to the most critical and transformative experiences of my WPI career.

As a first year student, I knew I wanted to positively impact those around me, but I had no idea where to start. The strong role models I met in the Panhellenic community recognized my potential and encouraged me to expand my comfort zone. The guidance of these women empowered me to become the leader I am today.

To expand my scholarship from the classroom to the real world, I interviewed for my first summer internship. I knew a Panhellenic alumna who works at the company, so I reached out. She was more than helpful, from calling me beforehand to ensure I felt confident, to greeting me in the lobby of the company’s building, to being the first person I told I got the job. You will hear many people mention networking as a benefit of joining Greek life - know that it’s not just a buzzword because this is my own experience.

I heard of a Panhellenic upperclassman who was traveling to Ghana to help a village implement a water treatment center and clean water business. I admired her willingness to truly dedicate that month of her life to service. I always wished I could do something like that. After many conversations with her, it was myself who traveled to Ghana the following year with the same organization. In the two years since then, three more Panhellenic women have done the same.

My Panhellenic sisters have truly supported me through the best and worst of times. Whether it’s a good grade on an exam or winning a big sports game, we are always celebrating each other’s victories. Similarly, when my aunt passed away sophomore year, it was my Panhellenic sisters who supported me with unwavering love through the toughest of days. These people truly become like family.

My point is that joining the Panhellenic community developed me into the person I always wanted to become. Hundreds of other women at WPI have their own personal stories to share with you as well, so I highly recommend giving recruitment a chance to hear them and hopefully begin your own journey with the WPI Panhellenic community.

Sincerely,

Katie Salvaggio

Panhellenic President