Your Freshman Year at UNA as Told by Kimmy Schmidt

Your freshman year of college is incredible. Some might even call it your best. Whether you leapt across state lines for the chance to start over and prove your independence, or decided to treat college like a hipster treats beer, (locally crafted with just a touch of loving nostalgia) and receive a higher education right in your back yard, it’s the year that you and your life start the transition from clueless (this is the part where you’re thinking “Me? Clueless? As if!”) high school student into your “post-adolescent idealistic phase.” As dramatic as that sounds, it’s absolutely true. Don’t worry though, because you’re far from alone; throughout the good and the bad you’ll always have one friend who you can relate, Kimmy Schmidt who is "Unbreakable".

Your freshman year is so exciting simply due to the amount of freedom you now have. You make the decisions on everything from where you go to school right down to when you want to take a nap. Amidst all those choices, one of the biggest ones you’ll have to make is where you’re going to live and who you’re going to live with. More often than not, the place you’ll be living is a dorm reserved strictly for freshmen and the person you’ll be living with is a stranger.

Just like Kimmy didn’t know her bunk-sters (Get it? Like bunk-mates and sisters? No? Oh, okay. I’ll stop trying to make jokes now) you won’t know everyone on your floor or in your building. This can seem a little overwhelming at first, but pretty soon after you move in and the semester starts terms like “that building” and “those strangers” evolve into “home” and “family.” You find yourself becoming close with your RA, people who live above and below you, even people you never expected to be friends with. Being in such close proximity and sharing similar experiences are the two biggest factors that contribute to creating a bond with your fellow residents that will go on even after you’ve been freed from the bunker.

Jacqueline Voorhes = Every Upperclassman Ever

One of the most intimidating things about college is looking at the older students and coming to the realization that the stressed out senior you see every time you got to Collier will one day be you. You’re pretty sure they live there and don’t actually have an apartment. How else would they be able to spend SO much time there?! College is where you start to narrow down what you want to do for the rest of your life. The process of what is ultimately choosing a career that matches your passions and interests is grueling, but all the sophomores/juniors/seniors make it look sooo easy. They have everything planned out, right? WRONG. When you first meet an upperclassman, the impression they give you will be reminiscent of when Kimmy first met Jackie. They’ll have it all and more, but once you start to take a closer look you notice that they actually aren’t as perfect and put together as they seem. 

I’m a junior and, like most of my peers, I’m still not entirely sure of what I want to do when I graduate. So when the moment comes that you’re stressed about switching majors or trying to plan your future and you feel the urge to just drop out and be a hippie that sells fortunes for the rest of your days, remember to take a moment and breathe. You are definitely not alone in that feeling. To quote High School Musical, “We’re all in this together.” Find someone who’s a little older to talk to and swap perspectives with. The cool thing about college is that there is always an opportunity to learn something from someone, whether it’s an 18 year old bright eyed freshman, or that one professor that everyone loves. Just like Jackie needs Kimmy sometimes, the veterans of the college need you, the freshman, to help us out too. So go on you new freshman with your bright eyes and new ideas. It's your year. Make it how you want. 

Written by Nicole Morris; Edited by UNA Panhellenic

Meet Your 2015 Gamma Chis

Meet Your 2015 Gamma Chis

Going through recruitment is a long and tiring process. You may find yourself thinking "Where do I feel at home?" "What do I wear?" "What do I do when I feel torn?" Your Gamma Chis are here to help you with any questions or concerns you have during this stressful process. Get familiar with who they are because who knows, one of them could be yours!

Emily Alves

My name is Emily Alves and I'm a senior majoring in fashion merchandising and minoring in journalism. I'm a firm believer that running, chocolate, New Girl, and traveling make the world go 'round. During my time here I've been a member of the POD Color Guard, Honors Program, SGA, Lagrange Society, Diorama Staff and Greek Life community. My experience at UNA, however, wouldn't have been the same if not for the sisterhood that welcomed my awkwardness with open arms and taught me how to be the best version of myself that I can be.

Briana Ball

My name is Briana Ball and I am a senior at UNA. I am majoring in Social Work because I love working with people! I love going to restaurants downtown, watching movies, and going to the beach with my sisters! I cannot wait to meet all of your girls going through recruitment!

Samantha Black

My name is Samantha Black. I am a junior majoring in Marketing with a concentration in Sales. I am currently working at The Pie Factory in Downtown Florence. When I have free time from work and school, I love visiting my family in Moulton and binge watching Netflix.

Anna Blair

My name is Anna Blair. I'm an upcoming junior majoring in Industrial Hygiene & Chemistry. I can’t wait to meet incoming students and to help potential new members find their place within Panhellenic. Having sisters is more than just sharing the same letters. It's about finding a place you can call home with people who share the same values and ideas. Come join the Panhellenic family! 

Brandi Nelms

My name is Brandi Nelms. I am from Muscle Shoals. I am an elementary education major. I have been a part of Greek life for four years now. I have met so many new friends through this organization and I can't wait to help girls find their new home.

Caitlin Brown

My name is Caitlin Brown, and I'm a junior here at The University of North Alabama. I'm currently in my second semester of nursing school, and caring for others is my passion. I came home to my chapter in the Fall of 2012, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am so excited to have the privilege to give up my letters for a month to help you find yours! I can't wait to help you find your home away from home!

Kelsey Cook

Hey ladies! My name is Kelsey Cook. I'm a nursing major from Salem, Alabama. I love strong coffee, a good novel and embarrassing my friends. As this is my fourth and final year with my sisterhood, I am excited to help you begin your own amazing journey as I finish mine.

Paige Drouillard

My name is Paige Drouillard. I am a senior here at UNA. I plan to get a degree in biology and one day work as a zoo keeper. I am also the first one in my family to go Greek. I can’t wait to help you find your home like I found mine. Roar Lions!

Rachel Fulton

Hi, I’m Rachel from a small town called Athens. I’m pretty adventurous. In fact, I love to do anything outdoorsy from kayaking, hiking, camping, to extreme skydiving. But my main objective in life is to help people. My major is social work and I want to counsel those who have proudly served our country!

Maryanne Fults

My name is Maryanne Fults and I am a Senior. I'm a lover of all things cats and Katy Perry. Being apart of Greek Life has changed my life for the better. I can't wait for everyone to find their home like I found mine.

Anna Goggans

Hi! I'm Anna Goggans and I spend all of my time during the school year studying away for nursing school. Ya want to know what I love almost as much as that? Greek Life! My sorority sisters support me, love me, and build me up. While I'm procrastinating I enjoy Netflix, knitting, and going to Target. 

Emily Horton

Hey y'all my name is Emily Horton. I'm from a small town called Greenhill. I love anything that involves the outdoors, food, horses, and my dog! I'm a nursing major and love helping people and I can't wait to help you find your new Greek home here at UNA! Roar Lions!! 

Kelsey Beth Nelms

My name is Kelsey Beth Nelms, and I'm an upcoming senior here at The University of North Alabama. I'm currently majoring in Elementary Education. I came home to my chapter in the Fall of 2013, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I love to see other people happy. I am so excited to have the privilege to give up my letters for a few months to help you find yours! I can't wait to help you find your home away from home!

Alex Kelley

Hello, ladies! My name is Alex Kelley, and I'm a Senior from Collinwood, Tennessee. I love the simple things in life like Coke Icees and good company. I can't wait to meet each of you this fall and help you find your new home during recruitment! 

Katie Lindsay

I'm a senior at UNA majoring in English with a minor in French. I love to travel and drink good coffee, preferably at the same time. I'm an avid reader, but I watch Netflix even more. When I graduate, I hope to publish children's books and eventually teach high school English. 

Emily Manush

Hi, I'm Emily, and I'm from Huntsville, Alabama. I will be a Junior at UNA. I decided to go Greek my freshman year, and I have loved every minute since. I'm so excited to meet y'all in the fall! 

Nichole Morris

Hey, my name is Nichole Morris! I am a 20 year old self-proclaimed dork who's obsessed with anything Harry Potter. I love reading, writing, and traveling. In an effort to satisfy my intense wanderlust, I've visited 5 countries in Europe (with hopes of seeing the rest of the continent very soon.) I have been involved with Greek life at UNA since my freshman year, and every day I love it more! Being a part of the Greek community has encouraged me to take the initiative to become the best version of myself. Currently, I double major in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and political science. Upon graduation from UNA, I hope to attend law school and become a civil rights lawyer. 

Maggie Peake

My name is Maggie Peake, I'm a senior that is majoring in Elementary Education! I'm originally from Huntsville and graduated from Grissom High in 2012. I love being active in Greek Life, it was one of the best decisions I made during my college experience!

Amy Putman

Hey y’a+ll! My name is Amy Putman and I am a senior here at UNA, where I will be doing my student teaching at Russellville High School this fall! Joining a sorority here at UNA has been the best decision I have ever made. People are not lying when they say you make lifelong friendships and of course finding your bridesmaids! So be prepared to have the best 4 years of y'all's lives making memories that will last a life time! Can't wait to see y’all this fall!!

Whitney Rivers

Hannah Simmons

Hey my name is Hannah Simmons. I am a Senior Business Management major with a minor in Marketing. I've been a part of Greek life since my freshmen year of college and still believe it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have met so many incredible women who inspire my daily and have shaped me into the person I am today. I can't wait to meet all of you and for you to find your home here at UNA! 

Danielle Smith

Hello! My name is Danielle Smith and I am a junior at UNA majoring in Elementary Education. UNA has brought many blessings and Greek Life is one of the biggest. I have truly found my forever friends and I can't wait to help you find yours! I can't wait to meet all of you in August. Roar Lions and Go Greek! 

Jasmine Spencer

Hi, my name is Jasmine Spencer! I'm a senior majoring in Professional biology and minoring in chemistry. I plan on attending graduate school and becoming an optometrist. I am a member of the honors program and I have held a few leadership positions in my Greek organization. I enjoy Netflix, long naps, tacos, Zumba, laughing, and Netflix. I'm really excited to help you find your home and lifelong sisterhood! See you during recruitment! 

Mary Ware

My name is Mary Ware! I am a Senior Psychology major and Family Studies Minor here at UNA. Following graduation I plan to attend graduate school to receive a masters in Applied Behavior Analysis so I will be able to work with individuals with disabilities. There is nothing I love more than Chris Brown (I bawled real tears at the last concert I went to) and watching The Office on Netflix. I am very passionate about Greek Life because it changed my college experience by giving me the opportunity to develop deep connections with other Greek women, as well as giving me the opportunity to grow as a leader. I am beyond thrilled to meet and assist all the ladies who are coming through this year’s recruitment process! 

Cortney Wray

Hey girls! My name is Cortney Wray and I’m so excited to help guide you through the recruitment process this fall. I’m a senior graduating this fall with a degree in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. Unfortunately, this will be my last recruitment but I’m excited to get to do it with all of you! I can’t wait for you to experience all that being a Panhellenic woman has to offer! You won’t regret it!