A Place to Call Home
Adjusting to college life is difficult. Although many students are excited to meet new friends, join orgs, and they easily find their niche of friends, other students new to USC struggle to find a place to belong. I consider myself lucky because I was able to find a close-knit group within the first days of my freshmen year. Even though I made great friends, I found myself missing something. I had been very involved in service in high school and but I wasn’t doing the same things I loved in college. In my search for service opportunities, I found Helenes.
I soon discovered that Helenes was so much more than service. Every person I met was kind, genuine and had accomplished so much at USC. Every woman had a unique story, set of challenges, and, most importantly, unconditional love to share with every Rosebud coming to Helenes. I especially loved getting to know seniors in Helenes who were incredibly involved, passionate, and wise. These women, the Ali Parker’s, Amy Kao’s and Nica Zulueta’s, to name a few, are some of my biggest role models. They show grace, support and kindness in nearly every situation. I did not expect to find this kind of influence in Helenes, but I am so happy I did.
Growing up, my mom always told me that it’s not about what you do, but who you are with. Even though I came to Helenes to find something to do, I found so much more. Helenes usually say that Helenes is completely what you make of it; what you put into it is what you get out. I would encourage Rosebuds, general members and seniors alike to focus on the relationship in Helenes because I guarantee you will find people to call you best friends, mentors, and most of all, sisters.
