Bud to Board

Jenna Weiss, 2026 Director of Communications

When I joined Helenes last semester, I never could have imagined how much this organization would shape my college experience, even in just a few short months. Coming to USC as a transfer student was scary. It seemed like everyone already had their friend groups and clubs they were a part of. I struggled with imposter syndrome for the first couple of weeks, wondering if I was behind. Then one day, while scrolling through a USC mom Facebook group (I know, I know, guilty pleasure), someone asked about community service groups on campus. One of the moms had commented about the USC Helenes. She said her daughter was on the E-board, and the Helenes had been such a transformative part of her experience at USC. That’s when I decided to check it out. 

I went to the info session and, admittedly, became hesitant because all of the requirements felt intimidating. However, that changed when I had my recruitment rendezvous. Leire had just joined the previous semester, and the way she spoke about Helenes completely shifted my perspective. She highlighted many connections: to the LA community, to USC, and to a group of people who have become some of her closest friends. I remember thinking, “This is what I’ve been missing.” After going through the rest of the recruitment and becoming a Helene, I was so, so grateful. Immediately before our first event as Rosebuds, I had a meeting for another club. To my surprise, there was another Rosebud in my small group. It was then that I knew how special this organization was going to be. 

My Helenes family means everything to me. What started as unfamiliar faces turned into late-night Chili’s runs, study sessions, endless laughter, and lifelong friendships. My big, Erica, especially holds such a special place in my heart. Having someone guide me through my first semester in the org and through my first semester at USC made all the difference. She checked in on me, believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and did I mention she was the e-boarder whose mom introduced me to Helenes :). Something that felt so random at the time ended up connecting me to one of the most important people of my college experience.

Running for E-board right after my Rosebud semester was, honestly, intimidating. I went from someone who was just starting to someone who helps run the org. I had my doubts and would often question if I was ready or “experienced enough.” But if my Rosebud semester taught me anything, it’s that being ready isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about caring enough to learn.

Helenes has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected. I remember my first recruitment event like it was yesterday. I think I said maybe two sentences the entire time. I was so nervous about meeting and talking to so many new people that I just shut down. Yet, I knew how much I wanted this. So at the next event, Spirit 101, I made a promise to myself: I was going to talk to everyone. And I did! I had the most fun that day, and I met some of the most interesting people, including someone who would later become one of my fellow Rosebuds. This was a turning point for me. Once I officially became a Rosebud, I think I was more extroverted than I’d ever been in my entire life. I’m so grateful for that because I wouldn’t be where I am today, with the relationships and confidence I’ve built, without it.

That became even more apparent when I stepped into my role as the Director of Communications. If you had told me last semester that I would be standing up in front of everyone, leading weekly Wednesday meetings, I would have laughed in your face. At the beginning of my Rosebud semester, even raising my hand to ask a question made me nervous. But because of the growth I had throughout last semester, I’m more comfortable now. My Rosebud semester pushed me to speak up and take initiative, and that translated directly into my role on E-board.

The most meaningful part of this semester, though, has been meeting the new Rosebuds. I see myself in them: the nerves at recruitment events, the moments of feeling overwhelmed, but most of all, I see the same excitement that I had in them. It’s crazy to think that I was in their shoes less than five months ago. I’m so excited for them to experience all the joy, connection, and growth that Helenes will give them. 

Lighting the Spring 2026 Rosebuds’ candles at Welcome Night this semester was the perfect full-circle moment. I went from being a nervous transfer student who hesitated to speak up to someone leading meetings and helping shape the experience for others.

Joining Helenes gave me a community and a sense of belonging when I needed it most. Becoming the Director of Communications helped me step into leadership and find my voice. Most of all, this organization has given me people who feel like home. 

And lighting those candles was a reminder of how far I’ve come, not just as a leader, but as a person.