Rosebud Reflection: Jasmine’s Journey to Becoming a Rosebud

Written by Jasmine Hassan, Fall 2025 Rosebud

---

My journey with the Helenes started long before I actually became a Rosebud. During my spring semester of Sophomore year, I had the honor of being introduced to the organization, and immediately fell in love with what the Helenes stood for. However, I made the rushed and late decision to apply and was not able to attend any of the recruitment events. After writing my application, attending the Helenes info session, passing the test, and attending my interview, I remember pacing around my living room that weekend, eagerly anticipating an email with my (hopefully positive) results. Come to find out, I didn’t make it in the first time. Looking back, it’s hard to measure what exactly went wrong – was it because I didn’t attend the events? Or did my answers in the interview come across as rehearsed? (TIP: be as authentically yourself in your interview! As a business student, I was stressing over the professional manner at which I would be conducting myself, and, in hindsight, should have just relaxed and been myself!). I wasn’t sure, and still don’t really know. 

Nonetheless, my first rejection solidified one thing: how badly I wanted to be a part of the Helenes. As an international student experiencing college life in the United States for the first time, my “dream college experience” completely aligned with the four pillars the Helenes embody: Service, Spirit, Family, and DEI. If you’re anything like me, and have the desire to branch out into and learn more about the L.A. community, cheer at athletic games until you lose your voice, go to parties with new friends, and learn about different cultures along the way: Helenes is the space for you. 

So, I didn’t let my first rejection weigh me down too much, and mentally committed to reapplying during my fall semester of junior year. Same process – except now, I had slowed down, taken more time to understand the Helenes, and met members at the recruitment events (Flowers of Identity and Scrapbooking events were my favorite ones because you got to sit down with and meet prospective and general members!). Going to the events definitely deepened my connection with the organization and grew my desire to join even more. After passing the test and attending my interview, I oddly didn’t feel as confident after my second time as I did during my first. I remember stuttering a lot during my interview (the more I want something, the more nervous I get), and leaving the room discouraged, thinking that I wouldn’t get in because of my awkwardness. Come to find out that fateful weekend, I made it! I was a Fall 2025 Rosebud! I can’t explain the rush of emotions I felt when I was being congratulated for getting in. 

The moral of the story? DO NOT GIVE UP. Especially if you really want something, and if you don’t make it your first time! All the work you put in will be made worth it in the end if you look past the nerves of your interview, and just be yourself (cliche, but truly the greatest piece of advice). Turns out, there are several members who went through the recruitment process twice or more times, just like me! Trust the process.

Now, I’d like to touch on my favourite things about being a Rosebud this semester. First, it definitely has to be the many exciting events that are planned specifically for you to not only get to know your Rosebud class, but also to emulsify yourself with other Helenes general members (and uncs/veterans LOL). This is an organization that will keep you busy in the most fulfilling way. Through these events, I immediately felt so welcomed and am ecstatic to get to know everyone more! Second, it’s the perfect balance of like-mindedness and individuality. What do I mean by that? I love how as unique as everyone is, members of the Helenes are all genuinely united under the interest of participating in service projects, being the most hyped-up group at our sports games, studying together (academic weapons), and taking educational trips to learn more about history and culture of different identities. Lastly, I have really enjoyed the level of involvement the Helenes has granted me. Even though I am a new member, being tasked with meaningful projects right off the bat shows the level of trust our organization has for everyone in it and that means a lot to me! I feel like I am making a substantive contribution and am a part of a family of people who sincerely care to watch me grow in my journey as a “baby” Helene. I couldn’t ask for a better community of people, and am so excited to see what the rest of our semester will bring!