Campus Conversations

Getting Involved at Oxy

March 11, 2013

Blogger: Lisa Gilliland

When I got back to Oxy after being abroad last semester, I almost felt like a freshman again: I didn’t recognize anyone, I forgot where buildings were, and most importantly, I had a renewed desire to get involved. After deciding not to play softball this semester, I knew I would be overwhelmed by the new amount of free time I had acquired. I started off my semester of new activities by becoming a more active member of InterVarsity (IV) which is a Christian fellowship that exists on many college campuses. I started going to IV my sophomore year, but have decided to become more involved with it this semester. It’s a really fun group to be a part of, everyone is really nice and I have made more new friends then I imagined being able to make in my junior year!

I also campaigned for and got elected to the Honor Board, a position which lasts for two years (so, until I graduate). Most people have never heard much about Honor Board, which may be good because it means they haven’t gotten in trouble! :P. "Honor Board hears cases concerning alleged violations by members of the student body of the Student Code of Conduct or Honor Principle." After going through a few sessions of training, I was assigned to my first case! It’s a pretty private process but it’s a really cool experience, I love that I get to represent the student voice and help keep Occidental a safe and wonderful place to attend school.

I also got an email last week telling me that I was eligible to apply for Mortar Board! Again, the best way for me to describe this is with a quote, “Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for superior achievement in scholarship, leadership and service.” I just turned in my application and I am really excited to hear back! I think it will be a great opportunity to spread my Oxy love!

Finally, a few days ago I had my interview to be a member of Orientation Core! This is the group of people that, a few weeks before the first years arrive on campus, work with the Orientation Team leaders to prepare them to lead orientation!!! I did O-Team after my Freshman year and I loved it, so I hope I get the position! :)

Oh, another thing I just thought of! This semester during recruitment (I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority) we got THIRTY-TWO new members!!! This is our biggest group of new girls ever and it’s so crazy and fun, we fill up almost our entire chapter room that used to be only half full. I haven’t quite gotten the hang of all of their names yet but I’m working on it! It’s really exciting to watch the Greek life at Oxy grow!

Last Thursday was our Spring Fest and this year MACKLEMORE performed!!! It was so awesome! While I was in Amsterdam, Macklemore performed and it was the first time I’d ever heard of him, but now I’ve grown to really like his music. It was +1 and free, so I brought my brother who lives near by! And now it is Spring break!!! I'm really looking forward to relaxing and reading some books for fun, and of course laying on the beach and working on my “tan” (fingers crossed I won’t get tooooo burnt).

Anywho, that’s basically what’s going on in my life these days! Thanks for reading :)

-- Lisa G