Name: Sarah DeFeo
Grade/Graduation Year: Junior, Class of 2017
Major and Minor: Management, Double minor in psychology and communication
Hometown: Orange, Connecticut
What are your current campus involvements? Bryant Ambassador, Bryant Dance Team, Delta Zeta Sorority, Omicron Delta Kappa National Honors Leadership Society, Bryant Honors Program
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What was it like being abroad for a whole semester?
Being abroad was a completely new experience for me. It was the first time that I can remember not having practice, college, or general school responsibilities. It was the first time I experienced true freedom and independence. At first, I did not know what to do with all of my free time, but I soon learned how to say yes to spontaneous weekend trips or just a nightly walk around the city center. I thought I would miss Bryant a lot more while I was away, but I found myself wrapped up in local cafes and family owned shops. My friends kept in touch and I was always filled in on what was going on at home. It was really nice to be experiencing a whole new life on my own, yet remembered at home.
What was your favorite place that you visited when you were abroad?
Most people say that their favorite place was a cool city or country they travelled to while they were abroad, but honestly, my favorite place was Ireland. I loved exploring all of the different landscapes and I truly believe the Irish are the happiest people on earth. If I had to pick a favorite trip, I would have to say Italy. Stepping off the plane into sunshine and everything you have ever heard about Italian food is 100 percent true. I still dream about the pasta and gelato.
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What advice would you give to people who are thinking about going abroad?
Do it – take every opportunity to travel while you’re young and do not have any real responsibilities. Be spontaneous and just go. You may be out of your comfort zone (as cliché as that sounds), but I promise you will not regret it.
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How do you manage time between all your activities and school work at Bryant?
Well for starters, I don’t sleep very much… just kidding (kind of). I take everything day by day. I have my meetings and practice times all written down, but other than that I am very go-with-the-flow. There are always new things coming up, so I cannot get myself worked up if things do not go as planned.
Why did you join Greek Life?
My roommate (Coco) signed me up freshman year and told me the day before that I would be going through recruitment. At first I was completely against the idea, but I figured I would try something new. When I went through recruitment, I found that the girls I was meeting in each room were very involved on Bryant’s campus and within their respective sorority. I really respected that those women were so involved, and I wanted to be like that too. I clearly fell in love with Greek life. I am always happy to show off my letters, and I am constantly proud of my chapter.
What’s your advice for new members in Greek Life?
Talk to everyone. Sorority sisters, Panhellenic sisters, fraternity brothers, advisers, whomever. This is such a great community of people who are leaders, intellectuals, and all around fun people. It would be a complete waste not to take advantage of this. Get to know as many people as possible, and enjoy your time along the way!