This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.
Photo Credit: Ava Nazemian
This week’s Campus Celebrity is someone you might have seen studying hard at the library or out representing her sorority. Ava Nazemian is one of the most hard working and put together women I know and I admire her dedication to her future and her sorority.
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Major: Community Health with a Clinical Science Concentration geared towards nursing.
What made you want to be a nurse?I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. Nursing allows for more personal interactions with patients on a level where they feel extremely comfortable with you since you see them so frequently, whether it be at a hospital or in a doctor’s office. I love to help people and working for a field that is constantly advancing is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. My future goal is eventually to become a Nurse Practitioner, but becoming a nurse is the first step to making that happen!
What is the process to become a nurse like?
Although I am still going through the process, applying to nursing school is very tedious and requires a lot of dedication. First, you have to be accepted into a university (George Mason, for me) and then after taking a few years of prerequisite coursework, you can apply to the nursing program. Alongside these courses, you must participate in as many extracurricular activities related to the field, as possible, while also preparing for the HESI A2 examination, which is the nursing admissions exam. It is a long process; however, I’m sure it will be very worth it!
Photo Credit: Ava Nazemian
Why did you join a sorority?
I joined a sorority because I wanted to join a group of intelligent, dedicated, and hard working women.
Has the experience been what you expected or different?
The experience is nothing like you see in the movies. I wasn’t expecting it to be that way, but I was surprised to find out it was much more relaxed than I had anticipated. Upon joining, I was worried about typical things most girls worry about such as image, balancing social life with school, while keeping all my priorities straight. But once those worries are put aside, you realize that all of your sisters have your best interests at heart and are there for you, just like your other friends. There is no pressure to fit in because you are already accepted as an individual with love and open arms. I was relieved to find out about all the opportunities that come from joining a sorority such as leadership positions, which I took on as being this past years Service Chair for Zeta Tau Alpha and study hours/study groups which helped me do better with my schoolwork and time management skills.
What misconceptions about sororities would you like to clear up?
Sororities have the common reputation for “paying for your friends” which is something that I strongly disagree with. Just like going to a university or joining most organizations, dues have to be paid in order to host events, order merchandise, and more, so your money goes to these things, not the friends you make. The way I see it, is that you could pay hundreds of dollars to be in an organization, and not make a single friend out of it. So, paying for something does not determine the experience you will have. The experience you have is up to you, and the mindset of “paying for your friends” is ridiculous because people become friends based on common interests and spending time with each other, not because of how much you paid to be part of an organization.
For girls considering joining a sorority next semester or next year, what advice do you have for them?
I would advise these women to enter Greek life with an open mind and no preconceived notions upon registering. Greek life is an amazing part of George Mason and is growing each and every year. The relationships you make with people within and without your own organization are life-long and you are presented with endless opportunities that help you grow as an individual. Greek life was one of the best choices that I have ever made, and something I will never regret!
Photo Credit: Ava Nazemian