Written by Sarina Barot-Martinez, San Francisco
As the new school year approaches, our members are returning to campus ready to take on the rigors of their academics while balancing the many demands of college life. Tri Delta understands the competing priorities of academic development and personal growth. To help our members start the year off right, we reached out to Sarina Barot-Martinez, collegiate chapter president of our Epsilon Rho Chapter at the University of San Francisco, for some valuable advice. Sarina graciously shared her insights and tips on balancing academics with sorority life, ensuring our members make the most of their college and Tri Delta experience.
Picture it: You’re entering your first year of college. An eager 18-year-old, excited to meet new people, be a part of new things and find somewhere you feel you belong. And so you think, a sorority! But one thing’s holding you back. How can you handle being in a sorority and balance your academics all at the same time? Joining a sorority can be one of the most rewarding experiences of college life. It offers a unique blend of friendship, leadership opportunities, community service and personal growth. While it may seem tough on the outside to balance demands of student life with academic responsibilities, being in a sorority can actually help.
Here are a few tips from me to you on how to balance your academics, all the while maintaining your membership in Tri Delta:
Prioritize Your Time
Effective time management is crucial. Start by creating a schedule that includes all your classes, study times, sorority meetings, events and personal commitments. If you’re anything like me, Google Calendar is your savior. Use all the different functions it offers to manage your time, whether that means color coordinating your events based on school versus Tri Delta or just blocking off time in your calendar so people know not to bother you during that time.
Communicate With Your Professors
Tri Delta encourages building relationships with your professors. Attend office hours regularly—they’re not just for when you’re struggling. Use that time to introduce yourself, ask questions and build rapport. Remember your professors want to see you succeed, and building a relationship is a key step in making the most of your college experience.
Find a Study Group
Join or form a study group with your fellow sorority members. Being with peers can provide motivation, different perspectives on the material and accountability. Studying with people you know will make it so much easier to enjoy and you’ll still feel involved with your sisters! Think about asking your director of academic excellence to coordinate a group study session so that you can both study and maintain the bonds you have in Tri Delta.
Seek Support From Sorority Sisters
Your sorority sisters can be a valuable support system. Many of your sisters may have faced similar challenges and can offer guidance and encouragement. Make an effort to get to know your fellow members on a personal level. The stronger your connections, the more comfortable you’ll feel seeking help when you need it. Your sorority sisters can provide a listening ear, offer words of encouragement and help you navigate challenges. Don’t hesitate to lean on them when you’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Practice Self-Care
Balancing sorority life and academics can be stressful, so it’s vital to take care of your physical and mental health. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and take breaks when needed. Self-care helps maintain your energy levels and prevents burnout!
Staying on top of your studies requires planning, discipline and self-awareness. Asking for help, setting boundaries, leaning on your sisters—it’s all part of embracing our values and virtues, and it can go a long way to helping you ensure your success. That’s what Tri Delta is all about! Remember, the skills you develop in managing these responsibilities will serve you well beyond your time in college, preparing you for a balanced and bright future. Good luck this fall, Tri Deltas. DLAM!
About:
Sarina Barot-Martinez, San Francisco, is a senior studying advertising and public relations and serving as the collegiate chapter president of our Epsilon Rho Chapter. Sarina has held multiple offices in her chapter including director of administration, director of member selection and vice president of chapter programming and development.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Sarina moved to Orange County, Calif., when she was 13 years old, where her love for writing began writing for both her school newspaper and yearbook committee. Besides writing, Sarina enjoys trying different types of foods, playing pickleball and going to baseball games. Her goal in life is to go to every baseball stadium in the U.S.!