Olivia McCloskey, a psychology major, found opportunities for community and leadership at Wright State University (WSU) when she joined Greek life. Now, McCloskey is President of the Greek Engagement Board (GEB) and shares how she made her home with WSU.
McCloskey came to WSU with the perspective of someone who came from the small town of Chillicothe, Ohio, and wanted to find her place on WSU's campus.
She joined college unsure about how she would make relationships in an unfamiliar atmosphere.
McCloskey explained that joining Greek life altered her collegiate experience. She was concerned that moving to a large campus might leave her feeling lonely after growing up in a small community. Joining her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), and being engaged in the greater Greek community allowed her to meet countless new individuals and build long-lasting friendships.
"I met so many people right after joining, it felt like a community right away. I didn't have that nervous feeling of being alone on campus because I had people who supported me," McCloskey said.
Her interest quickly expanded beyond social relationships. McCloskey recognized her talent for event planning, teamwork and mediating situations amongst Greek members. When the opportunity to join GEB arrived, she accepted it, and after one year, she ascended to President.
Her responsibilities include coordinating programs, supporting section projects and fostering a feeling of solidarity throughout the Greek community.
"I [learned] how to handle many tasks and communicate with different campus groups," McCloskey said.
Balancing leadership responsibilities with academics has been easier than she anticipated, due in part to the flexible class format in the psychology department. Many of her classes are available online, which has helped her remain on schedule and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
"Online classes made things a lot less stressful," McCloskey said. "I could plan my week in a way that worked with events and meetings. It made it possible to stay involved without falling behind."
As the spring semester approaches, GEB is gearing up for a busy season of recruiting and programming. She explained that the board is organizing a community-wide event to bring members together and teach incoming students about the opportunities within Greek life.
Recruitment is a significant aspect of GEB, and the board seeks to demonstrate to students that Greek organizations offer more than just social possibilities; they also provide leadership training and long-term support networks.
While her resume emphasizes leadership and academic achievements, the rest of McCloskey's personality shows through in her other hobbies and interests. She recognizes herself as a dedicated cat lover, saying her kitties at home are a continual source of comfort. When she visits Chillicothe, spending time with them is one of the first things she looks forward to.
She also spends her free time on creative interests. Crafting is one of her favorite ways to relax, whether she is working on minor projects, decorating or trying out new materials. Reading is another activity she enjoys, particularly when she needs a peaceful respite from her hectic schedule.
"Crafting and reading help me reset," McCloskey said. "It's nice to just step away from everything and do something calming."
As she prepares for a busy upcoming semester, McCloskey is focused on providing opportunities, fostering community and ensuring that students who wish to participate in Greek life feel welcome.
