C O L L E G I AT E S P O T L I G H T
Pi Phis Make a Difference Through Mentoring By Texas Delta LAUREN LAMONTAGNE , Vice President Communications
Hannah and Megan (bottom left) with their Frog Campers.
Just as Pi Beta Phi prides itself in strong sisterhood, Texas Christian University (TCU) prides itself in the meaningful experience it provides students. A huge part of the TCU experience is Frog Camp, the university’s orientation program for new students. Frog Camp is something unique to the TCU community that instantly brings students together as they begin their college journey. This year, three Texas Delta Pi Phis were Frog Camp facilitators, mentoring incoming freshmen as they prepare for the next four years of their lives. HANNAH JACKMAN, MEGAN WHITE and KENNEDY DIERCKMAN all devoted time from their busy schedules to lead Frog Camp. Their leadership skills soared in this environment. It was great to not only have three amazing Pi Phis as facilitators, but also to have facilitators representing different New Member classes. Kennedy, a rising sophomore, was able to relive the experience that she loved as an incoming freshman just a year ago, but this time as a mentor. “I loved hearing their stories and getting to know who they really are,” she said of her Frog Camp students. “It was also awesome to see my campers open up throughout the week. They started off quiet, but by the end, they were all talkative and comfortable with each other. It felt good to know that I had a part in creating those friendships and their first few memories of TCU.”
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Being elected as a Frog Camp facilitator is quite an honor. Kennedy grew in a leadership role she never expected to have. “I felt like I was lucky enough to have an experience like I did in Pi Phi,” she said. “I have gained a whole new crew of built-in best friends!” Fellow facilitators Megan and Hannah were lucky enough to participate in the same Frog Camp session. Already close friends, the experience deepened their bond. As Megan and Hannah learned what it meant to be a leader and a friend to strangers, they found themselves giving gratitude to Pi Phi. “As a freshman, I felt so thankful for the friendships and mentors I found in my facilitators,” said Megan. “To be able to now be that facilitator and walk alongside our incoming students is so rewarding.” Hannah felt the same way. They inspired one another as they encouraged the group of new students. “I saw how Megan opened up to the freshmen, and it motivated me to be the leader I wanted to be,” said Hannah. “Being a facilitator alongside Megan made me so thankful for the sisterhood and immediate friendship Pi Phi gave me.” Texas Delta is proud of its young women making a difference in the community. They have hearts that will continue to make a positive impact.
