Growing Outside My Comfort Zone

Katlyn Unger '18, Biology Program

It was a random weeknight evening and I found myself being unwillingly dragged to a sorority house to play card games. It was my first semester at Gannon after transferring from Duquesne University, but I didn’t think I was desperate to make friends. I had never seen myself as a “sorority girl,” and I definitely did not want to be in a house with a bunch of them.  

Attempting to go into the event with an open mind, I found myself having a genuinely fun time and making new friends. My assumptions were proven wrong, and I liked when that happened. It forced me to take a step back and question my own pre-judgments.  

The next day I got a call from the president of Alpha Sigma Tau saying they would like to extend me a bid. I didn’t know what all that entailed, but I was all about it. Little did I know that this one decision would setup the rest of my undergraduate career.  

"My assumptions were proven wrong, and I liked when that happened. It forced me to take a step back and question my own pre-judgments."

Three years later, I find myself about to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and acceptances to my top two medical schools. The experiences and positive growth I have endured as a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau has had a direct impact on my successes.  

Katlyn Unger

I have been gifted with the opportunity to challenge my weaknesses and also exercise my strengths. Just in the past spring semester, I was able to lead Gannon’s first all-Greek Alternative Break Service Trip and plan my Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Banquet. Both of these responsibilities were a step beyond my comfort zone, however having the emotional and influential support of my sorority sisters gave me confidence and pushed me to thrive.  

I will be forever thankful and feel extremely fortunate regarding the opportunities and relationships I have gained through joining Greek Life at Gannon University. One step outside your comfort zone is where you allow yourself to grow.  

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