Dear readers,
We’re nearing the end of our series with Pi Beta Phi president Georgia Ritchie! Georgia is a rising senior in PC ‘23 majoring in Finance and minoring in Wealth Management. She leads a chapter of about 300 320 and works alongside 8 members on the executive board. Georgia is also involved in the University Finance Association and a wealth management organization. Keep reading to get to know Georgia!
Blog Editors: What inspired you to serve as president in your chapter?
Georgia: I wanted to grow and push myself and step out of my comfort zone in a way. I had such a great experience with Pi Phi and was so grateful for what it had been able to give me throughout my first few years of college, and I thought serving on leadership and being part of the team that's making things happen would be a great way to give back to that experience and make sure that it was going to continue to be good for the new girls coming in.
Blog Editors: What goals do you have for your presidency, and what legacy do you want to leave on your chapter?
Georgia: I wanted to provide more platforms for people to connect across the grade or pledge class sections that things have naturally been divided into. Making those connections and being able to grow in those friendships is a great resource from being in sorority. Prioritizing more service-led philanthropy was another goal I had, because being able to see the tangible impact that you're having through the service that you're doing is great for people that are actually doing service, and the people who are receiving it as well.
Blog Editors: What’s the most rewarding thing that’s come out of your term?
Georgia: The friendships that I've made with everyone in the chapter, but especially my exec board. You're able to get close with people in a way that you wouldn't necessarily have a platform to before, and looking back towards the start of my term and seeing how not only I but the other people on the leadership team have grown into their roles and taken on responsibilities and has been really rewarding to look back on and see that growth.
Blog Editors: How would you describe a Pi Phi in 3 words?
Georgia: Genuine, Joyful, Fun.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite tradition?
Georgia: We recently started doing chapter-wide brunch, which is something that we do after every formal or date event that we have. Our lovely chef will make this giant brunch and everyone's so excited because you can debrief the whole sorority about what happened the night before.
Blog Editors: What’s your “must-see” when you have visitors in Austin?
Georgia: Probably Matt’s (El Rancho). It’s a consistent crowd pleaser and I'm such a loyal fan.
Blog Editors: What is the best thing Pi Phi has given you?
Georgia: My circle’s grown so much from what it was in high school and I've been exposed to so many different perspectives and life experiences. All these people are coming from different backgrounds and are able to bring something different to the table, and you're able to see how you can grow from the strengths that other people have. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by people who push me to be better in every way, whether that be being a better friend or student, or just being better at showing up for people and being a cheerleader for people.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite activity to do with your sorority sisters?
Georgia: I have the most fun when we're doing the most mundane things. Sitting on the couch or going on a drive—they make everything fun.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about UT?
Georgia: It's so much bigger than I thought it was. I thought I was going to be stuck in a high school bubble or a Houston bubble, but those walls are all broken down once you get to UT. It's a fresh start in a way that I hadn't expected, and that's been both beneficial and comforting.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about recruitment as a PNM?
Georgia: I wish I knew that it was going to be so hot. That's such a big one, and the heat is an element I didn't necessarily expect. I also wish I knew that it's a fun experience, not something to be stressed out over. If you take it as an opportunity rather than an intimidating task, it's so much more fun and enjoyable. Everyone truly wants the best for you, there's nothing to be worried about.
Blog Editors: Any general advice you have for girls on the fence about going Greek?
Georgia: The Panhellenic experience is so unique in the way that you're throwing yourself into this experience where there's so many people who are open to new experiences and being friends. It's hard to find another opportunity to meet people in this way, even if you walk away from it and it wasn't necessarily what you thought it would be. Those long term connections are worth doing it for.
We hope you loved getting to know Georgia as much as we did! See you back here soon.
All my love,
Shreya