Elizabeth Zapanta, who recently graduated from CMU with a degree in International Relations & Political Science is looking back at her journey through Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) with deep gratitude and a sense of purpose fulfilled. During her time at Carnegie Mellon, she was heavily involved in her chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma: a Greek Sing Chair for 4 years, Philanthropy Director for 1 year, Events Director for 1 year, and Secretary for 1 year.
Her experience, shaped by post-pandemic rebuilding, late-night camaraderie, and transformative leadership, reflects the lasting power of Greek life to shape not just college careers, but futures.
“I was told to look for a chapter where I saw people I wanted to become,” she said, recalling her recruitment experience as a first-year student. “For me, that was Kappa.” Drawn by the character, campus involvement, and authentic warmth of the members, she found not only a sisterhood, but a home.
Joining Kappa Kappa Gamma was just the beginning for Elizabeth. Entering college during a time when COVID-19 had scattered the community and upended traditions, she quickly recognized the opportunity to contribute. “We were re-learning everything because the whole chapter hadn’t been together since before COVID,” she explained. “I saw it as a way to be involved and also a way to make an impact.”
That instinct to lead soon propelled her into key roles within the FSL community. Through various positions and evolving responsibilities, Elizabeth cultivated one of the most critical traits of leadership: adaptability. “One of the biggest leadership lessons I learned was the ability to pivot,” she said. “It’s such a valuable skill to have experience in—and I learned it in every single role and tradition in Kappa.”
As she looks back, it’s clear that her time in Greek life was about more than events or titles. “The FSL community gave me incredible memories and opportunities, but I also made lifelong friends—not just in my chapter,” she reflected. Some of her most cherished memories include Greek Sing, Midnight Waffles at the Kappa house, and “late nights on Midway where there is such a sense of camaraderie between the entire FSL community.”
This also led her to leadership outside of the FSL community, noted in her time as a Head Orientation Counselor for the University, as well as an Orientation Leader and Counselor in previous years. She also participated in Sweepstakes (Booth), Dancer’s Symposium, and was a Teaching Assistant for CMU’s Institution for Strategy and Technology.
Elizabeth credits her journey to a wide circle of support: her big sister in Delta Gamma, her family line within Kappa, dedicated chapter advisors, and professional staff across councils. Their encouragement helped her grow not only as a student, but as a change-maker.
Her advice to new members or future leaders in FSL? “Don’t be afraid to speak up—and talk to professional staff,” she urged. “Also, make friends outside of your chapter and council.” That mindset—collaborative, inclusive, and action-oriented—mirrors her hopes for the future of Greek life at CMU.
“I hope that fraternity and sorority life continues to be an opportunity for people to find their chapter home, but also their community outside of that chapter,” she said. She envisions a future where the FSL community honors cherished traditions like the “Big 3,” (Greek Sing, Booth, and Buggy) while also making positive impacts across the entire campus.
Looking back, she sees her involvement in FSL as nothing short of transformative. “It has some of my greatest memories of my time at CMU,” she said. “But it was also a great place to learn and grow. I don’t think I would be who I am today without it.”