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Ashlyn Gonczi wanted to experience sorority recruitment at the University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) simply to say she had done it. She never expected to join a sorority, much less become a leader within the Greek community at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

Fast-forward three years, and Gonczi serves as executive vice president of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Panhellenic Executive Board and has also served as a leader with Delta Phi Epsilon, her sorority.

"Being in these leadership roles has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am an introverted person," Gonczi said. "I fell in love with my sorority, and as I met people there, my circle of friends began to grow. I was forced to talk to people I didn't know."

The Woodstock, Georgia, native led all of sorority recruitment and supervised recruitment counselors in 2022-23. Gonczi, who is pursuing a degree in kinesiology with a health and fitness concentration, has also guided the process of editing by-laws and recruitment rules with input from all ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ sororities.

"Leadership is trying to bring a group of diverse people together under one mindset and trying to make everything a collaborative effort instead of everybody trying to do their own thing," she said. "My whole life I've wanted to know every opinion out there before I make a decision."

Gonczi, who is scheduled to graduate in May 2024, has enjoyed horse riding since she was 7 years old and is exploring ways to become an equine chiropractor.

"I like to say I'm working with athletes, just a different breed of athletes," Gonczi said. "I get to work in a field I've fallen in love with and still get to work with my favorite animals."

As she approaches graduation, Gonczi marvels at the confidence her leadership roles have built. She is now a Sunday School teacher for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children at her church.

When it comes to being in a sorority or other new opportunities that can feel intimidating, Gonczi encourages fellow students to take the leap.

"I found a love for it. I found some of the closest friends I've ever met," Gonczi said. "I wouldn't be where I am without having gone through recruitment and joining a sorority."