Best of Both Worlds  

Honors and Sorority Life 

By Alexa Justice

When people think of the college experience, two contrasting images often come to mind. The first one is filled with social events, parties, and bars, the other with endless studying and nights spent in the library. While some people are getting ready for a fun night out, others are cracking an energy drink and prepping for a 12-hour study session.  

Even though these stereotypes might be exaggerated, they persist. Because these visions are seen as opposites, most people think the two ends can't coexist. However, there are ways to excel academically and have a flourishing social life without sacrificing one or the other. 

Chloe Ovel, a senior majoring in biology and computer science, has mastered this. Ovel is active in sorority life as a member of Alpha Delta Pi, or ADPi, and is also part of the University of Iowa Honors Program.

“It comes down to staying organized and setting priorities,” she said, recommending creating a calendar at the beginning of a semester and color-coding exams and required events. 

“I use sorority functions as a little reward for getting my studying or homework done,” said Rylie Ovel, Chloe’s younger sister. 

Most sororities also offer specific events to help their members flourish academically. One example of this is called “study hours” — where one sister hosts a get-together, and others can come and get their work done.

Study hours at the house are normally more social with sisters coming in and out, returning from class and occasionally bringing food. This is a good time to get any light assignments out of the way while also getting closer with those nearby.

Quiet study hours are hosted on campus at either a library study room or other quiet areas like the Iowa Memorial Union. These are normally smaller and, as the name states, completely silent. This is helpful for larger assignments like essays or studying for midterms.  

While it's no secret college can benefit students both academically and socially, being active in these organizations can amplify the opportunities. For example, Chloe Ovel has held leadership positions in ADPi. 

“My experience taught [me] how to collaborate, stay organized and support others in a meaningful way,” Chloe Ovel said.  

She also pointed to the other benefits like networking opportunities and mentorships, saying they have been “incredibly valuable.”

“It pushed me to think critically, manage challenging coursework and engage in deeper conversations with professors and peers,” Chloe Ovel said.  

It has also brought her research opportunities and increased her academic confidence. As a senior, Chloe Ovel has had plenty of time to reflect on her time at Iowa but also has thought of how these chances will benefit her future.  

 “[These] have strengthened my ability to collaborate with different types of people, whether its group projects, leadership roles or organizing events ... [along with] building strong connections and teamwork skills that will be essential in any professional setting,” she said. 

While all of this might seem daunting, joining any type of program or organization is a sure way to find more friends, connect with students of similar interest, and overall enrich the college experience.  

“Both the honors program and sorority were attempts to build community out of a huge school like Iowa where it’s easy to feel lost or alone,” Rylie Ovel said.