ESA Sisters Sharing Their Sorority Experience!
Bridget Dillon- I rushed in the spring of 2021 because some of my closest friends who were in ESA encouraged me to do it! I am so grateful they pushed me to do so! Through ESA, I have been able to make so many friends, try new things, and to better myself! One of my favorite memories is participating in March Madness the past two years! It is such a fun way to bond with sisters while raising money and awareness! I am a little sad that this is my last year in ESA since I am a graduating senior, but I am so glad I have all of my friends and memories to take with me forever!
Christina Priolo- I found out about ESA by pure luck and I'm so glad I rushed! I have been in ESA all four years and I have been able to meet so many of my best friends through it. It even led me to joining the dance team since some of my sisters were on as well. Without ESA, my college career would have been so different but I am forever grateful I took the leap of faith freshman year.
Rachel Meister- Hello, my name is Rachel Meister. I rushed ESA in the Spring of 2021. During my freshman year of college, I was having a hard time getting used to my new "college life.” I was also having a hard time because my first year of college was all online due to COVID. In the Spring, I decided to take a chance on ESA. Almost instantly after joining, I knew I had made the right choice. ESA gave me something to look forward to each week. The girls were extremely welcoming. I even now had a chance to get involved in my community. Through ESA, I have gotten the chance to do things I would’ve never had the chance to do. I even got my roommate to join! Now, we love volunteering and going to the events together.
Marisa Scamarcia- I love everything about ESA! I wanted to rush because I heard that all of the girls in it were amazing, and they were right. I found some of my best friends through ESA. They are so sweet and helpful no matter what. I also decided to rush ESA because of all the different philanthropies. I want to support as many different causes as I can, and I feel this is the best way! My favorite memories from ESA have to be formal and getting to meet more people at the family picnic!
Ariona Perez- I decided to rush ESA to meet new people, and explore the opportunities they provide us with for the community! So far, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the girls and how big of an impact they make on their philanthropies. It’s been a new and exciting experience for me, and I cannot wait to become apart of something that’s very welcoming and trusting.
Emily Freeman- I rushed ESA because I wanted a close sisterhood also with lots of fun and I have found that ESA is perfect for that! I'm still only a pledge but I've had a great time in ESA. So far, my favorite memory is rush week!
Megan Fulton- What I love about ESA is that the focus is on philanthropy and sisterhood which are both causes that are very important to me. I love being able to give back to my community and meet some amazing people along the way.
Abigayle Youngren- I love ESA because it focuses on helping outside people who need care and support while still being a sisterhood who helps support each other within the sorority. I rushed because I wanted to help fundraise for different organizations and help make a difference. My favorite memories are the educational. I always find these entertaining and resourceful.
Emma Blackbourn- I rushed ESA because I wanted to be a part of a group that volunteers and gets out in the community as much as possible as well as be a part of an amazing sisterhood! My favorite memory so far is probably my bid day!
Callie Kraft- I rushed ESA because I wanted to meet new people and make a difference in my community!
Bea VanKleek- I chose to rush ESA because of my love for helping others and community service! I also love all of the friendships it has given me over the past four years! My favorite ESA event has to be polar plunge! Helping others together as a group is so much fun and rewarding!
Shannon Rali- Joining ESA was one of the best decisions I've made in my college career. Every sister is unique and overall are the most genuine and supportive girls you will ever meet. I rushed primarily to make new friends as it has been difficult to do so as a transfer during COVID, but I ended up also growing even further in my passion to serve the community and do good in the world which feels so rewarding and I am happy to be aware of and have access to volunteer for so many opportunities to help all those I can. Rader Farms was one of my favorite memories because I have always wanted to go to take cute pictures and get in the fall spirit so it definitely fulfilled the "pumpkin-spice girl" in me.
Gianna Lange- I chose to rush ESA because I wanted to get more involved in school and it's very laid back. I love being able to get excited for a bunch of fun new events. I also love seeing new merchandise that we make.My favorite memory so far is getting caramel apples with my friends at Radar Farms.
Madie Redfern- I have always had a deep passion for serving and bettering my community. When I moved to school in the fall of 2020 COVID ;( really made it hard for me to find new friends and continue to be authentically me. I found ESA and decided rushing would do no harm! I have loved every minute since.
Veronica Weglarz- I love ESA because it got me in so involved in campus and I met so many amazing girls and some of my closest friends. I rushed because my friends Julia, who we are now co-chairs on the board for the second year, asked me to do it with her and I am so happy I did!! My favorite memory from ESA would have to be formal last year! Seeing all the girls dressed up and looking so pretty was the best! We got to talk, eat and dance the night away with our sisters, it was so so so much fun! And I got to do it all with my big Riley, and she is the best person ever!!
Emma Orwig- So far ESA has been so much fun! I have made some amazing friends through ESA who have the same interests as I do. ESA gives me the opportunity to have fun doing social events, and sisterhood events, and give back to the community. ESA has made ISU feel even more like home. <3
Alyssa Velazquez- I love ESA because I have found my family who I love so much. I am so grateful that my sisters became my best friends. I love being able to spend so much time with my best friends and I wouldn't change it for the world!
Lauren Soderstrom- I rushed because I was so excited to have a community to be a part of, it felt like such a welcoming place to go. I expected to meet people, serve the community, and expand my horizons. I have done all of that and more. As a senior, I'm sad to be leaving ESA but it has served me very well.
Bailey Mejdrich- I love ESA because it gives me the opportunity to spend time with some amazing people while also being able to help out our community and our philanthropies. It has allowed me to go outside of my comfort zone and meet new people. I am so grateful I rushed ESA!
Skyler Frye- I am so happy that I rushed ESA. I initially rushed with my roommates, so it's been a great time being able to bond and do something with them. I also have met some really sweet and kind people through ESA. I love what ESA stands for, and I love charities and making a difference. ESA is the perfect mix between having social events and charitable events, which is great! It also is so much more affordable than social sororities, so I would definitely recommend rushing ESA. It's been such a wonderful experience for me!
Megan Kosiek- My favorite memory from ESA is going to Rader Farms, and spending time with my sisters!!
Kaitlin Rafalzik- I love ESA because it's such a supportive and kind environment. All the girls truly care about one another and will do anything to support one another. ESA members exemplify examples of friendship and service through everything they do. It truly is a place where girls can go to support their community and important causes as well as their peers. I've loved getting to know so many wonderful people, and I know ESA has instilled service in me for the rest of my life.
Mackenzie Oakes- I love ESA because it feels like home. When I rushed Spring of 2022 I felt so welcomed and it made my heart feel so good. I just knew that every girl in this sorority had the same passion to give back to the community just like I did. My favorite memory had to be big/little reveal because that was the day I found out who my best friend and sister was. I am so lucky my big picked me to be her little because she has all the qualities I wanted in a sister!
Erin Gotter- One of my favorite memories while being in ESA was Big Little Reveal, we had multiple weeks of hints leading up to it, and I had no clue who my big could've been. Then I got to stand in front of her and open my eyes to one of my best friends. That was a core moment for me, it made me appreciate what I've found in this sorority. The girls have been the most welcoming group of people I've known and I'm so lucky that I'm able to be apart of this sisterhood!
Bella Chlada- Being in ESA is like being a part of a huge family. Throughout rush week, I was guided by so many different actives and felt so welcomed. When it finally came time for Big/Little Reveal, I was so excited to find out who my big was. I had suspected it was Ari because she was one of the first people I had met in ESA, and was one of the reasons why I felt like I was really going to fit in. I'm so excited to make more memories and serve our community with my sisters!
Alex Linebrink- I rushed ESA during covid, when there were not many opportunities to meet other people here on campus. I love that ESA prioritizes service while building a sisterhood, and I can honestly say that I have met some of my best friends through ESA.
Erin Gonzalez- ESA has become home for me. I have met the most caring women and created the most amazing friendships! Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an incredible sisterhood filled with so many girls who are truly passionate about service. My favorite memories of ESA are reveal and formal! I have taken three littles during my time in ESA and I am so so so happy to grow my sorority family; Reveal is such an exciting time for both bigs and littles! Formal is also such an amazing experience for members of ESA. I will always cherish getting ready and having the best time with my sisters!
Brandi Carrier- I rushed to find a group of friends that I could trust:)
Alyssa Schwanert- I rushed ESA hoping to find a place where I could feel involved, and I got lucky to find a place that feels like home. I've already met so many of my closet friends, and I couldn't be more grateful that I found ESA. I'm so excited to continue making memories and making friends. I am so so so happy that ESA is now apart of my life forever!
Lilly Mitsuka- Last year was my first year here at ISU as I had transferred here second semester. I remember looking for something to get involved in and my neighbor, Erin, was talking about how she was in ESA. Listening to everything she had to say about the sorority had me sold right away. Rushing ESA was the best choice I had made. I absolutely love this sorority, everything it has to offer, and all the girls in it. ESA will always have a part of my heart.
Caitlin Levy- I rushed ESA because I love how supportive and welcoming everyone in ESA is. I always have so much fun at all of the events and I am so glad I became a part of this amazing group of girls!
Brianna Dorris- I rushed ESA because I wanted to get involved on campus and make new friends! So many good experiences and so glad that I made the decision to join ESA! My college experience would not be the same without it and friends I have made <3
Emma Falduto- I rushed ESA during the spring semester of my freshman year. Covid was hitting hard and I wanted a way to go out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I am so glad I choose ESA because I met some of my best friends and have made such amazing memories. If you told me that two years later I would be one of our philanthropy chairs with one of my new sisters I would never believe you. I have gotten so much experience working with others and spreading love and support to those who need it most! ESA has made my college experience so much better and I am so thankful for every part of it.
Torrance Sharp- There is something indescribable about being in ESA. You meet so many girls and even if it is your first time meeting someone, the bond of sisterhood is a light that connects you deeper than any other interactions. I have met over a hundred sisters, from when I started over zoom, to now when I hold a board position. ESA has given me my bestest friends and some of my favorite memories. Being on the board has given me a deep sense of pride and love for the work ESA does for one another, the community, and the world. In the future, when my children ask me what my favorite part of college was, it'll be, without a doubt, ESA.
Orianna Colon- I joined ESA my freshman year of college and it was the heart of Covid :(. I wanted to do more on campus because everything was on a screen, so I had hard time meeting people and I didn't have a roommate my first year either. ESA brought me some really great things and some of my bestest friends, so I will be forever grateful for it. We work with so many great organizations and get to do so many great things with a great group of girls. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made!!!! ESA forever <3
Erin Wochinski- I love all of the memories I get to make with the amazing girls I have met. I rushed because I was looking to meet new friends, and get involved around campus. Some of my favorite memories are reveal and March Madness!
Christina Ceja- I rushed in September of 2019 and have loved being in it for the past four years! I first heard of ESA through my roommate and she encouraged me to go to the informational meeting and when I did, I was like "I could totally see myself being in ESA". I loved what they were about and decided to rush. It was truly the best decision ever. There are a couple memories that are my favorite. One of my favorite memories of ESA is Up Til Dawn 2019 because I got to see first hand what my fundraising does to help the children of St. Jude. Another one of my favorite memories is Polar Plunge. Everyone fundraised money for Special Olympics and plunged in the lake and it was so much fun. Overall, my favorite memory is just being able to help the communities of St. Jude, Easterseals, Hope for Heroes, and Bloomington-Normal and making an impact in those communities. I will miss ESA!
Julia Niemiec- ESA has been one of my favorite things about college! I have met so many great people and have been able to help so many people. ESA is so full of love and I could not imagine not doing it. ESA forever!
Allison Psaras- I love ESA because of the super fun events I can go to with my besties! I rushed because Christina Priolo was like "oh my gosh this sorority is so drippy." I went to rush August of 2019 and have been in it ever since. My other favorite memories have been Bridget Dillon surprising me by rushing Spring Semester of 2020 and singing "Wouldn't Change a Thing" from Camp Rock 2 in the Talent Show last year with Alyssa Velazquez.
Anja Olsen- I rushed ESA my freshman year in the fall of 2020 because I was looking for a way to make friends on campus during covid since we had all online classes. It truly was one of the best decisions I've ever made because I've met so many people and made so many friends all while getting the chance to serve our community! I cannot imagine my college experience without ESA and some of my greatest memories are with sisters:)
Abigayle Youngren- I love ESA for several reasons. I enjoy all of the different community service we do. My family really enjoys donating to the different philanthropies and I enjoy fundraising for them. I rushed because my roommate told me of all the different community service included in this sorority. My favorite memory is the St. Jude walk because my grandma is a survivor of breast cancer. Overall, the community service and different philanthropies included in this sorority make me love ESA the most.
Taylor Hall- I joined ESA in the spring semester of 2020. My first year of college, I struggled to get involved on campus and I had a hard time making new friends. However, I heard that one of my classmates was involved in a service sorority on campus and I was really interested in learning more, so I attended the info night meetings, and I knew it was the place for me! I really like to get involved in my community through volunteering, and I was excited to be a part of a large group who shared that same passion and interest in helping others.
Joining ESA was one of the best things I have done in my time at Illinois State, and I am so thankful for the memories I have made and the people I have met through this sorority.
Nicole Freisleben- I rushed ESA because I saw through friends, who were already a part of ESA, how fun and inviting it seemed. Upon joining I experienced that feeling myself and immediately felt welcomed and involved. Since rushing in fall 2022, I have already had so many amazing memories, some of my favorites being bid day, big/little reveal, radar farms, barn dance, and the gymnastics social. I love ESA for all of the amazing friends that I have made and all of the amazing experiences that I have gotten to make memories out of! Joining ESA was one of the best decisions that I have made in college and I am so grateful for all of my sisters that I have gotten to know so well!
Itzanyou Romero- I love ESA because these girls are amazing they make you feel welcome and feel like you belong to a second family <3. Along with I am grateful for my big Abby and twin Sam for always being there for me, love them!! I rushed ESA because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and make more friends, I was always the girl who would walk alone because I wasn't good at making friends, but joining ESA, made me feel more comfortable to be able to talk more. My favorite memory is Tori Legacy formal, I didn't know Tori but the way everyone spoke about her, she was a genuinely nice, caring, fun woman and I am glad I got to hear about her and get to know the woman she was!!
Marissa Nunez - ESA has been such a welcoming community, which is something I really wanted to be apart of here at ISU! Rush week was so much fun and I met so many amazing people that made me feel so much more welcome at ISU, despite it being second semester. I rushed because I know multiple people in ESA who only have good things to say about it! I am super passionate about helping around the community and committing myself to volunteering and making the community better, and ESA is the perfect organization to do that with! :)
Danielle Gesell- I rushed ESA because it was such a welcoming environment centered around service. I love all of our events, but my favorite would have to be March Madness. I always feel like the event brings us all closer together and it is so much fun :)
