Making the Most of UIFI: Student Edition
For some people, leadership programs may be an unfamiliar concept; they really don’t know quite the extent of what they are getting themselves into. This was the case for me: I was scared, nervous, and overwhelmed leading up to the event. When I signed up for UIFI, my goals were to advance my leadership skills and bring new ideas back to my chapter. I didn't know much about the program besides what I heard about it from my Fraternity and Sorority Life advisor. I knew I was going to a sorority house in Indiana for 4 days, and it was going to be a melting pot with 60 other students who are members of fraternity/sorority life.
At the time, my only concept of fraternity/sorority life was what I had seen at my own campus. I wasn't well prepared and this led to some unnecessary anxiety. This was largely because I didn't know anybody when I went, which turned out to be completely fine, it might have even been better in my case. Looking back, I would have done a couple things differently leading up to the event that would have prevented a large part of my anxiety. I would recommend reaching out to other people from your school who are attending UIFI; it can be helpful to know someone so you have someone to hang out with while meeting new people. If nobody else from your school is attending, the group message can be a great way to accomplish this as well. Being proactive about meeting some of your peers could be a great way to see their thoughts going into the event. That said though, you shouldn't just rely on your first connections throughout your entire experience. There will be so many new people to meet, so you don't want to limit your opportunity of gaining new perspectives!
When the week finally came and my bags were packed is when my nerves were at their highest. I was getting on a flight alone and a mixture of excitement, fear, and curiosity filled my body. Once I boarded my flight to head to Indiana something came over me and my nerves were lifted; I felt free, though I was still riddled with anxiety, but it was different than the weeks before. All my worries turned into excitement and I knew everything was going to be alright. I got off my flight at Indianapolis International and found some of my peers who were waiting for the shuttle that would transport us to the University. After talking to them for a short period, it was evident they all had the same thoughts and worries I had experienced, some worries you may even have. We talked as though we were a family whilst waiting for the shuttle, and the conversation did not stop during the shuttle ride to Bloomington either; everyone was eager to make new friends despite being l complete strangers.
The structure of UIFI was organically designed to encourage success and growth no matter your attributes and accomplishments as a person or a leader prior to attending. There was a mixture of small and large groups which allowed you to meet everyone. The small groups were split up so you would meet with them every day outside of the big groups, allowing for a judgment free zone and more intimate connections. You can discuss the events of the day, more hidden problems within fraternity/sorority life, and give a more personable side that relates to your unique experiences from your campus. I actually still talk to a majority of the students in my small group; just last week I visited the IFC president from Kentucky who was in my small group and now is one of my best friends!
The large groups were just as exciting and can allow you to stand out, if you utilize your ideas correctly, and translate the lessons you learned from your small groups. The large group topics that were discussed included national problems affecting fraternity/sorority life, along with leadership training activities that make you want to be involved. During the large group sessions, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas on the issues discussed. However, the most important aspect is you will get the opportunity to listen to other people's perspectives so you can integrate them into your chapter.
While the sessions were engaging and fun, my favorite part from the entire experience was hanging out at the end of the night.. After we were done with sessions for the day, we would all go downstairs to play games and talk like friends, which we were by the end of it. UIFI is a networking powerhouse. Everyone attending are leaders in their chapter, or will become one, after the event providing a networking chance of a lifetime. I can truly say this opportunity, not only for me, but my chapter as a whole has grown from me attending UIFI thanks to the connections I made and the unique perspectives I learned from chapters all around the United States.
To sparknote my takeaways:
Everyone is nervous going into it because you are all in the same boat; no need to stress!
If you’re extroverted, make friends, connect with everyone, and don't judge any books by their cover!
If you're not extroverted, no worries; the right people will find you and you WILL BE OKAY!
Enter the group sessions with an open mind and participate with your full attention on what you can learn that will optimize personal, chapter, and campus life growth in your organization! Every single word can and will be useful!
This is a networking utopia. Take full advantage of the welcoming environment that UIFI fosters; it is a refreshing break from the competitive and oversaturated world we live in.
Lifelong friends are at your fingertips.You will meet a lot of interesting people at UIFI, all you have to do is talk to them!
Have fun and be yourself!
Dawson Bird is a member of Triangle Fraternity at Virginia Tech University. He serves on his IFC’s executive board as the VP-Philanthropy. Dawson attended Session 1 of UIFI in 2023.
