Resident Mentor, Capstone scholar, nursing major, orientation guide and charter member of South Carolina Alpha are a few ways CAROLINE MERRITT would describe herself. But after chatting with her for just a short period of time, it seems like superhero, fearless leader and friend to all might fit the bill, too.

We met outside of the Union, shaded by an umbrella in a small courtyard. During our interview, several chapter sisters walked by our table. Caroline greeted each by name with a wave and a genuine smile. Not only did Caroline exude confidence and warmth, she exuded Pi Phi Pride.

I was surprised when Caroline shared that she did not initially intend on joining a sorority when she started at the University of South Carolina. But as she told her story, I understood — even as a freshman, Caroline was involved in many organizations and was left with very little free time.

It wasn’t until the first few days of their sophomore year that co-orientation leader and member of Phi Mu HANNAH WESTFALL urged her to join the newly recolonized Pi Beta Phi.

“She told me she knew I would make a great leader” Caroline explained. “And she helped me see the opportunity I had to help future women to become leaders as well. That was really important to me.”

When it was time to run for office, Caroline had many options. But she was slated for Vice President of Fraternity Development, and quickly fell in love with her role. “I didn’t realize I wanted to be VPFD,” said Caroline. “But it made sense. I was always the girl in the very front row with a notebook in the information sessions — I just loved learning about Pi Phi History.” When asked about her favorite part about her leadership role, Caroline answered “coming in to something so much bigger than me. It amazes me.”