ZTA President: advocating leadership and passion in Greek Life

Since the start of her presidency in the spring of 2015, the ZTA president has been promoting love, commitment and responsibility to the sisters of her chapter.

Originally from the Hamptons, New York, senior kinesiology major Samantha Aube chose the University of Rhode Island because of its proximity to the beach. Her hometown area is surrounded by beaches, so the university felt like home to her. Aube’s family and friends are very close to her, so it was important to her to pick a college where it would be easy to get home.

“I had a very close group of friends in high school and Greek life seemed like the place to find that again,” Aube said.

According to Aube, her role in the sorority is to give guidance to her sisters and to relay information regarding all national policies and university laws. She is the “go-to person” when there are any kinds of issues with concern to ZTA. “I am the first person of contact and the face of the chapter,” Aube said.

After former ZTA president Kelley Fox decided to leave URI, Aube accepted the position and finished Fox’s term before getting reelected last November. Fox acted as a mentor to Aube, helping to guide her through the beginning of her presidency. She also described her dad as a mentor, pushing her to where she is today.

“He has always pushed me to do what I thought was impossible,” Aube said, “which has got me to being the president of my sorority and applying to physical therapy school.”

Aube will be  graduating in December, with the hopes of having a career in physical therapy after being inspired by her own experiences.

“I’ve had a lot of sports-related injuries,” she said. “I want to be able to understand and treat other athlete’s injuries.”

In high school, Aube played volleyball, ran track and took part in a competitive dance company. Throughout college, she has continued to play intramural volleyball and is passionate about running and swimming.

Other than her passion for sports and exercise, Aube is passionate about being “involved.” Having been extremely active in many different organizations in her high school, such as student council, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Students Against Destructive Decisions has pushed her toward joining Greek life and holding various leadership positions.

“I wanted to be super involved again,” she said. “I wouldn’t ever change my decision to go Greek.”

Aube encourages incoming freshman to go through recruitment, even if they are unsure about going Greek. She never had her heart set on joining Greek Life when she entered URI as a freshman, but after finding ZTA, she said she would never turn back.

“My favorite thing about ZTA is all the people I have met,” Aube said. “I have met some amazing people and amazing leaders who I know I will stay in contact with through my life.”

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