Hi everyone!
I'm so honored and excited to be your Fall 2021 Recruitment Chair. My name is Emma Liisa. I'm a junior, double majoring in Finance and International Relations & Global studies. I went to high school in Frisco, TX, but I am originally from Estonia and Sweden. Texas Sweethearts is the place where I have found my close friends on the 40 Acres. I can't wait for you all to meet our active body and get a glimpse into our organization!
Being from northern Europe, for the majority of my life, I had never even heard of Texas, let alone the University of Texas or Austin. As you can imagine, moving from Europe to Texas in middle school was quite the culture shock to me! When high school rolled around I told everyone that I did not want to stay in Texas for college. In fact, I told my parents I would go to school anywhere but Texas. That was before my mom convinced me to visit my friends who went to UT. That visit definitely changed my mind completely on where I wanted to go to college. It was during my visit that I met some Sweethearts, who told me all about their organization and everything that went along with it. I was so intrigued! From the start, I could see how tight-knit the people in Sweethearts were.
When I finally made up my mind that I was going to UT, I started looking around for different organizations to join on campus during orientation. Although I found a plethora of amazing organizations, I kept thinking about Sweethearts. So, I decided to go all in for recruitment once fall came around. Throughout the first month of college I felt so lonely on campus, but when I went to Sweethearts events I felt a lot less lonely. I wanted to be a part of this organization, but I felt so intimidated by the amount of recruits. In fact, I was contemplating not applying. Thankfully, I decided not to listen to my doubts. Instead, I focused on making the most of recruitment itself: meeting people in my dorm who were also recruiting, and having good conversations with those around me.
Texas Sweethearts has given me so much during my time at UT. I have made such strong bonds with people from my Sweetie class. From keeping me motivated in school, sending me a cake during my quarantined birthday, and coming to New York to visit me during my summer internship; my Sweetheart sisters are always there for me! It is crazy to think I would not have found these amazing friendships if I had listened to my doubts and not applied to Sweethearts.
Y’all have no idea how excited I am to meet all of you! Throughout recruitment you'll get to meet so many amazing, unique individuals that are a part of this organization. Fall ‘21 we are so ready for you!!
With love, Emma Liisa Soderlund
Fall 2021 Recruitment Chair
