SPRING 2021
ISSUE 2
THE OMICRONICLE THIS ISSUE: CELEBRATING YOU
HOW FAIRS HAVE FARED
WISH I WAS THERE
INTRODUCING THE ZETAS
An exclusive interview with a hopeful professional outlining the virtual recruitment process and how you can succeed in a new job market
An op-ed from our editor that explores the intricacies and extent a semester off-campus can effect a college student's wellness.
The Omicron chapter welcomes its newest members into a family amidst a semester of isolation and hardship.
COVER BY RIA TALUKDER
Our Staff. Editor in Chief Ria Talukder Staff Writer Cami Comstock Staff Writer Angela Lee Staff Writer Erin Edwards Staff Writer Natalie Jackson Designers Ria Talukder, Cami Comstock, Angela Lee, Erin Edwards, Natalie Jackson Contributors Thomas Chapman Chief Design Editor Ria Talukder Contributing Photography Clarence Lilley, Thomas Chapman, Zeta Class
CONTACT rtalukd@iu.edu with any questions. The Omicronicle is published on issuu under pseindiana. epsilonomicron.pse.org
The Omicronicle Produced by Interchapter Communications
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HELLO THERE, READER! Welcome to the second issue of the Omicronicle. This issue, we took to highlighting the individual achievements of our sitting brothers, while also shedding a spotlight on the newer members of our family: the Zetas. As we charged forward through another semester amidst COVID-19, our staff agreed the tone of this issue should focus on one thing: congratulations. Praise is due for to the brothers who survived I-CORE, started new initiatves, juggled recruiting- and did it all with PSE in mind. You did it guys. We didn't doubt you for a second.
YOURS TRULY, Ria Talukder EDITOR, THE OMICRONICLE 02
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from the editor
the omicronicle table of con tents 03 from the editor 04 Pi Sigma Epsilon Semester Update 06 Welcome Exec 12 How Fairs Have Faired: Job Fairs
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31
17 PD 101: Tips and Tricks from Aahan 21 Brothers Bonding Through Books 25 Giving Back During Tough Times 28 Wish I Was There
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31 Member Spotlight 34 Introducing the Zetas: Get to Know the Newest Class 41 PSE Makeup 44 Congratulations To All Our Brothers 45 The Omicronicle.
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the omicronicle Indiana Univeristy, Bloomington, Indiana +1 847 602 2496 | contact rtalukd@iu.edu epsilonomicron.pse.org
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SPRING 2021
ISSUE 2
SEMESTER UPDATE The latest news and updates from Pi Sigma Epislon at Indiana Univerisity
THIS ISSUE INCLUDES:
INTRODUCING THE
PSE Welcomes New Executives
ZETAS: PSE WELCOMES
by Ria Talukder
ITS NEWEST MEMBERS
From member to director to executive, Pi Sigma Epsilon always encourages its constituents to exercise leadership within their community. This
BROTHERS BONDING THROUGH BOOKS: PSE PURSUES DIVERSITY
semester, a select group of brothers did just that, running and successfully being elected to serve as board members for the chapter. The new executive board adopts the challenges from previous semesters as Indiana University continues
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CLARENCE LILLEY
to handle COVID-19 and its effect on student organizations. The Omicronicle looks forward to the terms of these brothers and anticipates reporting on all the triumphs and tribulations under their leadership.
HOW FAIRS HAVE FARED: JOB FAIRS 04
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Here's to the Spring Semester!
SPRING 2021
ISSUE 2
A Change in Staff and Media The
Omicronicle
prepares
for
a
change in staff as PSE charges into the
Spring
Semester.
New
staff
members include frequent updates, wellness articles, and possible video content as part of their potential ideas to develop the Omicronicle. Pi Sigma Epsilon looks forward to their THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE OMICRONICLE
adaptations to the newsletter as ICC
PHOTO BY RIA TALUKDER
staff continue to grow and develop the Omicronicle.
New Director Position Focuses on Wellness by Ria Talukder After introducing a new director position just last semester, the Omicron chapter of PSE marches forward
with
Director
of
introducing Wellness.
As
a
new
per
the
position: intent
The form,
responsibilities of this position include creating and fostering an environment of safety and acceptance for
the
mental
health
of
all
Pi
Sigma
Epsilon
brothers. This brother is expected to help break the stigma of mental health prejudice and raise mental health awareness for the chapter as a whole. PSE hopes
to
achieve
this
goal
through
a
mix
of
interactive and informative events, all focused on education. The Director is expected to report to the Vice President of Human Resources while working on projects with various Vice Presidents, including but not limited to promoting any upcoming events, enforce a positive culture through wellness focused marketing, and working to fund larger projects centered around promoting the wellness of members
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CO NG RA TS
The Omicronicle congratulates our brothers elected to serve as leaders for the Omicron chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon.
MICHELLE SCANAMEO Michelle Scanameo is a junior from Muncie, Indiana, majoring in Management and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation, as well as minoring in Psychology. Fun facts about Michelle is that she runs marathons, owns a small baking business (@scanameo_sweets), and prefers waffles over pancakes. In her free time, Michelle likes to run, bake cakes, watch cheesy horror movies, and do yoga.
QUINN RILE Quinn Rile is a Junior studying Finance, International Business, and Law Ethics and Decision-making. Quinn is an RA in McNutt Quad and spends his free time cooking, spending time with friends, fishkeeping, and watching NBC Comedy shows. Quinn hopes to keep PSE fiscally sound in 2021, while investing heavily in the brotherhood.
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AAHAN MEHRA Aahan Mehra is a junior from New Delhi, India, majoring in Finance and Business Analytics. Fun facts about Aahan is that he is a huge LA Lakers fan, he legally added a middle name when he was 11 and removed it when he was 14, and played chess competitively in high school. In his free time, Aahan likes to Play basketball and table tennis, watch NBA, and try out new restaurants with friends.
UDAY VUTLA Uday Vutla is a junior from Plainsboro, NJ, majoring in Information Systems and Business Analytics. Some of the things he loves to do is travel, take pictures/videos, cook, and stay active. He also enjoys playing beach volleyball and basketball in his free time.
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MAX TONGDANGJOUE Max Tongdangjoue is a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, majoring in Information Systems and Business Analytics. Fun facts about Max is that he is Thai, his housemates and him have a house dog, and his favorite artist is Jon Bellion. In his free time, Max likes produce EDM music, draw, and play basketball.
MEGGIE FURLONG Meggie Furlong is a junior from Lake Zurich, Illinois majoring in Marketing and Digital and Social Media Business Applications with a minor in Spanish. She is also working towards her certificate in Hispanic Cultures for Global Business and enjoys tutoring in dual language classrooms. A fun fact about Meggie is that she is less than 5 feet tall.
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HALEY SKIKO Haley Skiko is a Senior studying International Business and Marketing with a Minor in Chinese.Haley LOVES new languages and cultures and can’t wait to travel once things open up and become safe again. She is a huge long distance runner and love fitness and health. A cute little fun fact is she met Michelle Obama while IN China and she shook Haley's hand! (still fan girling)
CAMERON TRUEBLOOD Cameron Trueblood is a Sophomore from South Bend, Indiana majoring in Accounting. Cameron likes soccer, cats, and concerts. Cameron in his free time plays guitar, reads about concert production, plays cards, and goes out to eat with his friends.
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CELEBRATING: PROFESSIONALS A LOOK INTO HOW BROTHERS CAN EMBODY PROFESSIONALISM AND EXCELLENCE IN A JOB MARKET TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
HOW FAIRS HAVE FARED A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECTED "CAREER FAIR"
Including: An in-depth look on how career fairs, interviewing, and etiquette have changed as companies go virtual. Including tips and tricks from your own brothers on how to ace a virtual recruitment process!
How Recruiting Turned On its Head
In prior years, students typically would attend
Written by Cami Comstock and Erin Edwards
career fairs by industry. Students majoring in
Recruiting is an essential process for any college
career fair geared towards the Professional
student. At the Kelley School of Business, students
Services industry as opposed to just IS. This
are coached from their freshman year on how to
change allowed students to broaden their
properly interact with recruiters, stand out in a
recruiting process and open up more
crowd, and make connections.
opportunities, combatting any doors closed by
career fairs that were major-specific. This year, the process shifted. Now, students could attend Information Systems would now be attending a
COVID-19. While this change is newer, it has Everything turned on its head during the coronavirus pandemic. Juniors hoping for
internships and seniors searching for careers suddenly had to reevaluate their game plan had for the recruiting season this fall, knowing things would change once everything moved virtual.. While conversations remained the same, many scrambled to learn "Zoom-literacy" and online etiquette in order to score their dream roles. 12Â
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already received some positive feedback. As things continued to be virtual, students developed mixed feelings about the recruiting process. Some students preferred moving online, citing reduced pressure compared to in-person. Others felt as though the recruitment process has become less spontaneous for individuals and that virtual recruiting feels less personal.
Stella Gollihur, junior and member of the Epsilon class, experienced first hand the effects of these changes. As the future president of a social sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, and PSE member, Gollihur is an objectively well rounded candidate when it comes to the recruiting process. This past semester, Gollihur began her recruitment process in the Professional Services industry-- primarily looking for technology consulting-work. With this in mind, Gollihur ended up attending all of the career fairs offered by Kelley and found that she enjoyed the Professional Services-related job fair. Gollihur pointed out the many differences between virtual and traditional (inperson) recruiting. "In the past, people waited in long lines to talk to recruiters during career fairs," Gollihur said. "With things online, everything became more efficient." Virtual recruiting has also opened up doors due to broadening the ability to speak to several different companies. Additionally, since many companies have shifted to all remote work, the pool of work opportunities have widened by eliminating location restraints. The shift to virtual, however, was not always a smooth transition. It’s no secret that connecting with people in-person is much more easy and natural compared to just online-- this has unfortunately seeped into the virtual recruiting process. Students also faced the issue of unanticipated technical difficulties. From Wifi issues to learning how to use new applications, , the virtual environment has had its share of difficulties. Despite it all, some students continue to prefer online recruiting.
"Each company had a unique approach when it came to recruiting online, ranging between casual to more formalized" Gollihur noted that there were different formats of networking that companies followed. Some companies would review information conveyed during networking, while others left the floor open to [well-researched] questions from students. Gollihur found that the third type of career fair to be a little bit more relaxed in nature due to the conversational manner of back and forth speaking-- this was Gollihur’s favorite because she found it to be the most beneficial type of networking. In the end, Gollihur was able to land around 13 or 14 interviews with several companies over the course of this semester. With all of this experience and knowledge, Gollihur found that companies tend to follow their own path and lead interviews in different ways. Some would lead with information sessions while others were more individualistic. For this process, students should heavily research the company in order to be able to bring this information to the table during these sessions-- something students should already be doing regardless!
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A CHANGE IN PLATFORMS: HOW COMPANIES ARE USING HANDSHAKE
When candidates move on from fairs to interviews the changes continued. Some interviews resembled information sessions with multiple candidates in attendance. “You really had to show your personality and interest in the company in order to stand out,” Gollihur said. Others were more traditional, with one recruiter asking one candidate a series of questions. Gollihur’s best advice was to record yourself answering interview questions before the actual interview. “Watch your body language, enthusiasm, and answers. Things can come across differently online.” Uday Vutla, a junior in PSE’s Gamma class, was thankful that he didn’t have to go through online recruiting this year, finding his internship at Crowe through past connections. He emphasized the importance of staying in touch with those you meet and following up with your network. “Regardless of in-person or online recruiting,” Vutla said, “chase what you are passionate about. Only going after ‘brand name’ companies will only get you so far.” As students prepare to return to campus in February, another round of recruiting begins. With one virtual semester under their belts, The Omicronicle hopes brothers on the job hunt will learn from those who survived the first semester of Zoom-recruiting. Good luck!
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Previously, Kelley students learned to navigate and search for jobs through Kelley Connect, an online portal with an index of job opportunities. Kelley Connect also provided career coaches and overall advice for different fields of work. While Connect is still available,, a new platform moved to the forefront his year for students to easily find job openings. Handshake streamlines the job search, allowing students to filter by various characteristics they’re looking for in a work opportunity such as: location, field of work, part or full time, paid, and much more. Handshake even communicates with the school so that students can view upcoming business opportunities occurring at Indiana University. Students should note that some companies require an external application along with Handshake's quick apply. Overall, students seemed to have reached a general consensus in favor of Handshake's user friendly interface and overall experience.
September 2019
Vol 1 Issue 21
GOLLIHURS TIPS:
NAIL IT! Tips to Nail the Virtual Process
RECORD YOURSELF ANSWERING POTENTIAL QUESTIONS
Doing this allows yourself to see how you come across to in a virtual setting. Pay attention to your mannerisms and make any needed adjustments prior to your interview. Additionally, watch your body language, enthusiasm, and answers to questions. While it’s much easier to display interest in-person, it is important to make sure that you show eagerness and engagement virtually as well.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Showing that you researched a company is important to the interviewer. Asking thoughtprovoking questions backed by research proves your interest in the company. Ask about company culture in earlier rounds, moving to more in-depth inquiries in later interviews. Make sure to come with at least 5- 8 well developed questions to ask interviewers. THE OMICRONICLE
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September 2019
Vol 1 Issue 21
ANTICIPATE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Despite any efforts you implement beforehand, sometimes tech issues persist. If this happens to you, make sure to inform the interviewer when possible and reach out for a phone call. Your efforts will be something interviews can make note of, so don't slack off just because a zoom call drops or a link isn't working. Reaching out ASAP is important!
PREPARE YOUR SPACE
Gollihur’s final piece of advice is to make sure you prepare your space alongside yourself prior to an interview. Choose a quiet environment, and tidy up beforehand. For example, if your bed is in the back of the frame, make sure that it is made. Your environment plays a role in the impression you make on recruiters!
All of these details add up and refining them can give you an upper hand. Following her own advice, Gollihur was offered a job at Protiviti. She will be working as a tech consultant for the company in Chicago and is greatly looking forward to this amazing opportunity. Congratulations Stella!
+ A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 101 Tips straight from PSE's very own director of Professional Development
Written by Cami Comstock
PRO FESSIONA L DEVEL OPMENT TIPS AND TRICKS
With Aahan Mehra, Director of Professional Development WRITTEN BY CAMI COMSTOCK
#1: START EARLY Several students tend to aim for interships beginning their junior year. Due to this,
they often don’t begin preparing
recruitment resources until a few semesters in. While this is certainly common practice, starting early and establishing a base early on in your freshman year is always a great way to always
be
recruitment
ready.
In
case
of
an
unexpected
internship opportunity or a busy summer, this early start will ensure you spend less time editing your resume and adding new experiences whenever required. 18
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EPSILON OMICRONICLE
#2: GET INVOLVED Every university offers a vast range of student-run organizations that provide several opportunities for professional development and expanding your network. Getting involved within these organizations and assuming leadership responsibilities is a great way to develop your professional and social skills while also
doing
something
that
you
are
passionate
about.
Furthermore, these experiences will provide excellent talking points in interviews and could help to expand your network.
#3: USE YOUR PEERS AS A RESOURCE Recruiting is often viewed as a difficult part of our college careers. Typically, one tends to interview with multiple firms, prepare resumes and countless cover letters in order to land a job at a firm. To make this process easier and gain more insight, it is essential to network with upperclassmen and use them as a valuable resource. Learning from their experiences may allow you to gain information about a job or industry that you may be interested in. THE OMICRONICLE
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CELEBRATING: COMMUNITY HOW PSE PRIORITIZED BROTHERHOOD NO MATTER THE DISTANCE
BROTHERS BONDING THROUGH BOOKS By Natalie Jackson and Erin Edwards
As PSE continues to deal with coronavirus, brothers at the leadership level of PSE were faced with a new challenge of keeping each other connected and engaged despite the virtual setting. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Rishika Singh, decided to take an educational approach. With her role in mind, Singh created a book club to encourage unity while promoting diverse perspectives amongst brothers. “The book club started after having a conversation with Hannah, our president, and it was a spontaneous idea to get people to read”, Singh said. “KSG [Kelley Student Government] had just put out the ‘KSG Anti-Racism Resource Guide’ and we thou-
ght to ourselves that none of us are really reading. It's a habit that we all have fallen out of, so why not start a book club and get people to read again while leaning into perspectives we may be unfamiliar with or aren’t prevalent within our organization.” While there were different ways that Singh could have incorporated this diversity education, she wanted to make sure to eliminate her own personal bias. She is aware of the potential criticism and backlash that can arise with her position and the way she presents diversity and inclusion information. In order to provide resources that brothers would be willing and comfortable learning about, Singh
Take a peek into a day “Why not start in the life of budding aartist book club and Stella Young, and how she improvesto get people her craft read again while leaning into perspectives we may be unfamiliar with or aren't prevalent within our organization" THE OMICRONICLE
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“Diversity and inclusion is important to me because everyone has various differences that influence how they interact with the world and the way the world interacts with them"
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allowed book club members to vote on their first book. “I provided all the options from the KSG book list plus a few extra books and said ‘What do you guys [book club members] want to read’, Singh said. “You guys [book club members] voted majority ‘The New Jim Crow’ and I decided let's do this, let’s take on this perspective. She continues explaining the importance of reading books, “Reading books helps us dive into different perspectives, perspectives that we don’t personally have.” In addition to exploring new perspectives, the purpose of this newly created book club is to get people more comfortable with having uncomfortable DEI related conversations. According to Singh, we need to have these conversations to help educate people about the importance of diversity, instead of leaving them in the dark.
EPSILON OMICRONICLE
“First, we have to get people comfortable with reading DEI, having those uncomfortable conversations, clearing up the misconceptions, and having people feel okay with engaging in those conversations.” Singh said. “The hope is that we can engage into these conversations and dive a little deeper into what DEI looks like in business.” While there are a multitude of reasons why Singh is passionate and committed to enforcing a diverse culture in this business fraternity, her perseverance primarily stems from familial ties. “I have plenty of privilege, there’s no doubt about that at all. But I have seen my parents struggle. I know their stories. I know what’s like being the daughter of an immigrant because I am one. It’s definitely changed my perspective. It has contributed to how empathetic I am for other communities and why it’s so important for me to stand up for them. I think that as a minority with privilege, it’s a sense of power I can use to help elevate marginalized voices.” Singh said. She further continues: “Diversity and inclusion is important to me because everyone has various differences that influence how they interact with the world and the way that the world interacts with them." Singh is not the only one who wants to have these deep conversations on unique perspectives, as many of her fellow PSE brothers are longing for the same thing. By taking initiative to create this book club, Singh is giving PSE brothers the opportunity to become closer with one another by creating a safe space to have important conversations about today’s society. One member of the book club, Shibani Mody explains what she wants to gain from the book club.
“The number one thing that I want to gain is having meaningful discussions with people in PSE, not just about PD events, not about what’s the new internship opportunity. I also want to create connections with the people in the book club about relevant issues today. Me being in SPEA and nearly everyone else being in Kelley, I want to have discussions that relate directly back to this time. Mody further explains the importance of having these conversations in order to help shape a more inclusive culture at PSE. “One of the best things that we can do for PSE as an organization is start being more diverse, start being more inclusive of other people and sparking these discussions. Even if they’re political, even if they’re controversial, we shouldn’t be blocking those discussions. We should be talking
about them because blocking those discussions leads to blissful ignorance, and that’s not something PSE is about.” Singh hopes that the lessons learned from her book club spread and influence the business fraternity as a whole. Throughout this interview, Singh continuously emphasized the significance of making diversity a consistent value for future years to come. “I’m very committed to enforcing the idea that diversity is not a trend, it is a long term commitment we need to be making. I want to be able to work towards a world where we are really diverse and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their differences, because I genuinely do see value in people’s differences”.
"I'm very committed to enforcing the idea that diversity is not a trend, it is a long term commitment we need to be making."
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RISHIKA RECOMMENDS: BEST READS FOR DIVERSITY The Omicronicle spoke with Rishika Singh, PSE's very own Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity to see what her favorite reads were over the past few months. Below are Rishika suggestions: the Omicronicle encourages you to give them a go!
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
The glass castle
Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them-in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul-they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation.
When sober, Jeannette’s brilliant and charismatic father captured his children’s imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn’t want the responsibility of raising a family. The Walls children learned to take care of themselves.
SPRING 2020
THE NAMESAKE Sixteen-year-old and not-soopenly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out— without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met.
SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA Meet the Ganguli family, new arrivals from Calcutta, trying their best to become Americans even as they pine for home. The name they bestow on their firstborn, Gogol, betrays all the conflicts of honoring tradition in a new world—conflicts that will haunt Gogol on his own winding path through divided loyalties, comic detours, and wrenching love affairs.
THE OMICRONICLE
Michelle Scanameo (right) and Hannah Miller (left) volunteer at Wheeler Mission
GIVING BACK DURING TOUGH TIMES by Erin Edwards
The COVID-19 pandemic flipped the entire world upside down. Giving back to the community, a pillar of the Epsilon Omicron chapter, couldn’t escape that.
My Sister’s Closet and Wheeler Mission were for those who felt comfortable being in-person, and the Smithsonian Institute was the most popular for online students.
Meggie Furlong serves as Epsilon Omicron’s Director of Community Service. Before the semester began, she was tasked with finding volunteering opportunities that could be done from Bloomington or anywhere across the country. With the power of Google and pre-existing connections, Furlong presented three virtual and two in-person events to members of the chapter.
Both My Sister’s Closet and Wheeler Mission followed CDC guidelines perfectly. Only three to four students could volunteer at a time, and workplaces were cleaned often. Even interactions were kept at a distance, but brothers were still able to see the people they were helping. “One of my favorite things is talking with the people I’m directly serving,” Furlong said. “It’s great to see the actual impact we are making.”
Take a peek into a day in the life of budding artist Stella Young, and how she improves her craft
“One of my favorite things is talking with the people I'm directly serving." THE OMICRONICLE
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VOLUNTEERING
Furlong’s biggest challenge wasn’t finding events, but ensuring that they were properly attended. “It’s hard to keep track of who does what,” Furlong said. To solve this problem, she created a Google Sheet so that brothers could sign up for events and track their online volunteering. On days where attendance seemed low, she sent cheerful messages in the fraternity’s Slack channel to remind brothers of how important volunteering is. “I reached out to other directors and members individually to encourage volunteering and emphasize how needed it is in the community.” In a survey by PSE’s Consulting Committee, almost 70% of active members said that our chapter could do more in terms of volunteering. “I think it’s great that our brothers show so much interest in giving back.”
JANUARY 2021
EPSILON OMICRONICLE
It’s easy to get the motivation to volunteer when Furlong shows such enthusiasm herself. Many in the fraternity have stated that Furlong’s passion and excitement for giving back to Bloomington has inspired them to step up and take action. “I really appreciate the time and effort Meggie puts into being the director. She makes it easy and appealing to volunteer,” Evelyn Lee, a junior in the Beta class, said. Volunteering isn’t a national PSE guideline, but something that Epsilon Omicron has decided to implement. “It’s not a huge commitment, no more than two hours a semester required.” Furlong said. “It’s just nice to give back to the community we live in and show up for the people who need it most.”
While volunteering in-person has the most direct impact on the community, volunteering online has its own unique set of rewards. With the Smithsonian Institute, volunteers work together transcribing thousands of historical articles, notes, and letters. Lee found volunteering online to be her favorite. “I initially set a timer for one hour and just planned to crank it out,” Lee said. “When the timer went off, I didn’t want to stop. I was having so much fun going through documents and reading people’s stories.” Everyone is looking forward to being able to volunteer in-person again, though. “It was like a brother bonding experience,” Lee said of past volunteering events. “Big groups of us would go and just have fun serving the community. We got to know each other better while helping others.” In the meantime, online volunteering is here to stay. Until restrictions lessen and the vaccine becomes more widespread, finding new and unique ways of virtual volunteering will remain a challenge for future Directors of Community Service. Furlong now prepares to pass the torch to Megan Haynes, newly initiated member of the Zeta class and recently elected Director of Community Service.
Meggie Furlong
MY SISTER'S CLOSET A store aimed at providing work attire for low income women. They also provide special programs to help develop job skills and land the perfect role. Volunteers help in the store by organizing clothes, mending minor repairs, washing clothes, and creating displays.
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THE OMICRONICLE
WHEELER MISSION A homeless shelter that provides housing, food, clothing, and access to resources. Volunteers mainly work in the kitchens serving food to their clients, but there are also opportunities within their store and donation center.
BEST PLACES TO VOLUNTEER IN BLOOMINGTON STONE BELT A nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to individuals with disabilities. Volunteers work one-on-one with clients to develop life skills, assist with art projects, and form meaningful relationships with the community.
And finally
CELEBRATING:YOU Because it's been a tough year. And you did it. You survived uncertainty, confusion, and a whirlwind of changes, all while staying true to yourselves. So here's to you: the brothers that make the Omicron chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon a top new chapter and a finalist for top Kelley organization.
WISH I WAS THERE
Personal
Since March of 2020, universities nationwide took to closing their doors. Their college campuses shut down, thousands of students made the emotional journey home, rooting for their return in the fall. But what about the students who stayed behind? Ria Talukder provides a personal essay on her experience this past semester, pursuing a college degree, all from 300 miles away. By Ria Talukder
Fights over who used my Netflix account (and made me lose my spot in America’s Next Top Model!). Arguing over who left the door unlocked. Passive aggressive jibes to ‘get the dishes done whenever you can’. These are habits college roommates and my parents seemed to share-and when Indiana University abruptly closed its doors following spring break to combat a worsening pandemic, I was prepared to handle at least this aspect of moving back home to my child hood bedroom. It was only supposed to last for a little bit, after all. Just a few months, maybe the summer, and then I’d be back to school ready to tackle another semester from my little home in Bloomington. Or so we’d all thought. As the fall semester came around, many brothers found themselves re-evaluating their situation as the spread of COVID-19 only became worse..
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What was initially something akin to the swine-flu or H1N1 (remember that shot?) suddenly had transformed into the worst public health crisis in decades. A majority of classes, promised to be socially distanced and safe, moved online. Buildings like Wells Library and the school’s cafeteria’s shut their doors— suddenly, escaping our home towns did not seem so imminent. In August of 2020, I had yet to make my own decision whether I’d go back or not. Technically, I’d signed a lease that would last for the entire school year, and my friends would still be traveling back to Bloomington. Regardless of whether or not I went, I would have to pay $500 a month for my house-was it wise to waste all that money? Eventually my decision was made for me.
Story
After a good 15 year run, my car sputtered it’s last breath before conveniently dying in the driveway of my childhood home. All the money I’d made over the past few months wouldn’t be enough to resurrect her and to top it all off, I faced the large fees for choosing to take classes through summer school. It was settled. I’d stay at home for the semester and be a full time student and waitress. At first, I thought things wouldn’t be too difficult. I’d survived the spring while dealing with the trials of living at home again- but that had been when I’d expected to return to Bloomington again in the fall, where I was free to exercise my perfected routine that combined the hedonism of college life with the responsibilities expected of a business student.When classes started again in late August, however, I was in for an awakening,. I soon began to realize how different things were. Like— 1. Having your own space to learn Before, I took for granted the study areas provided for us by the college campus. Now, my online Zoom classes rivaled my parents complicated and loud morning routine for my attention. Everyone had their priorities and at the time, it felt like there was always a clear lack of respect for mine. It was embarrassing to always have to preface every zoom meeting with an apology for the noise and distractions.There were very few spaces as comforting as Wells Library where I could get away and hash out a weeks worth of homework, not when a thousand other things were going on at home. I used to moan every morning I’d have to sprint to the E bus to make it in time for an 8 am, pining for my bed as I’d navigate a day of schooling that often wouldn’t end until well after 6 p.m. Now, I realized what a struggle it was to focus in the absence of my typical school day routine. It was quite difficult to be a student in an environment that had not been designed to provide an academic atmosphere.
"[We] agonized over cancelled internships, unfamiliar recruiting, and a hostile job market".
3. Living a double life Perhaps the most complex struggles of them all was the sudden Hannah Montana-esque plotline I seemed to have subjected myself to, albeit no wigs involved and a lot less glamorous. Instead of being a full time student, and only that, I now had to excel in the art of being one thousand things at once. My daily routine went from a balanced load of classes and fun nights with brothers to waking up at 8 am for a class, working 9-4 waitressing, another class during my break, and then finishing the night off from 5 to 10 with a closing waitress shift. Then I’d go home and complete any of my homework due tomorrow, work on projects outside of my courseload for my extracurriculars- and if I had the time, maybe, I’d get around to applying to internships.
2. Adjusting to our parents rules Make no mistake. I am, in no way, trying to present myself as a Serious Adult Who Has it All Figured Out. I value the inputs of those with more experience and wisdom than me. At 20 years old, I know I have a lot left to learn. College life, however, granted me the opportunity for independence.
Well into the night, I’d go to bed at 3 am and wake up to do it all over again, for most days of the week. Some would argue- why work 40 hours a week while taking classes? But neither of my parents, who work overtime most days and have two other siblings to raise, could suddenly afford an extra head to care for, a head they hadn’t had to financially support since I was 17. Nor did they have the money to cover my needs for food, gas, clothes, and the rent that I was still paying all the way back in Bloomington.
Returning home and adjusting to my parents rules proved to be incredibly difficult, for my schedule and mental wellness.After living so long without your parents, I couldn’t do it for a while. It drove me crazy- be home by 10. Who are you talking to? What are you eating? What are you wearing? Shouldn’t you be doing homework? I felt like I was in high school again. The sharp removal of my independence left me with whiplash. While I was expected to present myself as a professional adult online, I was repeatedly infantilized at home. Balancing the two proved difficult and contributed to a frustration that often times, I couldn’t overcome.
I experienced a shared struggle to adapt to life at home with college students across the nation. From coast to coast, individuals found themselves adapting to online classes, isolation, and the everpresent, quiet fear in the back of our minds that any moment, we could be infected with the virus that started it all. International students dealt with timezones, visa difficulties, and prolonged quarantines due to their travels back home. Others agonized over cancelled internships, unfamiliar recruiting, and a hostile job market. Hopes seemed to be deflating. When things were at their bleakest, however: I found my silver lining. THE OMICRONICLE
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Chicago, under its shelter in place order, made it impossible to work anywhere outside of my home. On days I wasn’t working, I had to acknowledge that my home was shared with a family. My family. And as cheesy as it sounds, the pandemic’s forceful hand revived a vigor for family tradition and bonding that we had simply forgotten. Sure- my family will never be the type to all sit at the dining table and eat our meals together while talking about our feelings. But Saturday mornings became my time to binge watch Queer Eye with my mom, who’s just discovered the french tuck during quarantine (Bobby is her favorite). Days off meant getting Korean BBQ take out and binge watching all our old favorite seasons of America’s Next Top Model with my sister. I relearned Calculus (kinda?) and literally jumped back into high school for a bit, helping my brother out with his homework. Even my dad, on days he wasn’t glued to his own keyboard, would share polite conversations with me in the morning now that we weren’t rushing to get out the door. I had to do a lot of growing up this past semester and the lessons I learned seemed important to share with a community that kept me going during a semester of confusion and struggle. Home life felt like an extended Thanksgiving, with everyone cranky and ready to not see each other for a really long time. I was tired and angry at the world for the unfair cards that I’d been dealt.
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But I found out some cool things about myself that maybe I’d have never realized following my daily routine in Bloomington. I reinvigorated my love for the Twilight series after forcing my boyfriend to marathon them with me on a day off, and yes, I am still an Edward girl. I rediscovered my passion for amateur art criticism when veering off topic while researching design ideas for The Omicronicle, diving back into my old hyper fixations on artists like Rothko and Beksinski. I went skiing for the first time over winter break, which I promise you would never have happened if I had the option to stay under the blankets of my twin size mattress at 2214 E 7th Street, Bloomington, Indiana. I gave myself a mullet (It looked cool I promise) and started to relearn my love for fashion after 3 years of dressing like an off duty gym teacher when going to class. And I found a quiet appreciation for my home town on the 3 am bouts I’d take with my closest high school friends to Lake Zurich, lying under the stars and feeling grateful to have this place to call home. So yeah. Maybe this semester kind of sucked. Maybe I felt low from the non-stop working and maybe it was a bit unfair how this pandemic seemed to disproportionately affect those who worked the hardest to combat it. But I found my silver lining, and I encourage my brothers to look back and find theirs. I learned it all because, at the end of the day, I was in a community. A brotherhood that celebrated meeven when it pushed me to my limits. Bit like a business fraternity we’re familiar with no?
member spotlight
this issue: clarence lilley
PHOTO
CREDIT:
@CLARENCELILLEY
ON
WHO WE ARE: CLARENCE DIVE ONE
INTO
THE
MEMBER
LIVES
AND
OUTSIDE
OF
PURSUITS
OF
PSE.
BY CAMI COMSTOCK
As a business fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon proves to be an innovative force due to the unique character of all its members. Every brother portrays individualism to the best extent of the word. With the special something they bring to the table, the community at the Omicron chapter celebrates its members for their skills and hobbies. It’s not an uncommon sight to see brothers sharing their passions with others-several events held over the past semester encouraged brothers to play video games together or even go on hikes with small groups. Standout characters such as Haley Skiko and Michael Josephson take it a step further as they co-run theirPSE-related podcast, “Mic’d Up”. Skiko and Josephson explore topics both business and non-business related, and each episode can even be found on Spotify.
Several members extend their skills beyond a business focus as well. Former-President Hannah Miller takes to arts and crafts, creating beautiful, Etsy-worthy art in her free time through mediums varying from ceramics to jewelry (some of her jewelry pieces can even be found to be worn by brothers). In this issue, The Omicronicle digs deeper with one specific member. Clarence Lilley dedicates his free time to creating comedic YouTube videos. The Omicronicle sits down with Lilley and ask him several questions about his social media work.
HOW ONE BROTHER STARTED IT ALL Clarence
Lilley,
or
better
known
under the handle ‘Clarence Angelo’, posts videos every single week on his
YouTube
channel.
Lilley
is
currently a junior here at Indiana University and joined PSE in the Delta class. Between completing his semester in I-Core and
starting
his
new
YouTube
channel,
Lilley
has
often
found
himself
busy.
Luckily,
he
has
discovered his passion for creating and editing his YouTube videos. His videos are vlog-styles and his content ranges from thrifting hauls to giving advice to college students to even comedic videos such as pranking his friends with fake snakes. When asked, Lilley noted that a lot of his inspiration behind discovering his own style of videos came from famous YouTubers such as David Dobrik and Luna Montana (so if you like their content, then check out Clarence Angelo on YouTube!) When asked
about
his
motivation
to
begin
filming,
Lilley
said
how
he
had
been
watching
various
YouTubers since middle school, specifically a few of the British YouTubers that became famous in the 2010s. He said that “he always thought [he] would be a viewer”. That all changed when he got his first camera for Christmas. His peers had told him that he was funny, so Lilley had decided to .
ake
action.
With
his
channel
on
the rise, a lot of his free time is spent
thinking
and
creating
YouTube content to keep up with his uploading schedule. When he’s not focused on creating vlogs, he can most likely be found making funny
TikToks
or
clothes.
The
encourages
its
even
thrifting
Omicronicle brothers
to
give
Clarence a follow and support his online endeavors!
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Welcome Home
Introducing the Zetas By Natalie Jackson and Angela Lee
For a college student, the beginning of a new semester has always symbolized a fresh start. The beginning of each semester doesn't just mean new classes- it provides the opportunity for any student interested in joining student organizations, like Pi Sigma Epsilon, to explore their passions and find a home amidst like minded individuals. Recently, the Omicron chapter of PSE opened their arms to just that sort of student, welcoming the newly initiated Zeta class. The Omicronicle staff decided to reach out to multiple members of the incoming Zeta class to shed light on their journey to brotherhood as they navigated a unique recruiting experience, defined wholly by the pandemic and it's effects on Indiana University. Pandemic aside, PSE focused on what's always been important to them when it comes to finding new brothers: providing professional and social . 34
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opportunities that allowed members essential skills for their future
to
develop
“I have learned to be more confident when networking and not be afraid to reach out to business professionals and alumni. During the last few weeks, PSE has brought me out of my shell and introduced me to an amazing community here at IU,” said Emily Stabinsky, newly initiated member of the Zeta class. According to Stabinsky, Pi Sigma Epsilon’s focus on individual development paired with their emphasis on community proved to be a key attraction for her and the rest of the Zeta class. “I [also] wanted a strong community of like-minded yet diverse people who I could feel comfortable around, “ said incoming Zeta class member, Andrew Swenson, affirming Stabinsky’s sentiments.
I have learned to be more confident when networking and not be afraid to reach out to business professionals and alumni. During the last few weeks, PSE has brought me out of my shell and introduced me to an amazing community here at IU.
Pi Sigma Epsilon's Recruitment Advisory Board (RAB) worked hard behind the scenes to implement practices and events that ensured a positive experience for Zetas like Stabinsky and Swenson. For the first time, the recruitment season was hosted completely virtually, as well as later New Member Education. RAB worked hard during the summer to create new virtual activities to help connect the actives with the potential new members. “I thought the process was pretty engaging. I think the speed networking events were good but the best events were ones where you had more time to talk with each active,” recalls Swenson as part of his experience recruiting virtually with the chapter. Freshman Annette Lee gives a different at-home perspective when recapping her virtual recruitment experience: "My virtual recruitment process was a very interesting experience yet it went very smoothly and I had no complications regarding it. I am currently not on campus and have been doing online classes at home, it has been a bit of a struggle as I am not able to interact with my peers and unable to see my friends as they are all away at college. I feel as though the virtual recruitment process helped me make connections and provide me with motivation to be social during this uncertain time. The process was very clear and well thought-out as I was able to meet many people and join a fantastic brotherhood.”
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After making it through final round interviews and joining the chapter, the Zetas then moved on to New Member Education. Katherine Holman, director of new member education, made a requirement to have at least five interviews with actives per week. This may sound time-consuming, but it was necessary to simulate face to face interactions and build a sense of community amongst the Zeta class with the rest of PSE. “Being required to do PSE interviews weekly with actives is truly a blessing in disguise," Haripriya Jalluri recounts from her experience. "One of the main reasons I wanted to join a business fraternity, and PSE specifically, is because of the community and the brotherhood. With all the fraternity social events and meetings being held virtually due to COVID, I am grateful to have one on one sessions with the actives, whether they be in-person or not. Because of these interviews, I have developed some amazing friendships with sophomores and juniors in PSE, and the community aspect really shines through.” While New Member Ed. challenged the Zeta class and helped them develop time-managing skills, it was also a fun and supporting atmosphere where the Zetas were able to closely interact with one another.
Because of these interviews, I have developed some amazing friendships with sophomores and juniors in PSE, and the community aspect really shines through.
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“My best memory from the recruitment process was New Member Ed. Katherine, the director of New Member Ed, made it a very fun and enjoyable experience. It was clear that she cares about all of us, so I know that I can always go to her if I have a question or need advice”, remarks Aikya Varanasi. This compassionate and supporting environment that Varanasi mentions was a commitment that the entire chapter had prioritized to truly welcome the Zetas. “I really enjoyed how welcoming each member of PSE I talked to was. I did not feel like I was trying to impress them but simply form a relationship and become friends. I knew that with the competitiveness of Kelley I wanted to be a part of a community that would not cause more stress and I knew PSE would offer so much support.” said Christina VanBuskirk. Many freshman students saw this as a perfect opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and explore a community that would give them support. “With this pandemic I felt like I had barely met anyone at IU. When I heard about PSE I knew I had to join. Its members were fun but also took school seriously”, said Kayla Weede, freshman and newly initiated Zeta member.
Despite the successes, the shift to a technology centered recruitment produced unanticipated technical difficulties as students tried to learn how to navigate new applications like Zoom. College students learned over this past semester how getting to know one another through a virtual setting could be a challenge, especially without the same in person cues visible in the rooms of Hodge Hall. “My biggest challenge recruiting virtually was trying to connect with actives solely through virtual interactions because it can be harder to connect with people when talking through a screen compared to face to face,” said Ritika Chekuri, Zeta class member. “[It was challenging] to get a feel for everyone's persona and overall energy over Zoom. I found it hard to be able to really feel the vibe and environment within PSE virtually since there is something to be said about interacting with people in-person. It also made it difficult for me to create conversation sometimes as I would struggle to get a conversation going without the in-person body language to help read when a person is ready to begin a new conversation,” Matthew Walsh said, agreeing with Chekuri. Despite all the challenges this semester imposed, the Zetas were able to make positive memories with their fellow brothers.
I really enjoyed how welcoming each member of PSE I talked to was. I did not feel like I was trying to impress them but simply form a relationship and become friends.
“My best memory from the recruitment process was winning the trivia event. I remember I helped my group figure out the last tie-breaking question, and we ultimately ended up winning the event. I remember both Thomas and Mikaela were both major contributors to our team as they remembered a lot of the PSE specific answers.” said sophomore Megan Haynes reminiscing her favorite PSE memory from recruitment.
My best memory from the recruitment process was winning the trivia event.
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Freshman Kedar Ram gives a different perspective from his bond with his fellow Zetas: “Best memory was honestly the final interview and the NME meetings when we are allowed to talk to each other as a Zeta class. That is the only time where some of the other Zetas actually interact with the rest of the class... one Zeta who made the process a lot better is Ivan Matthew.” On November 13th, 2020, the Zetas were officially initiated into the brotherhood. Pi Sigma Epsilon welcomed with open arms the 23 members that are now part of our family. PSE hopes that the recruitment process was a positive experience they could go back to, as well as a stepping stone to keep growing as an individual within the business fraternity. “The most valuable thing I have learned from PSE these last few weeks is how the connections I make now can go a long way and lead to lifelong friendships and support. Many of the brothers whom I've gotten to know and have been friends with are so welcoming and inspiring that it makes me want to be an even more involved member of PSE. My brothers also inspire me academically and the office hours and new member ed guidance on professional development have also been really helpful,” Gayatri Thiru said.
Most valuable [thing] I have learned from PSE is that there are so many different paths to success both in life and at Kelley, so don't get caught up when you see others doing cool things because your path is not theirs.
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Ivan Matthew points out that the, “Most valuable [thing] I have learned from PSE is that there are so many different paths to success both in life and at Kelley, so don’t get caught up when you see others doing cool things because your path is not theirs.” With the fall semester coming to an end, PSE is already having to flip the switch and begin setting up ideas for spring recruitment. Within this upcoming month, Pi Sigma Epsilon will have new brothers become a part of their brotherhood as members of the Eta class. Zeta member, Siddharth Saravanan, gives some advice to his future PSE brothers that will be recruiting in the next season: “Try your best not to be shy, as it is easier to get along with people in a virtual environment if you try to create conversation! It's hard at first, but once you get it going, it's easier than you think.”
Introducing the Zetas HEAR
MORE
SPECIAL CLASS
QUOTES OF
FROM
OUR
NEWEST
BROTHERS.
EDEN AUSLANDER ZETA
"I think the people a part of PSE are all super supportive of one another and can be very helpful for fellow brothers in times of need. Additionally through new member ed, I have also learned more about different aspects of professionalism which is very beneficial. I hope to gain better people skills and improve my professionalism through PSE." -
ANISH BANME ZETA
"My virtual recruitment process so far has been amazing, as I've had a great time connecting with my pledge class virtually while also learning more about the history and Values of PSE. Virtual recruitment has been very smooth in general and is nothing too challenging. I'm enjoying reaching out to many brothers as well."
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Introducing the Zetas HEAR
MORE
SPECIAL CLASS
QUOTES OF
FROM
OUR
NEWEST
BROTHERS.
RIYA UPPAL Zeta
"I look forward to hopefully being able to meet more actives and more of my zeta class in person after being initiated."
MICHAEL AVANT Zeta "My favorite memory from PSE was during the breakout rooms with actives. One member that made an impact on my decision was Hannah. Hannah was the first person that I reached out to learn more about PSE and I got to talk to her more during the recruitment process!"
SANDRA KOWALIK Zeta
"My tips for new students would be to write everything down either on Google Calendar or in a planner.
I always remembered
what events were happening and what I needed to do."
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THE OMNICRONICLE STAFF COLLECTED THE INFORMATION OF THE EPSILON OMICRON CHAPTER TO SHOWCASE THE MEMBERS OF FALL 2020. NO MATTER YOUR MAJOR OR BACKGROUND PSE AT IU FOSTERS PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH, AND IT IS A HOME FOR MANY STUDENTS. epsilonomicron.pse.org
PI SIGMA EPSILON INDIANA UNIVERSITY
ACTIVE MEMBERS 12
FRESHMAN
31
SOPHOMORE
39
JUNIOR
11
Breakdown by year 11.8%
12.9%
33.3%
SENIOR
41.9%
FALL 2020 in state out of state international 22.6% 0
71% 25
50
6.5% 75
100
CONGRATS! Congratulations on completing another semester.
We're proud to have produced an issue celebrating the individuality and hard work of our brotherhood. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. From Inter-Chapter Communications to you- you made it. We never doubted you once.
THE OMICRONICLE