December Leading Woman

Meet Our December Leading Woman: Ashlyn Gavornick

Major: Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, with minors in Spanish, Music, and Psychology.

Hometown: St. Louis

What are your career/life goals? I am currently pre-med and would like to attend medical school in the future. Eventually, I would love to work in Pediatrics. 

What is your favorite part about your major and why did you choose it? I initially picked my major for the diverse opportunities it could provide. I had always loved science and thought that biochemistry would allow me to discover new interests. After two years and taking several biology classes I decided to add it as a second major because I enjoyed the biology classes I had taken so much. So far, my favorite part of biochemistry has been getting to learn about the little things. I have always found the small body processes so interesting and like being able to truly understand how my body works on such a deep level.

What are you most excited for about your future career? I am most excited for the connections that can be made through Pediatrics. I have always worked with kids and have loved every second of it. I would love to get the opportunity to build a get to know and support my patients over many years and watch them grow up. 

What organizations or hobbies are you passionate about? I am involved in several other organizations on campus, but the two I'm most involved in are Phi Delta Epsilon, a pre-medical honors fraternity, and Caring for Columbia, an organization that runs the largest student-led day of service. Outside of school I really love baking, embroidery, and running.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you? Theta has taught me so many things, but most importantly it has taught me confidence. I have had the opportunity to speak in front of the chapter, work with many different groups of women, and welcome new members into this chapter, all of which have allowed me to grow. However, being in this chapter has also allowed me to confidently be myself. Theta has allowed me to find sisters who let me be me, no mater what. 

What does Theta mean to you? It's hard to put in words what Theta means to me because it has been such a cornerstone of my college experience. Theta is friends who are always there for you. Girls who will study with you, cry with you, and party with you. Its spontaneous adventures and late night conversations. This chapter is full of so many genuine and beautiful women, and I am honored to lead them this upcoming year. 

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen? My advice for underclassmen is to soak up every opportunity Theta gives you. The years go by so fast so it's important to make every moment worth it. The connections you make with your sisters are so valuable and the experiences you have at Theta will last for your whole life. Even small sisterhood events or meals at the house can lead you to your best friends, future roommates, and bridesmaids, so don’t miss them!

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory? My favorite Theta memory was a big little reveal this year. I had the honor of serving as Vice President of Education this past year which meant I got to know the new member class really well. Part of my job also included helping with matching big little pairs and putting on bid day. After a stressful rain delay the weather miraculously cleared for a few hours and I got to watch the girls I had welcomed into our chapter run to their bigs. It was such a rewarding moment to see just how excited everyone in our chapter was, and the joy was overwhelming. I love this moment especially because it showed me just how much true sisterhood is in our chapter. 

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What are your career/life goals? I am currently pre-med and would like to attend medical school in the future. Eventually, I would love to work in Pediatrics. 

What is your favorite part about your major and why did you choose it? I initially picked my major for the diverse opportunities it could provide. I had always loved science and thought that biochemistry would allow me to discover new interests. After two years and taking several biology classes I decided to add it as a second major because I enjoyed the biology classes I had taken so much. So far, my favorite part of biochemistry has been getting to learn about the little things. I have always found the small body processes so interesting and like being able to truly understand how my body works on such a deep level.

What are you most excited for about your future career? I am most excited for the connections that can be made through Pediatrics. I have always worked with kids and have loved every second of it. I would love to get the opportunity to build a get to know and support my patients over many years and watch them grow up. 

What organizations or hobbies are you passionate about? I am involved in several other organizations on campus, but the two I'm most involved in are Phi Delta Epsilon, a pre-medical honors fraternity, and Caring for Columbia, an organization that runs the largest student-led day of service. Outside of school I really love baking, embroidery, and running.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you? Theta has taught me so many things, but most importantly it has taught me confidence. I have had the opportunity to speak in front of the chapter, work with many different groups of women, and welcome new members into this chapter, all of which have allowed me to grow. However, being in this chapter has also allowed me to confidently be myself. Theta has allowed me to find sisters who let me be me, no mater what. 

What does Theta mean to you? It's hard to put in words what Theta means to me because it has been such a cornerstone of my college experience. Theta is friends who are always there for you. Girls who will study with you, cry with you, and party with you. Its spontaneous adventures and late night conversations. This chapter is full of so many genuine and beautiful women, and I am honored to lead them this upcoming year. 

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen? My advice for underclassmen is to soak up every opportunity Theta gives you. The years go by so fast so it's important to make every moment worth it. The connections you make with your sisters are so valuable and the experiences you have at Theta will last for your whole life. Even small sisterhood events or meals at the house can lead you to your best friends, future roommates, and bridesmaids, so don’t miss them!

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory? My favorite Theta memory was a big little reveal this year. I had the honor of serving as Vice President of Education this past year which meant I got to know the new member class really well. Part of my job also included helping with matching big little pairs and putting on bid day. After a stressful rain delay the weather miraculously cleared for a few hours and I got to watch the girls I had welcomed into our chapter run to their bigs. It was such a rewarding moment to see just how excited everyone in our chapter was, and the joy was overwhelming. I love this moment especially because it showed me just how much true sisterhood is in our chapter.