HonorSociety.org Chapter President Spotlight: Alpha Lambda at The University of Texas - El Paso

Fandi Zapien, a 3rd year student at The University of Texas - El Paso, has been a member of Honor Society for two and a half years. Coming up on her third year as a member, she has become the president of the Alpha Lambda Honor Society chapter.

Fandi began her efforts to found the chapter in 2015 and since then has been working hard to cultivate the Honor Society community on the UTEP campus. Her upcoming goals for the chapter include hosting more events for the members to get to know each other better and plan upcoming community service and networking events for the chapter members.

As the chapter president, Fandi demonstrates her leadership both on campus and off campus. Most recently, she visited an orphanage in Mexico to help put together a Christmas celebration for the children.

We had the chance to talk to Fandi to discuss her presidency and for you to learn more about her experience. Read about her experience as an Honor Society Chapter President below.

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What made you join and look forward to being involved with Honor Society?

When I got the invitation, I was very flattered and I thought that the Honor Society would be a great opportunity to connect with other students in my school and in other universities. The prestige and great opportunities that Honor Society could offer me was what sealed the deal.

How has being a member of Honor Society helped you academically, professionally or both?

It has helped me academically in my classes and to gain more recognition from others, but professionally has opened many doors for me, it shows that I'm a dedicated student and that I belong to an elite of students.

What made you decide to apply to become a chapter founder on your university’s campus?

I've always wanted to be involved in school events and activities, so this was a great opportunity to connect with others.

How will the Honor Society chapter benefit your university’s community?

It will be of great benefit because it can open the doors to many other students who have similar goals as me.

What is your major? What drew you to that major?

Multimedia journalism. I always wanted to be a writer and I like to be in touch with what's happening in the world so this seemed like a great path to follow.

What do you do in your free time?

I'm the editor of two online magazines, one in English and the other one in Spanish. I'm currently writing a fiction book and I work as a scribe for students with disabilities.

What impact do you want to have on the world and on your community?

I want to leave a positive mark in the world. I want to be recognized for all my effort and hard work and for everything that I have achieved.

Why do you think it is important to be an active member of Honor Society?

Because it gives you the opportunity to connect with others, there's always something new on the website and if you look around, you can find some freebies that will make your student life easier.

Why are community service and networking opportunities important elements of professional development?

They are crucial, because when we leave college, there's a world out there waiting for us and if we have a few people that we met on these events on our side, it can be of great help.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you succeed. Tell us about a time they were a huge influence on you.

My mentor is one of my journalism professors, he has helped me with my career development and to push a little harder so I can get what I want with hard work.