Recruitment Countdown Day 1: Miguel Santiago
1. Why did you join Delta Sigma Pi, and what have you gained from this organization?
My name is Miguel Santiago, a fourth-year accounting student. My experience in Delta Sigma Pi has been the single best investment of my college experience. Delta Sigma Pi is a great organization that truly represents its three pillars: Brotherhood, Professionalism, and Community Service. In my first year, I struggled to make friends and experience imposter syndrome. As a first-generation student, I had no guidance to navigate college or had any professional background. Delta Sigma Pi helped me grow my professionalism and have a group of brothers. I improved my resume and network with other accounting students and heard their experience recruiting. Ultimately, because of the help of my brother, I was able to complete multiple internships and expand my network while meeting long-life friends.
Tell me about your topic and why you’re passionate about it. How has it impacted you? What made you get into it? Tell us anything you want about it!
The topic of my choosing is mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his/her abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to his/her community." Mental health is about creating a balance between all different activities. Our mental health is always at the bottom of our priority list. I grew up in a household where worrying about mental health meant that you were weak. However, that is never the case.
I used to work 40-50 hours a week, plus being a full-time student, plus extra circulars. I didn't realize how my mental health was affected until I started forgetting simple things and frequently got migraines. I always thought that I just needed to ignore and continue "grinding."
After my second year of college, my English professor gave a lecture about mental health and self-care.
She explained that our body is like a car. Every car requires maintenance, just like our bodies. Our bodies need to eat, drink water, and need time to rest so that it doesn't go on overload. It is crucial to know your limits and learn how to say "no."
How can you help your mental health? Taking time to read a book, go for a run, or hang out if friends are essential to maintaining good mental health. My personal favorite is watching a movie with a nice glass of pinot noir.
Any advice for prospects?
Recruiting: Delta Sigma Pi will help you meet your full potential. There is so much that Delta Sigma Pi has to offer. We are looking for individuals that are motivated to grow professionally and academically. Individuals who want to foster brotherhood and enjoy having a good time. Don't limit your friend group because more people want to help you succeed. Brothers want to get to know you but also get to know the brothers.
Mental Health: Saying "no" is never easy but establishing boundaries for yourself and others is essential. If your mental health is not at 100%, then everything you are involved in will not be receiving your 100%. Consistency and discipline is the key for a healthy mind. Try to keep a calendar, do some physical activity, and limit your social media use. Instead of having the Instagram app, have the Kindle app and read a book about anything that interests you. A good mentor of mine once said, "anyone can take the physical things, but what they can't take is your knowledge."
Suppose you have any further questions or just want to chat. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or by email.
Thank you,
Miguel Santiago
