Happy Birthday to the classiest, kindest, and most studious group of women on campus, Kappa Alpha
Theta! Since Jan. 27, 1870 women of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity have become leaders and role
models all over the United States as well as in Canada. Theta currently has more than 135 chapters
at colleges and a total initiated membership of more than 230,000! These upstanding ladies wear the
letters with pride and demonstrate to the world what Theta means to all of us lucky enough to be
members. Personally, I have only been officially a member of Theta for a little over a week, but I can
already say I feel incredibly blessed. Theta stands for scholarship, leadership, service, and so many other
virtues I hold near and dear to my heart. The members of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, both on Wake’s
campus and nationwide are some of the most impressive women I have ever met. I know being a part
of Theta will provide me with lifelong friends, just as it has been doing for women since 1870. So happy
birthday, Kappa Alpha Theta, may you forever fly high!
Kappa Alpha Theta at Wake Forest University
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Finding My Way Home
When people told me about Wake Forest they said "that school is so beautiful" that "you must be really smart to get in" and that "it's really, really preppy." No one really told me how out scared I would feel, no one said that you may feel out of place, that people are cut-throat competitive, and that the place is nothing like home. When I thought about Wake Forest before I knew what the school would be like, I was so excited and I kept saying I just wanted to get out of my town, but move-in day something felt strange. I kept telling myself I should keep positive, things will turn up, but this school was nothing like my high school. I felt like if I weren't trying to get straight A's, becoming the president of my own club, or running a marathon on top of my 17 credit hours and extracurriculars, then I just wasn't working hard enough. All I wanted was to go home. I wanted to be surrounded by people who loved me. I thought I wanted to transfer.
Even though I practically left my house the last day of winter break in tears, I still came back. I decided to go through the week of hell, also know as sorority recruitment week, and I thought to myself that if I still didn't like it then I would just leave the school, no big deal.
There's this stigma that sororities are for the girly girls, the ones that only own Lilly Pulitzer and Lulu Lemon in their closet, and LOVE glitter. It's funny... When I was talking to a girl in theta she said "I am not really the sorority type of girl... In fact I really don't like the idea of them at all." I was shocked, but each girl I met from theta showed me that being yourself was actually okay for once. There was no "mold" that the Wake Forest Bubble had created for us, and if there were a "stereotype" it would be how none of us are the same product of society. I did not believe I would change my mind about this school, not that it is a bad place at all, the academics are challenging and I love it, but I am the sweatpants, hair pulled back, breaking a sweat at the gym kind of girl, and I was afraid I didn't fit in. But these girls are my home. They are silly, friendly, loving, and wonderful, and they are the original purpose of a sorority- to provide a safe haven for women when they need it.
Monday, February 24, 2014
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY
Allow me to indulge
for a moment and say: Happy Birthday to us! It has been a year since this
lovely group of women assembled together on campus, brought together by our
lovely ELCs to help a diverse and wonderful group of young women to reestablish
the Zeta Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at Wake Forest University. And
look at us now.
We have flourished and have definitely
sent positive vibes all across this campus. The way I see it, our chapter has
grown in so many ways and I am so happy to have watched this evolution. In case
you haven’t noticed (and because I am just so proud of the lovely women I can
call sisters) I’m going to recap just a few of the highlights for me over the
past year . . .
First of all, we pulled off several
amazing philanthropy events, CASA Royale last spring, Tie-a-Thon this fall, and
have put together another outstanding CASA Royale this spring. Secondly, we’ve
not only survived, but thrived during recruitment week, with quirky and
endearing components to each day’s event, and the best part of that week is
what it brought us—our wonderful, lovely, and newly initiated new members!
Finally, I just want to point out the significance of our presence on campus.
This
may not seem that important, but as a big believer in the ripple effect and the
wonder in small things, I would like to say that this holds so much more
meaning than I think anyone could convey. I hear great things about our sisters
from people on campus all the time and I don’t know how many times I’ve heard
“I love Thetas!” by people who have seen or directly experienced what we’ve
brought to this campus. And in case you were wondering, this is what we’ve
brought to campus: we are a diverse group of lovely young women who respect and
love each other and we each have something important to contribute to this
campus. Furthermore, as the always lovely Sam Larsen put it, we are a group of
individuals who refuse to be defined by a sorority, but rather, who define a
sorority by the standards we believe it should have and we have taken this
sorority to soaring heights (probably because we’re flying high on those kites,
man).
One
year ago today, I had no idea that the group of women I met at Kappa Alpha
Theta would be some of the most dedicated, creative, and fun people I have ever
met and I can honestly say that I am so happy, even honored, to have a place
among them all. This sisterhood has accomplished so many great things already,
I know we’re on a roller coaster that’s only going up, so enjoy the ride my
lovelies!
TLAM
Friday, February 14, 2014
1 year later
I’m constantly being asked, why I decided to join Kappa
Alpha Theta and charter an organization on campus. I could easily say that it
was so that I could define my sorority and not let myself be defined by my
sorority, I could say that it was to follow in my Grandfather’s footsteps (he
charted a fraternity at Miami University of Ohio), or I could say that it was
to leave a lasting impact on the university that gave me so many opportunities.
Looking back, when I decided to join Theta it wasn't because any of these
reasons but rather to simply be a part of the Greek community on campus. As
much as it pains me to admit this, this statement was true a year ago. After
going through recruitment and having to think about why I joined Theta and how
I could communicate the reasons to a PNM in hopes of inspiring them to join our
(AWESOME!) organization, I realized my reasons for staying in Theta are
different from my reasons for joining Theta. The sisterhood and sense of
community I have found in theta rings true to what everyone says about
sororities, my sisters are there for me through thick and thin and inspire me
to be the best version of myself that I can be (however cliché that sounds, it
is 100% true). I stayed a Theta because it gave me a place to succeed, and also
provided me with a group of girls who believe in me and truly think that I can
and will be successful. Theta gave me the courage to try new things; joining
this organization was like taking a step into the unknown, no one had any idea
of what the future of this organization. After receiving a not so great grade,
I question my place at this university academically, after a disagreement with
my roommate, I question my behavior, after a pit sit, I question what goes into
the food on this campus. Not once as being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, have
I ever questioned my place in this organization or whether it was the right fit
for me. I am forever indebted to Kappa Alpha Theta for giving me lifelong
friendships, providing me with the skills necessary to succeed on campus and
also at my future job, giving me the courage to try new things, and most
importantly motivating me to be the best version of myself that I can be.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
"Everything is going to be OKAY"
It's that
time of the year when Red Starbucks cups are the most common accessory. It's that
time of year when you enter the ZSR when the shine is shining and leave close
to sunrise while double fisting diet coke and espresso all night. It’s the most
stressful time of the year when we all make promises to ourselves about better
study habits next semester.
Here’s a list of friendly reminders to keep sane during the
insanity that is finals week:
1) From the wise words of Kid
President, “Everything is going to be okay”. Right now, it seems like this one
grade is going to make us or break us. A common thing that a lot of us forget
about (myself included), is that this one grade won’t matter in a month. We’ll
have moved on to new classes and our priorities will have shifted. Although
these grades do matter and are important, don’t forget about your health (both
physically and mentally)! Take a break to read a book, watch a movie, take a
trip to miller, have a pit sit with your sisters (Stress-eating makes everyone
feel better), or just take a nap and recharge. Honestly, everything will work
out fine in the end. Don’t take this mantra as a reason not to study, but
rather as a reason to not over study and to know when enough is enough, like
when you start drinking that fourth venti coffee (I’m guilty!).
2) Focus on the positive,
whether the positives from the semester or what you have to look forward to
after finals (home cooked meals and shoeless showers). This will make everyone
much happier and relieve the stress as a result of “Work Forest”. A positive
aspect of finals week, we survived another semester and now get a month long
break to recharge before recruitment (and also to learn all the songs/chants!).
Another positive of finals week, calories don’t count and diets don’t matter.
Another positive of finals week, being done with more divisionals and classes
that don’t interest you (never having to run a mile and a half for a grade EVER
AGAIN). These are usually things that marathon
study sessions in the ZSR don’t highlight about finals week, but they make
finals week a little more bearable. Often times, the positives outweigh the
negatives and if you can focus on the positives then the stress of finals weeks
seems a little easier to bear.
3) Sisters are the best support system! Lean on a
sister when stressed out for a listening ear, a study partner, or just someone
to goof off with and relax. I’m here for anyone who needs anything at any point
during the week (and at any time outside of finals week), and I think that a
majority of our sisters feel the same way. Misey loves company, and that’s what
sisters are for! It’s reassuring to know that everyone is feeling the same way
and going through the same things. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a sister in
a class and study together, talking through information is a great study tool
and quizzing each other is even better!
Good luck to everyone as the first
day of finals is approaching!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Theta Thanksgiving Thursday Post from Bettie!
Happy Theta Thanksgiving Thursday!
Top 5 things Bettie is thankful for:
1. The wonderful women of Zeta Omicron
2. Our incredible ELC's, Alyssa and Courtney
3. Our confidence, passion and kindness
4. An amazing semester so far
5. Family and friends to share Thanksgiving with!
Have a wonderful day!
Top 5 things Bettie is thankful for:
1. The wonderful women of Zeta Omicron
2. Our incredible ELC's, Alyssa and Courtney
3. Our confidence, passion and kindness
4. An amazing semester so far
5. Family and friends to share Thanksgiving with!
Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
What I'm Thankful For - Lauren Hunstad
Being in
a sorority has given me so much to be thankful for. My sisters are incredibly
amazing women and they inspire me every day. I would be lost without their
friendships and support. Not only have my friendships with girls I already knew
been strengthened, but my new Theta friendships have grown to be equally
strong, sometimes stronger. Each and every sister brings something unique and
special to our organization and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it as
well.
I am thankful for all of the opportunities that Theta has given me. I never realized my full leadership potential until I joined Theta and saw other girls looking up to me and depending on me. I feel like Theta has given me the chance to do something bigger than myself. Our service and philanthropy work touches the lives of countless individuals on our campus and in our community. This impact is real and it makes me so proud.
Finally, I am thankful for my Theta little sister. Having a little sister to support and mentor has been an amazing experience and I have loved being there for her. The best part however, is how she has supported and mentored me too! I never even anticipated how strong our relationship would become. Although it began with popping a silly balloon, my relationship with my little has evolved into one of my most meaningful college relationships. She inspires me to be the best version of myself. She encourages me to make the tough, but important, decisions. She motivates me to stay positive and to keep a smile on my face, especially when she always has one on hers. Even when I am faltering or want to take the easy route, she is there to remind me that I can do better and I deserve to do better for myself.
My little has a smile that can light up a room and she always brightens my day. I would be absolutely lost without her. I have no I idea how I survived before I met her. And I will be eternally thankful that she, and all the women of Kappa Alpha Theta, are a part of my life.
I am thankful for all of the opportunities that Theta has given me. I never realized my full leadership potential until I joined Theta and saw other girls looking up to me and depending on me. I feel like Theta has given me the chance to do something bigger than myself. Our service and philanthropy work touches the lives of countless individuals on our campus and in our community. This impact is real and it makes me so proud.
Finally, I am thankful for my Theta little sister. Having a little sister to support and mentor has been an amazing experience and I have loved being there for her. The best part however, is how she has supported and mentored me too! I never even anticipated how strong our relationship would become. Although it began with popping a silly balloon, my relationship with my little has evolved into one of my most meaningful college relationships. She inspires me to be the best version of myself. She encourages me to make the tough, but important, decisions. She motivates me to stay positive and to keep a smile on my face, especially when she always has one on hers. Even when I am faltering or want to take the easy route, she is there to remind me that I can do better and I deserve to do better for myself.
My little has a smile that can light up a room and she always brightens my day. I would be absolutely lost without her. I have no I idea how I survived before I met her. And I will be eternally thankful that she, and all the women of Kappa Alpha Theta, are a part of my life.
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