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.  

"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! 

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!

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.

You are LΘVED

Wake lost a great person today. I knew Pillow, and while we weren’t best friends, he still found a way to work his way into my life. I talked to him 2 days ago, he was the definition of a Southern gentleman, and he made everyone’s day a little bit better by being around. I went to Andrew Pillow’s remembrance gathering, and I was overwhelmed by the love I saw.

At least a hundred people were crammed into the mailroom in Benson. People talked about funny memories, cried, and just remembered what a force for good Pillow was. I looked around the room and saw people were holding hands, comforting each other, and just being together. They shared stories, we laughed and we cried, and it was clear Pillow left a profound imprint on this campus.  I wondered if he knew what a great impact he had on so many people, and how loved he was. Pillow mattered at Wake, and I can only hope he knew that.

I wanted to take a second and say to always remember that you matter. You matter to me. You matter to your family. You matter to all of your sisters. You’ve positively impacted me, Theta, and Wake just by being yourself. Today made me pause and reflect on how short life is, yet how impactful that short time can be. It’s so easy to get caught up in schoolwork, studying, the social scene, and everything else we do, but I urge you to take a second and reflect on what you’re thankful for. I’m so thankful for a variety of things: my family, my faith, my friends, and my sisters.

I encourage you to take a moment and tell someone how much they matter to you, and how much you love them. And, remember you are loved. You are loved so much more than you ever imagined.
 
Theta LΘVE and mine

Keiffer + Koalas + Theta = LOVE

Keiffer is thankful for koalas.

And her Theta Sisters.

Happy Theta Thursday. Celebrate by watching the Koala Kam live from the San Diego Zoo's Koalafornia Dreaming exhibit: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/koalafornia/koalacam.html

Koala and Keiffer Love.

ELC's - Courtney Lynch

It's officially my favorite season of the year - fall! Though the warm sunshine that summer brings is a treat, the fall brings some of my most favorites things. I smile thinking about cozy sweaters and scarves, boots, football season, colorful trees, crispy crunching leaves, brisk air, candy corn, Halloween, and of course, the pumpkin spice latte.

However, it's not just my seasonal favorites that fall brings; just as the leaves change, I realize how my own life is changing too. Looking back to one year ago, I'm attending Miami University where I spent the semester student teaching and pursuing a degree in special education. I was wrapping up my term as Chief Executive Officer of the Gamma Upsilon chapter and anxiously waiting for our alumnae members to return for Homecoming weekend. Flash forward to today, and I'm walking in completely different shoes. I'm still serving the Fraternity, but in a much different context, currently not using my teaching degree and this time, it's me who is returning to Miami for Homecoming weekend. Change happens fast. But as I look forward to the leaves turning and watching the skyline light up with the brilliance of fall, I'm ready to turn the pages in my book of life and embrace this change. This semester, I'm looking forward to exploring the abundance of parks around Winston-Salem, cheering on the Demon Deacons at Wake-Forest University football games and watching the Zeta Omicron chapter evolve and grow. I'm reminded to spend some time reflecting on the changes occurring in my life and as the leaves fall, I know, everything is falling into place. Happy fall, y'all!