Kaley Hoffman, junior Kaley is currently studying in Aix-en-Provence, France for the semester at Aix-Marseille University with French students. “My university is now the biggest in all of France. It is a very big change from Ohio Wesleyan University. There are over 20,000 students. I am in a small French grammar and phonetics class consisting of 12 students who are from all around the world including Korea, China, and Columbia. I absolutely love it here. I am living with a host family and another girl from California named Kimberly and I spend most of my weekends traveling. Why not? By the end of the semester, I will have been to 8 countries including: Spain, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France. France has completely stolen my heart, not only because of all the cheese and bread I have been eating, but the love I have felt from complete strangers welcoming me into their homes and their lives. Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. I miss all of my sisters and I am thinking of them constantly.” Lizzy Wynne, junior Lizzy is in Tanzania studying East African Cultures; African Medical Systems; Women, Development, and the Environment; and has an internship at the Tanzania Youth Alliance, an organization dedicated to educating youth about important social issues (such as HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence) and how to become successful in employability and entrepreneurship. “A funny story from our first few weeks in Tanzania while we were camping in Tarangire National Park: We were legitimately camping within the park which is open to all of the wildlife living there - lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and everything in between. All 8 of us OWU students were sitting at a table under a small, lit pavilion late at night talking. We were just lounging at the table, when all of a sudden we hear a very loud grunting come from what sounded like very close to where we were sitting. Within a second we were all on our feet - chairs flew in all directions, water bottles flew from the table, we were all screaming as we sprinted towards the tents. After all of us piled into one tent, I realized that I forgot my camera on the table. I made Addy come walk back to the table with me to retrieve it. So we grabbed my camera and began to speed walk/anxiously jog back to the tents when a ranger pops out of nowhere, a big gun strapped over his shoulder. He asked us what was wrong (we were pretty loud in our scramble to the tents), and we apologized for the commotion, saying we heard a loud animal noise that frightened us. He chuckled and had us follow him over to the pavilion. He pointed his flashlight to the area where the noise came from - lo and behold; it was a group of impalas cuddled up (for those who don't know, impalas are small, deer-like animals). We felt pretty silly as he laughed at us and told us that we will be okay. When in Tanzania, sleep where the lions are, right?” By Saige Bell, senior I'm always asked why I waited so long to go Greek, or why I even went through recruitment at all. Most people go through recruitment their freshman or sophomore year, but rarely do they go through formal recruitment during their junior year. If I'm being really honest, it's mostly an accident that I didn’t go through recruitment earlier; freshman year, I forgot to sign up, sophomore year I signed up too late, and then I was abroad first semester junior year so I had to wait until formal recruitment in the spring. But I'm so thankful that I kept messing up, because it let me to Theta. I'm not the same person I was freshman year, or even sophomore year. I’ve changed in so many ways both big and small, and I think that if I went Greek earlier in my college career I would have had an entirely different experience, maybe even ended up in a different sorority. Of course, all the sororities are great and are filled with wonderful girls, but Theta is that and so much more for me. During recruitment, the Theta house constantly reminded me of one ideal that I still think holds true: we are sisters for life. It couldn’t be truer. My sisters are so cool, funny, super supportive and do so many incredible things all the time. My sisters make me want to be the best version of myself, for me and for Theta. We, as Theta sisters, expect the best from ourselves and from each other in every way. We focus on being strong leaders and members of the community, have high academic goals and make so many efforts to help those around us through philanthropy. I'm constantly amazed by everything we represent and try to do. I know that no matter where I end up in life, I will always be able to look to them for help, support, or inspiration. Above all, Theta represents a network of incredible women that I am proud to call my sisters. By Laurie McGregor Connor, '77 It’s hard to believe that I’ve been a Theta for 40 years. I pledged Gamma deuteron in October of 1973, worked hard to make my grades, and initiated January 10, 1974. It was a very special event for me and many of my hometown Findlay friends surprised me which contributed to the joy. Reading all of the notes was meaningful and I took the ceremony seriously. I can honestly say that I learned most of my leadership skills from my experiences with Theta. I was pledge class president and leaped right into Panhellenic Representative. I eventually served as treasurer and president of Panhellenic. I didn’t really know much about the job, but my sisters thought I could do it and supported my efforts. They believed in me and that has been a constant throughout any endeavor I have undertaken. I’ve had a lot of different positions in Theta, locally and internationally. Each time I’ve been asked to assist, I said “yes.” And I have cherished each experience. I always meet women I want to be like when I’m working with Theta volunteers. Each woman has a special talent or characteristic that I admire. There is always something new to learn. Tonight is the Columbus Alumnae Chapter’s annual potluck which I always look forward to. I know I’ll see long-time friends and meet new gals. It is so true-Theta is for a lifetime and I am grateful for the journey! By Emma Drongowski, Junior Prior to formal recruitment my freshmen year, the only Greek letter I was familiar with was Sigma, and that is largely because it caused me to get a C in math my junior year of high school. Nobody in my family is part of a Greek organization, and I had no real reference point to understand what sorority or fraternity life was like. I had gotten an impression from movies, TV shows, Facebook posts, and news headlines, none of which were particularly positive. While I understood why Greek life would appeal to some, I didn’t think it was my cup of tea, and I didn’t think I was coordinated enough to do the complicated hand symbols. Despite my preconceived notions, it was impossible to ignore or dispute the vibrant, colorful, positive enthusiasm of Greek Life at OWU. I was constantly impressed with the organizations with Greek letters that I could never remember in the correct order (for a month leading up to recruitment, I referred to my future house as Theta Kappa Alpha), and I began to seriously consider going through Formal Recruitment. The women around me were constantly defying my stereotype of a Sorority Woman. As I was becoming more sure that it would be something that I was interested in, I became more anxious about telling others of my growing interest. While my family never discouraged me from going Greek, I know that they were skeptical of the process. I knew that others held the exact same stereotypes that I did, and was genuinely concerned that I would be judged based on my association with a Greek Organization. Despite my concerns, the woman who eventually would be my great-grand-big convinced me to try out recruitment, and I signed up long before I told anyone that I had. God Bless my mother, who would anxiously call after each day of recruitment, asking which houses I had been asked back to. She learned the correct names of the houses sooner than I did, and quizzed me on the ones that I liked best. She began to see how important the process had come to me, and was more relieved that I was when it was all over, eager for me to find my home away from home. Come Monday, after being told to go find our bids, I found myself sprinting across the snow to our dorms, and then sprinting again back to the houses to join the women I would soon have the honor of calling my sisters. As I sprinted through the freezing weather, I texted my mom to let her know the exciting news. She could tell how excited I was, and joined me (through technology) in celebrating. Prepared for the onslaught of teasing and questions, I had long speeches rehearsed on the benefits of Greek life, I could list a litany of facts on Greek involvement and GPA, and I could vehemently shoot down criticisms of sorority life…and yet I have found I have used my speeches, lists, or arguments very little. My family and friends skepticism did not go away suddenly because I joined and claimed I loved it, but instead they saw for themselves how Kappa Alpha Theta has been an amazing positive force in my life for the past two years. The best moment of my Greek experience so far was when I was going through a minor crisis (as college students are prone to do), and called my mom to tell her how my sisters had been there for me every step of the way. “Wow,” she said, “you are really lucky to have such amazing sisters.” I am. I really am. I have not had to convince them that my sisters have been my biggest cheerleaders, instead they saw that when I organized an event for another club I was involved in, half of the audience was my sisters, excited to support me. I have not had to prove that my sisters were there for me when times got tough, because my family knows that they were there to drive me to the airport at 10pm for a family emergency, and then back again at 6 am when my flight was canceled. I have not had to assure them that Greek life has taught me leadership skills, instead they saw how I have grown more confident and been willing to take risks for my future. While I don’t think that my biological older sister will ever get used to me calling other women my sisters, and my dad has every right to tease me about the silly Theta songs that I sing, my family has seen first hand how Kappa Alpha Theta has been integral part of my college experience. They are nothing but supportive of this amazing organization that I get to be a part of for the rest of my life. My sisters have defied every stereotype I had going into college. They are intelligent, caring, thoughtful, wise, silly, generous, compassionate, creative, energetic, and yes…they do lots of weird hand symbols that I still am pretty bad at. Through my experience with Kappa Alpha Theta, I have gotten rid of any fear I had about being part of a Greek Organization, and would gladly shout from the rooftops, “I AM A SORORITY WOMAN!” By Ellie Feely, '14 When I first started school as a freshman at Ohio Wesleyan, I didn’t know anyone. I made friends my first semester, but it was not until I joined Theta that OWU felt like home. I expected the fun activities and new friends that Greek life would bring, but I was not expecting the lifelong friendships, strong support system, and endless opportunities that Theta offered me. Theta has pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone, try new things, and achieve more than I ever thought I could. My sisters became my role models. During my time at OWU I had experiences I never would have dreamed of, and I owe much of this to the support and encouragement given to me by Theta. Always having a Theta sister near by for support made each new experience and opportunity more exciting and less nerve wrecking. With each passing semester, I became more involved in Theta and grew dependent on the support given to me by my sisters. As graduation drew closer, my anxiety rose with the thought of leaving this wonderful group of women who helped make the most of every moment during my time at OWU. Following graduation, when it came time to join the real world, I felt like a freshman all over again. After accepting a job in Charlotte, North Carolina, I realized that once again I was in a place where I didn’t know anybody. However, within days of accepting the job, a 2014 Theta graduate from Tulane posted in the Kappa Alpha Theta LinkedIn group that she was looking for a roommate in Charlotte. After talking with her further, we decided to be roommates. It seemed too perfect, and although I had never met her, I felt a sense of comfort knowing that Theta would grow with me into the next phase of my life. I never though much about Theta beyond OWU, to me “Theta for a lifetime” meant staying in touch with my pledge class, raising money for CASA, and maybe going to an alumni event. However, just months after graduation, I experienced how Theta truly is for a lifetime. Whether it is networking for a job, finding a roommate, or getting to know a new place, Theta is always there. I am grateful for Theta and the ways it has enhanced my college experience, given me comfort in the “real world” and I look forward to exploring the different ways I can grow with theta in the future. By Meghan Finke, Junior When I joined Kappa Alpha Theta I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As a freshmen meandering through my first semester of college I was eager to get involved but cautious with my time. Although I enjoyed OWU, I even considered transferring because I didn't feel as though it was a place to call home. Recruitment – for which I signed up on a whim – was a whirlwind of nerves, emotions, and excitement. When I received my bid card and ran to the arms of joyful strangers, I still did not truly understand what I had just opened my heart to. I was not fully prepared for what a home Theta would become for me. I found not only friendship but also an experience that transcends that simple word. My sisters have been present in my life in a way not simply shaped by convenience. Theta women have become my teachers, my ideals, and my biggest cheerleaders. When I think of the term "role model" I picture a static role but they have embodied friendship, ambition, and faith in the most dynamic way possible. Some of my wildest, goofiest memories have been formed with these women, yes, but being part of a sisterhood has surpassed all of my expectations. These women modeled the way for me to take advantage my liberal arts experience, helped me find my voice, and embody new leadership roles. I have found the courage to try new experiences. I no longer meander around campus, unsure and intimidated by my future. When I joined Theta I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I would recommit myself in a heartbeat. I encourage you to watch our Sisterhood Video and consider how becoming part of a sisterhood could impact you. Be more. Be bold. Be Greek. By Caitlin Burton-Dooley, sophomore
Last year I was presented with a life changing opportunity - becoming a sister in Kappa Alpha Theta. I was a freshman and so, along with dozens of other girls ranging in age and grade level, I went through formal recruitment. The whole experience felt like a fairy tale. We spoke to people who seemed genuinely interested in telling us about their houses, their history, their sisters, and their philanthropies. They were also equally interested in learning about us and making us feel comfortable in our new surroundings. There was a very real camaraderie among all of the people who had a part in the weekend and it kept all of us from feeling awkward, but rather very welcomed. The week before formal recruitment, one of my friends (who is now my sister) was constantly telling me to keep an open mind because I had a certain preconceived ideas of sorority life, and it was not something I particularly wanted to be part of. However going through the process taught me that the phrase, “not four years, but for life,” was very true here at OWU. Greek life on this campus transcends the ideas of sorority life that exists in pop culture and is something that I am very glad to be a part of. By Lauren Moore, junior On the day before spring recruitment in January 2012, I had been almost kicking and screaming as Maggie, the senior at the end of my hall, pulled me by sweatshirt sleeve to my laptop. “I PROMISE it’s a good idea. You have nothing to lose, and at the very least, you’ll meet some other freshman girls over the weekend!” She brought up the Greek Life Formal Recruitment sign-up on my browser and turned the screen around to face me. “If I didn’t think you had awesome potential, I wouldn’t be pushing so hard.” And so it was on that day that I, the most skeptical, anti-Greek life, pessimistic freshman girl at Ohio Wesleyan, signed myself off to the madness that is recruitment—two days past the deadline. I went through the five houses, all with Greek letters plastered to the front of their otherwise normal, suburban neighborhood homes, all with happily chanting and clapping girls in matching t-shirts, all with a host who knew my name. The surprising thing was that no house was more popular than another. These girls all spoke kindly of the other chapters, and each house bragged about their philanthropy, their sisterhood, and how much their college experience had been enriched since joining. And every house had its fair share of diversity—these women were not cookie-cutter sorority robots like you see in movies. Every single house was appealing and inspiring, and as time passed and my fondness for them grew, I knew I was digging myself into a huge, hypocritical hole. At the end of day one, I was about 78% certain that I wanted to play the recruitment game—if I was invited back to any of the houses. Luckily, I was called back to four! My group continued through the houses again on day two, and my last house was at the end of the street—Kappa Alpha Theta. The moment I knew for sure that I wanted to be a Theta was when I saw them on the second day dressed in a bright myriad of colors and styles of dresses. At one point, I found myself talking to six sisters at once. They all had totally different clothing styles, spoke in different tones, and had diverse interests. Between the six of them, they covered nearly every aspect of OWU’s campus, were highly involved and driven to succeed. I hung on to their every word, and they also showed genuine interest in what I had to say. When Mady, the recruitment officer, called everyone’s attention, my heart sank. I reluctantly said goodbye to my entourage of older, impressive, and experienced college girls – Sarah, Chelsea, Chelsea, Allyson, Emily, and Rachel – and felt a sharp pang of dread in my stomach. I was so close to finding a place at OWU where I could branch out and become a better version of myself, when I realized it could all be taken from me in an instant. I only had one more day to convince the Thetas that I was one of them. I felt strangely panicked. Maggie, the Rho Gamma in my hall, checked in on me. She laughed at how suddenly concerned I was and assured me that I would end up in the house that was my own perfect fit. Then she sent me to bed after a hug and a spirited “SEE, I TOLD YOU SO!" I tried not to smile so big when I walked into the Theta house a third time, but I couldn’t help it. Mady stepped forward and announced us: “Kappa Alpha Theta welcomes Lauren Moore.” One of the sisters I had talked to before stepped forward and walked me into another dimly lit room, where a kite made of twinkle lights lit up a wicker basket on the floor in the middle of the room. When everyone was arranged in a tight circle around it, the sisters began to place items into the box that were special to them because of Theta. Two years later, I’d be placing my own object into the box as a junior. We then filed downstairs where tables were set with cheesecake, strawberries, and sparkling grape juice in glass flutes. Here, I read a heartfelt note from my host. Someday, I’d be on the other side as a sophomore, watching a girl I grew up with read my own letter to her and becoming flushed with joy. I don’t remember the rest of that final day. I don’t remember going to class the next day, bid day. I remember the Rho Gammas teasing us about being so nervous and jumpy. I remember forgoing the elevator and skipping stairs to the 5th floor because I didn’t want to wait in the mass of freshman girls who were on the verge of a complete and utter emotional roller coaster ride. And I remember calling my mom, hardly able to breathe, after I searched through the bids on my suite’s floor to reach my own. I never ran so fast in my life. In fact, I don’t ever react to things like I did that night. The clattering of pots and pans and thunderous clapping erupted from the five houses on Winter Street, each one full of powerful women screaming and singing at the top of their voices, welcoming more into their respective circles tonight. I sprinted, hardly able to catch my breath, all the way to the end of the street. All at once, I fell into a dozen hugs, with fifty-some voices saying, Welcome home to Theta, Lauren! I never realized before then that a home need not be just a building. On that night, a sisterhood became the strongest form of love, aside from family, I would ever know. As I got to know my pledge class and became initiated, I learned. I learned so much, and I never stopped. I learned that I was now connected to a quarter million women across time and space who believe in the same values I do. I learned that I love who I am, thanks to my sisters helping me see this. I learned that I am a leader who would follow in her sisters’ footsteps to hold chapter positions, leadership positions on campus, and real internships and jobs that I never thought I was capable of. I learned that I’m not too shy to dance, even though I’m still awkward about it, and that I’m not alone in my need for constant inspiration, love, and validation. Greek life isn’t for the ditzy girls in movies. Greek life is for the powerful, leading women who are changing the world, one campus at a time. What Kappa Alpha Theta has given to me is something I wish upon every other college woman in this day and age. Recruitment may have proven me wrong, but being wrong never felt so good! How Theta has helped me grow as a Leading Woman By Emma Sparks, sophomore I am an introvert. While it may seem like I’m stating this fact so that you can get a better picture of who I am, I’m actually declaring to the world: I am an introvert! And I am proud! It hasn’t always been easy for me to admit this fact and it’s definitely not something I’ve declared to the world before. I used to hate being introverted. In fact, I used to convince myself that I was unable to do certain things because I was an introvert. In high school, I was in love with singing and was fascinated by theatre. But I told myself that because I’m an introvert (and my face would, without a doubt, turn bright tomatoey red during every performance) I could only take on small roles or just watch in awe from the audience. Throughout grades K-12 and even during my freshman year of college, I believed that my introverted nature was a disease that crippled me in any and all social situations. This completely changed when I became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta last fall. After the first few weeks of being in Theta passed and the excitement about all of the newness died down a bit, I felt anxious. I remember looking around the room before each chapter, seeing the shining faces of my new sisters, and noticing all that they were doing inside and outside of the house. I often thought to myself, “how in the world would I fit in here with all of these inspiring leading women?” I slowly convinced myself that I would just lay low and enjoy all of the events and wonderful women as a quiet bystander. Then came fall retreat. During one of our bonding activities a sister told me that even though I was quiet, I was a leader. She said that I brought people together and I made them feel comfortable and loved. I cannot begin to express how much those words meant to me. It was like a fire was ignited in my introverted heart and all of a sudden I didn’t care about my tomatoey red face. I wanted to participate. I wanted to try new things inside and outside of the chapter. And so I did. Since that moment, I have done things that my high school self never dreamed of doing and my sisters have been beside me every step of the way, cheering me on and encouraging me to adventure even farther outside of my comfort zone. I’ve tried out for solos, performed in front of large crowds (once as Aaron Carter, even!), interviewed for leadership positions... the list goes on and on. Even being able to sit with a group of sisters and tell them a dorky pun without fear of them judging the red face that comes along with it is uplifting and exciting! Being a sister in Kappa Alpha Theta has taught me that introversion is not something to be ashamed of and it doesn’t mean that I can’t be a leading woman. I have made so much progress in the past year and each day I feel more and more me. While I know that I did this work on my own, it’s clear that Theta has pushed me along on this path; I will forever be grateful for those well-intentioned nudges. And so again I declare to the world: Here I am! I am an introvert and I am proud! |
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April 2015
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