If you have been following us and our blog, or would like to start following Delta Xi's continuous work on campus please find our blog on: http://deltaxisquirrels.blogspot.com/.
Thank you.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Leadershape
By: Amanda Van Meter
My experience at LeaderShape was amazing. I learned so much about myself that I never realized before I went there. I also realized that reaching my goal is possible and LeaderShape equipped me with the skills to make it possible. I grew so much in those six days.
When I first arrived at LeaderShape, I realized that I was probably the oldest one there and that I would not fit into what was going on, that I would be out of place. So automatically I put this barrier into my brain, so the first night I really didn’t get into all the activities, I just was a bystander watching what happened. That became one of my gages to work on and I accomplished. As a group it took us forever literally to pick out a name for our group, but we finally come up with Pangaea. I must say that we were the best group ever after that first day. We all really bonded and really worked well together.
The next few days were amazing from the low ropes course, where we all worked together as a team to overcome obstacles. Even though it was just a ropes course it really taught me that you have to listen to everyone’s ideas and not to get frustrated when your ideas are not heard right away. I can use this throughout my career as a teacher because I am going to have to work with a wide variety of children and parents that think and act different than me.
I loved the balloon activity that Pangaea did together as a team. This taught me that you don’t have to be so competitive. As a team we accomplished the goal of building the biggest balloon castle, but we didn’t stop there. We got greedy and wanted it to be taller so no one could match ours and that’s when it all came crashing down, by being to competitive when it was not necessary, caused different problems that were not anticipated or planned for. I will be able to use this knowledge in my career and also achieving my goal by not over extending my abilities.
The biggest impact in my life came from the DISC test. I never realized that I had a dominate personality. This was a shock to me, because I am very shy and quite until I get to know people, I don’t like being rude or mean. When I first saw that I was a D. I was like no way, but after stepping back and looking over the descriptions I totally am D. I realize now that it is not a bad thing and that I can embrace being a dominate personality without being rude or mean or any other horrible thing. Through this test I learned how to work with different personalities and what other types of personalities will succeed at doing things that I can’t. This is something that I will use my whole life, not just at a job or college, but in everything that I do.
All the knowledge that I gained from the short few days I was at LeaderShape has changed my life for the better. I now know how to reach my goals in my chapter, my life and also my personal goal that I worked on all week to develop into a vision that I want to accomplish in my lifetime. I realized that my vision doesn’t have to be all done in one summer but by setting goals, steps to gain ground and being specific on what I want, and being open to others ideas, I can accomplish my vision. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity that was given to me. I will never forget it, and will use all the skills I learned my whole life.
My experience at LeaderShape was amazing. I learned so much about myself that I never realized before I went there. I also realized that reaching my goal is possible and LeaderShape equipped me with the skills to make it possible. I grew so much in those six days.
When I first arrived at LeaderShape, I realized that I was probably the oldest one there and that I would not fit into what was going on, that I would be out of place. So automatically I put this barrier into my brain, so the first night I really didn’t get into all the activities, I just was a bystander watching what happened. That became one of my gages to work on and I accomplished. As a group it took us forever literally to pick out a name for our group, but we finally come up with Pangaea. I must say that we were the best group ever after that first day. We all really bonded and really worked well together.
The next few days were amazing from the low ropes course, where we all worked together as a team to overcome obstacles. Even though it was just a ropes course it really taught me that you have to listen to everyone’s ideas and not to get frustrated when your ideas are not heard right away. I can use this throughout my career as a teacher because I am going to have to work with a wide variety of children and parents that think and act different than me.
I loved the balloon activity that Pangaea did together as a team. This taught me that you don’t have to be so competitive. As a team we accomplished the goal of building the biggest balloon castle, but we didn’t stop there. We got greedy and wanted it to be taller so no one could match ours and that’s when it all came crashing down, by being to competitive when it was not necessary, caused different problems that were not anticipated or planned for. I will be able to use this knowledge in my career and also achieving my goal by not over extending my abilities.
The biggest impact in my life came from the DISC test. I never realized that I had a dominate personality. This was a shock to me, because I am very shy and quite until I get to know people, I don’t like being rude or mean. When I first saw that I was a D. I was like no way, but after stepping back and looking over the descriptions I totally am D. I realize now that it is not a bad thing and that I can embrace being a dominate personality without being rude or mean or any other horrible thing. Through this test I learned how to work with different personalities and what other types of personalities will succeed at doing things that I can’t. This is something that I will use my whole life, not just at a job or college, but in everything that I do.
All the knowledge that I gained from the short few days I was at LeaderShape has changed my life for the better. I now know how to reach my goals in my chapter, my life and also my personal goal that I worked on all week to develop into a vision that I want to accomplish in my lifetime. I realized that my vision doesn’t have to be all done in one summer but by setting goals, steps to gain ground and being specific on what I want, and being open to others ideas, I can accomplish my vision. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity that was given to me. I will never forget it, and will use all the skills I learned my whole life.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Learning Every Day
By: Colleen Rothner
Alpha Gamma Delta has been such a great blessing in my life. And after a semester of learning, I knew that it was time that we got to take over and start doing on our own. But what I didn’t realize is that we will never know everything there is to know. So even though we are on our own, I am finding that I learn new things about Alpha Gamma Delta every day. Some days its simple things, but in this past two weeks there have been two things that have really stood out to me, and I would like to let other people know too.
1. Camp Alpha Gamma Delta, I always knew that Alpha Gamma Delta supported children with diabetes by raising money throughout the school year. But what I just found out is that many girls volunteer throughout the summer at different summer camps that are for kids living with diabetes. The camps teach the kids both the importance of learning about living with the disease and things they can do, but also the importance of letting them know they are just normal kids. Summertime and camp have always been fond childhood memories for me. So the fact that Alpha Gamma Delta supports kids going to summer camp, made me even more excited about the sorority that I already love. (and I am looking forward to next summer, and maybe that I could hopefully help out)
2. SIS grants, Having sisters who are close and I know that I can count on is great and that is what drew me to a sorority in the first place. But what I didn’t know was about SIS grants and how they are here to help. SIS grants are funded through the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, and it is a grant that can be given to any Alpha Gamma Delta, in any walk of life. Grants can be given to women for anything ranging from helping girls be able to go to grad school to a woman who have recently lost their jobs and might need help getting back on their feet. Regardless of the reason it is great to know that Alpha Gamma Delta is always there to help.
With a new school year ahead, it is great to know there is more to learn, and I am looking forward to every bit of it. Alpha Gamma Delta has been a great edition to my life. And I am excited for the many new things that will happen this year!
Alpha Gamma Delta has been such a great blessing in my life. And after a semester of learning, I knew that it was time that we got to take over and start doing on our own. But what I didn’t realize is that we will never know everything there is to know. So even though we are on our own, I am finding that I learn new things about Alpha Gamma Delta every day. Some days its simple things, but in this past two weeks there have been two things that have really stood out to me, and I would like to let other people know too.
1. Camp Alpha Gamma Delta, I always knew that Alpha Gamma Delta supported children with diabetes by raising money throughout the school year. But what I just found out is that many girls volunteer throughout the summer at different summer camps that are for kids living with diabetes. The camps teach the kids both the importance of learning about living with the disease and things they can do, but also the importance of letting them know they are just normal kids. Summertime and camp have always been fond childhood memories for me. So the fact that Alpha Gamma Delta supports kids going to summer camp, made me even more excited about the sorority that I already love. (and I am looking forward to next summer, and maybe that I could hopefully help out)
2. SIS grants, Having sisters who are close and I know that I can count on is great and that is what drew me to a sorority in the first place. But what I didn’t know was about SIS grants and how they are here to help. SIS grants are funded through the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, and it is a grant that can be given to any Alpha Gamma Delta, in any walk of life. Grants can be given to women for anything ranging from helping girls be able to go to grad school to a woman who have recently lost their jobs and might need help getting back on their feet. Regardless of the reason it is great to know that Alpha Gamma Delta is always there to help.
With a new school year ahead, it is great to know there is more to learn, and I am looking forward to every bit of it. Alpha Gamma Delta has been a great edition to my life. And I am excited for the many new things that will happen this year!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Your Happy Ending: OWN IT!
By: Rula Andriessen May 27th 2010
I've always loved fairy tales. The castles, the dresses, the crowns, the drama, the prince...I love it all. I used to collect purses, keychains, tshirts, books - anything that even breathed the idea "royalty". When Disney produced The Princess Diaries, I was in heaven. What a story! I used to think the best part of the movie was the end...Mia is beautiful, she's wearing the crown, and she's in her own airplane flying above a beautiful view of her new estate.
Now, though, I prefer the scenes leading up to that happy ending. They're full of questions and full of opportunities for Mia to embrace growing up. My new favorite scene is the one on the basketball court involving Mia and her best friend Lilly. Mia tearfully confides that she doesn't think she's ready to be royalty. Her best friend - pushy, but wise beyond her years - takes Mia firmly by the shoulders and says "Wanting to rock the world, but having zip power? Like me? Now that's a nightmare. But you? Wow. WOW is having the power to affect change. What more of a miracle do you want?"
Do you have friends like that? It’s always a great moment in a friendship when one friend can help another see things clearly. This line of the movie has been in my head all semester when I think of you all.
You, like Mia, have an awesome role - a founding member of the 2010 Delta Xi Chapter. Just like Mia, you have an even greater responsibility - to be an innovator, a catalyst for change. You have great friends who will help you see things clearly when your plans seem unattainable and fraught with failures. In short, you have the power to affect change.
Change and innovation were two of our most popular discussion topics this year. We usually found that
asking questions was a good way to come across the best answers as to how to affect that change. Do you remember our sisterhood retreat, and the innovation challenge we took? Spend 25 minutes per day questioning your status quo.
Well, as my time with the title "Leadership Consultant" grows small, I'll embrace my role as your sister and your friend and ask you some parting questions in the hopes that you'll see your role for the coming years more clearly.
First, I want you to think about your happy ending as a collegiate member of Delta Xi. You're wearing the robe at graduation on a sunny day in Arizona, and something amazing has happened. Something absolutely outstanding has happened in the Greek community that people can't stop talking about. And it wouldn't have happened if you weren't Greek.
-First, who is standing by your side? Fraternity implies that great things come to those who work together for a common purpose greater than themselves. Who has supported you in the long process that culminated in your happy ending? If you could guess today, name those people.
-As they've supported you, you've supported them in their successes. How?
-You learned an important lesson and it's changed the way you think about your relationships with people and the world.
What would you like to challenge yourself to learn by being Greek?
-With the knowledge that you acquired, what do you want to change about Greek life? What seems easy to ignore, but shouldn't be ignored?
-What do you like and want to enhance?
-How will you affect ONE life on campus by creating change in Greek life?
You have the power to affect change. It starts by challenging your Greek community and yourself with intelligent questions.
So, start asking yourself every day:
-What has Alpha Gamma Delta given me?
-What have I given to Alpha Gamma Delta?
-Am I actively embracing the power to affect change?
-How?
-Do I understand my place as a potential catalyst for change in the chapter and the community? If not, what am I doing to work toward that understanding?
-What's holding me back from starting right now to be the best sorority member I can be?
-How do I want to make Alpha Gamma Delta - and myself - the very best at Arizona State University?
This semester, every one of you made an important decision to commit - to an organization, yes, but more importantly, to yourselves, your newfound friends, and your potential to write your own happy ending. Wow. ROCK ON, LADIES. YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE POWER.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
ResponseAbility
By: Sondell Cross
“I am convinced my life belongs to the whole community; and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn brightly as possible before turning it over to future generations.”
It is a privilege to help others when you belong to a community. I believe one of the greatest laws of life is to understand our responsibility to a community much greater than ourselves and to learn to sacrifice ourselves for others. We speak the words every week at Chapter meeting, “To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world’s work in the community where I am placed because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied.” It’s fairly easy to serve others with our hands but there are totally different aspects of service that many people overlook. Service is not just helping an elderly woman with her groceries or volunteering in a children’s ward at a hospital; service is something you do with every part of your being. We must also have the ability to listen. I feel that listening is the single best service we can provide to anyone. We must develop an ear that can listen not only to words but can truly hear the strength, compassion, and humility to take action.
This is where Alpha Gamma Delta has forever changed my perspective on listening and calling to serve those in my community and those around me. We all got the opportunity to view the video ResponseAbility- which discusses the effects of bystander behavior. I was truly compelled to do something on a larger level then just decide to stand up to being a bystander. I went ahead and wrote up a testimonial for the program, in hopes my words can encourage other organizations to participate in this wonderful endeavor. And this is what my testimonial consisted of…
“ I am Sondell Cross, a new member of Alpha Gamma Delta- Delta Xi Chapter at Arizona State University. This semester I have been educated on many interesting things that are helping me develop to be the best I can be and will allow the qualities that I bring to shine through my daily interactions not only within Alpha Gamma Delta but as a student at ASU.
Recently, I was introduced to the ResponseAbility - Bystander effect video. This video truly empowered me to make a change in the type of behavior I unknowingly contributed to in my daily interactions within my community. Soon after viewing this video and discussing it with my group, I began observing the effects of bystander behavior all around me. This got me thinking in a much larger spectrum than just implementing this challenge to the Greek Community. At my campus currently the enrollment managers are trying to implement strategies that make Orientations and freshmen seminar programs worthwhile and more substantial.
Viewing the content of this video inspired me to believe that students would take a more active role in their communities if they were encouraged to consider the thought processes and concerning circumstances presented in this material.
I have thought a lot about this idea, and I’m meeting with the Vice President of Provosts, Enrollment Manger, as well as the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions to discuss the possibility of this program becoming an addition to the orientation/first year student curriculum.
I have a strong belief that if presented with the challenge, students will far exceed expectations and contribute to a greater campus environment, and I know this video can provide that direction and expectation for them.
I am fully committed to making this goal a reality. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing Greek community that finds value in presenting lessons like ResponseAbility and recognizes that we ultimately have the power to confront the bystander effect by taking an active step towards making the difference. I feel members of the non-Greek community should have the opportunity to be shown this valuable resource.
I want to thank you for the hard work and dedication you have put into educating students across the country. I am impressed with the positive feedback, and impressed with the positive impact you have made across many university campuses.”
I now recognize, and stand up to the effects of bystander behavior, and without the resources that Alpha Gamma Delta has provided its new members, I don’t know if I would have ever recognized this behavior. I have been inspired to step out of my comfort zone and make that conversation with the Dean of students to provide this program to every student that walks the halls of this campus and for any campus in Arizona for that matter! At this time my efforts are to get this program implemented in our ASU 101 classes as well as get student governments across the state of Arizona to implement it into their leadership conference schedule each year.
Can you believe that just one video provided in a new member education meeting is about to do so much. Imagine what amounts of endless opportunities we have as Arizona State Universities Alpha Gamma Delta- Delta Xi’s chapter to have this effect in many other areas surrounding our campus. I want us all to remember that we all have the power to accomplish great things and we have the support to get it done with the help of the 78 members we initiated this afternoon. I am truly blessed to be among a group of woman that is willing to think outside the box and make a difference and I am so PROUD to be called an Alpha Gamma Delta today! The quote above helps us recognize, The darkness of the entire world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle, nor can a world of skepticism darken the heart of a believer. I hope to spread that light each and every day to remind myself of the passion that I have and to reconnect me to the lights that I know exist across the campus within each and every one of you as well as the other Alpha Gam’s across the country.
“I am convinced my life belongs to the whole community; and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn brightly as possible before turning it over to future generations.”
It is a privilege to help others when you belong to a community. I believe one of the greatest laws of life is to understand our responsibility to a community much greater than ourselves and to learn to sacrifice ourselves for others. We speak the words every week at Chapter meeting, “To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world’s work in the community where I am placed because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied.” It’s fairly easy to serve others with our hands but there are totally different aspects of service that many people overlook. Service is not just helping an elderly woman with her groceries or volunteering in a children’s ward at a hospital; service is something you do with every part of your being. We must also have the ability to listen. I feel that listening is the single best service we can provide to anyone. We must develop an ear that can listen not only to words but can truly hear the strength, compassion, and humility to take action.
This is where Alpha Gamma Delta has forever changed my perspective on listening and calling to serve those in my community and those around me. We all got the opportunity to view the video ResponseAbility- which discusses the effects of bystander behavior. I was truly compelled to do something on a larger level then just decide to stand up to being a bystander. I went ahead and wrote up a testimonial for the program, in hopes my words can encourage other organizations to participate in this wonderful endeavor. And this is what my testimonial consisted of…
“ I am Sondell Cross, a new member of Alpha Gamma Delta- Delta Xi Chapter at Arizona State University. This semester I have been educated on many interesting things that are helping me develop to be the best I can be and will allow the qualities that I bring to shine through my daily interactions not only within Alpha Gamma Delta but as a student at ASU.
Recently, I was introduced to the ResponseAbility - Bystander effect video. This video truly empowered me to make a change in the type of behavior I unknowingly contributed to in my daily interactions within my community. Soon after viewing this video and discussing it with my group, I began observing the effects of bystander behavior all around me. This got me thinking in a much larger spectrum than just implementing this challenge to the Greek Community. At my campus currently the enrollment managers are trying to implement strategies that make Orientations and freshmen seminar programs worthwhile and more substantial.
Viewing the content of this video inspired me to believe that students would take a more active role in their communities if they were encouraged to consider the thought processes and concerning circumstances presented in this material.
I have thought a lot about this idea, and I’m meeting with the Vice President of Provosts, Enrollment Manger, as well as the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions to discuss the possibility of this program becoming an addition to the orientation/first year student curriculum.
I have a strong belief that if presented with the challenge, students will far exceed expectations and contribute to a greater campus environment, and I know this video can provide that direction and expectation for them.
I am fully committed to making this goal a reality. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing Greek community that finds value in presenting lessons like ResponseAbility and recognizes that we ultimately have the power to confront the bystander effect by taking an active step towards making the difference. I feel members of the non-Greek community should have the opportunity to be shown this valuable resource.
I want to thank you for the hard work and dedication you have put into educating students across the country. I am impressed with the positive feedback, and impressed with the positive impact you have made across many university campuses.”
I now recognize, and stand up to the effects of bystander behavior, and without the resources that Alpha Gamma Delta has provided its new members, I don’t know if I would have ever recognized this behavior. I have been inspired to step out of my comfort zone and make that conversation with the Dean of students to provide this program to every student that walks the halls of this campus and for any campus in Arizona for that matter! At this time my efforts are to get this program implemented in our ASU 101 classes as well as get student governments across the state of Arizona to implement it into their leadership conference schedule each year.
Can you believe that just one video provided in a new member education meeting is about to do so much. Imagine what amounts of endless opportunities we have as Arizona State Universities Alpha Gamma Delta- Delta Xi’s chapter to have this effect in many other areas surrounding our campus. I want us all to remember that we all have the power to accomplish great things and we have the support to get it done with the help of the 78 members we initiated this afternoon. I am truly blessed to be among a group of woman that is willing to think outside the box and make a difference and I am so PROUD to be called an Alpha Gamma Delta today! The quote above helps us recognize, The darkness of the entire world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle, nor can a world of skepticism darken the heart of a believer. I hope to spread that light each and every day to remind myself of the passion that I have and to reconnect me to the lights that I know exist across the campus within each and every one of you as well as the other Alpha Gam’s across the country.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Our purpose
By: Emily Tingle
One of my favorite parts of being involved with Alpha Gamma Delta is that I am constantly learning new things about the sorority that make me love it even more. Lately, I have been falling more and more in love with our beautiful purpose. This process began a few weeks ago when we were asked to choose a favorite line or two and think about how they were important to us. While I find significance in the piece as a whole, I must say that my absolute favorite part of our purpose is the closing line, specifically the phrase “and love her for her Womanhood.” I personally interpret this line in two different and equally meaningful ways. First, I take the word womanhood to mean us, the women who make up the organization. I like this interpretation because it reminds me that being a part of this group comes with responsibility. What I do affects the reputation of the sorority which, in turn, is reflected back on me. Although it may not always seem like it, every woman associated with AGD contributes to the atmosphere and reputation of the group, and I want the outside world to be able to love all Alpha Gam women. My second interpretation of this line relies upon a less concrete definition of the word womanhood, a definition that includes everything it truly means to be a female. Something that I have felt for quite some time is that mainstream society tends to only accept female roles that are easy to understand. Many of us were raised in an environment where we were told that girls can be smart OR pretty, attractive OR successful, desired OR respected. It often feels like we are being pressured to pick a side, because if you want to be a CEO you can’t care about having cute shoes. This is as untrue as it is impractical. I believe that womanhood encompasses all of the things, good and bad, that come along with being a girl. When our purpose reminds me to love Alpha Gamma Delta for her Womanhood, it also reminds me to look at myself as a whole woman, not as someone who should be valued only for her physical appearance or her cognitive abilities but for everything that makes me who I am. I believe that my tendency to cry a lot and my love of shopping and my compassion and my strong work ethic all make up my womanhood, and I want to be able to love myself for all of these things, just as I want to be able to love Alpha Gamma Delta for all of her women.
One of my favorite parts of being involved with Alpha Gamma Delta is that I am constantly learning new things about the sorority that make me love it even more. Lately, I have been falling more and more in love with our beautiful purpose. This process began a few weeks ago when we were asked to choose a favorite line or two and think about how they were important to us. While I find significance in the piece as a whole, I must say that my absolute favorite part of our purpose is the closing line, specifically the phrase “and love her for her Womanhood.” I personally interpret this line in two different and equally meaningful ways. First, I take the word womanhood to mean us, the women who make up the organization. I like this interpretation because it reminds me that being a part of this group comes with responsibility. What I do affects the reputation of the sorority which, in turn, is reflected back on me. Although it may not always seem like it, every woman associated with AGD contributes to the atmosphere and reputation of the group, and I want the outside world to be able to love all Alpha Gam women. My second interpretation of this line relies upon a less concrete definition of the word womanhood, a definition that includes everything it truly means to be a female. Something that I have felt for quite some time is that mainstream society tends to only accept female roles that are easy to understand. Many of us were raised in an environment where we were told that girls can be smart OR pretty, attractive OR successful, desired OR respected. It often feels like we are being pressured to pick a side, because if you want to be a CEO you can’t care about having cute shoes. This is as untrue as it is impractical. I believe that womanhood encompasses all of the things, good and bad, that come along with being a girl. When our purpose reminds me to love Alpha Gamma Delta for her Womanhood, it also reminds me to look at myself as a whole woman, not as someone who should be valued only for her physical appearance or her cognitive abilities but for everything that makes me who I am. I believe that my tendency to cry a lot and my love of shopping and my compassion and my strong work ethic all make up my womanhood, and I want to be able to love myself for all of these things, just as I want to be able to love Alpha Gamma Delta for all of her women.
As we move forward as a group I think we should continue to embrace our Womanhood and the different ways it manifests itself in each of us. We should continue to challenge and question what we have been told about what it means to be a woman in today’s society and we should continue to recognize that while being female holds many challenges it also gives us many opportunities. Most of all, we should continue being some of the most innovative and empowered women on campus, all while wearing cute shoes.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Stigmas
By: Colleen Rothner
“Oh, so you’re in a sorority that means you must be (fill in the blank)” I mean, we hear it all the time. And it would be awesome if the fill in the blanks were filled with something like, really smart, or really philanthropic. But I guess that is not the case.
Stigmas are certainly nothing new to me, after all when I tell people that I grew up in Beverly Hills, I get all kind of crazy looks. But in reality I know I am just the same as everyone else, no matter what my zip code is. Now, I know it is going to be impossible to change everyone’s stigmas about where I grew up or because I am in a sorority, but when I first talked to Rula and Hilary, they made me aware of the possibility to change the stigmas that have been associated with Greek life at ASU. As soon as I saw this was a way that I could change someone’s opinions of Greek life, I knew I wanted to be a part of Alpha Gamma Delta.
I knew that people had stigmas about us as sorority girls, but to be honest I kind of thought that it was only other college age people that felt that way. I didn’t really think many people out of college have an opinion. Unfortunately, last weekend I found out that I might have been quite naive in thinking that way. After a lovely brunch for International Reunion Day that was thrown for us by our AMAZING alumni. A group of about 15 of us walked onto the light rail to take it home. I take the light rail almost every day of the week, and have never had any problems. But when I went to sit down, I happened to be sitting next to a random person, she immediately asked why we were all dressed up and what we were doing, and I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I politely explained that we were part of a sorority and we were at a meet, she then went on to yell some profanities that if I was a sorority girls I must be (a bunch of things I would rather not repeat). After politely deciding to get up and walk away, she yelled some more about thankfully I moved because she didn’t want to sit next to me. Then some nice guy politely turned to her and said “you should treat people the way you want to be treated”. The rest of the ride was kind of uncomfortable, but because I decided to isolate myself from the situation I didn’t really think much of it. Then after the lady felt she had nothing better to do, she decided to heckle some others. It was then that somebody finally hit the emergency call button to the driver, and she was asked politely to leave the train.
Overall, I guess what that lady on the lightrail taught me is, that I can’t expect everyone to not judge me, but at the same time, although there might be a lot of stigmas about us, there are also a lot of good people out there willing to do the right thing. And maybe through education and Alpha Gamma Delta, if we can change just one doubter, our job is complete. To throw a little Kardiashian wisdom, I guess I would say, The Pit of my day was that lady and her close minded ways, but the Peak of my day was that I had my sisters by my side, and that even strangers stood up for me, so there are good people out there in the end.
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