SIGMA KAPPA SORORITY

Moving into college is a very scary feeling as a freshman. Living on your own after being home with your family for the entirety of your life poses a great challenge because everything is so new and you are alone. Thankfully, I was able to meet some girls prior to moving in, which helped the transition process, but I was still looking for lifelong friendships like the ones I had at home. The conversations I had with girls in the fall semester always circled back to the big question, "Are you going through recruitment in the Spring?" My answer was always, "Yes!" I wanted to be apart of an organization on campus that made the University feel smaller. Joining Sigma Kappa in the Spring semester of my freshman year did just that and so much more. In fact, it turned out to be one of the best decision I could have made in college. I joined a sisterhood of girls with different interests, career goals, and personalities, but who all had the same drive and passion for an organization. Everyone is so supportive, uplifting, and welcoming of one another and ultimately I have created friendships that will last a lifetime.

Additionally, joining Sigma Kappa has allowed me to achieve personal growth as well as learn invaluable leadership and professional skills that I will carry with me forever. Below are the positions I have held:

Bid Day Chair December 2019-December 2020

As a sophomore I decided to run for the sorority's executive and officer board as the Bid Day Chair because I wanted to get more involved. In this role, I learned how to stay organized, plan ahead, maintain a budget and overall learn how to properly run an event. Moreover, I was able to use my creative skills to craft decorations, paint banners, design t-shirts, and set-up the venue. Also as Bid Day Chair, I had a committee of sisters to manage and with that, I learned how to use my knowledge to direct and teach others what is expected of the workload.

Assistant Vice President of New Member Education September 2020-December 2020

Come Fall semester of my junior year, the opportunity arose for someone to take over the Assistant Vice President of New Member Education (Assistant VPNME) role and the head VPNME reached out to me to see if I was interested. She expressed to me that I was the perfect person to do this because of how she saw me successfully plan Bid Day. I was honored and could not past down this chance. That said, I accepted the position and became the Fall member class's Assistant "Pledge Mom". In this position, I strengthened my communication, organization, and leadership skills. Essentially, I was one of the two people that the new members considered their immediate point of contact if they needed any questions answered; holding me accountable, helpful and overall, reliable.

President December 2020-December 2021

In my junior year, I was slated in the role of President. Earning this spot on the executive board is one of my greatest accomplishments to date. I didn't initially run for this position, but I knew I was up for the job. The slating committee saw potential in me that I did not and having the support of the sorority, believing in me, was my motivation to succeed.

In this position I learned many things about myself as well as how to take charge. As one of 9 members of the executive board and an addition of 21 other officers, I learned how to work effectively in a group setting and how to handle difficult decisions by communicating effectively. The President has to put bias aside and know when to intervene if something needs to be addressed. Many times I had to put my foot down and make an executive decision. I was able to increase my organization skills but maintaining reports, signing necessary paperwork, communicating daily with members, and keeping an up-to-date calendar with deadlines. Additionally in this role, I had to attend ample amount of meetings with the University and Sigma Kappa Nationals to stay up-to-date. I scheduled weekly chapter meetings to inform members of new information and ways to initiate growth and overall guided the sorority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of 200 women.

It has truly been an honor to serve as the chapter's President this past year and has made such a positive impact on my life. I am so grateful for the experiences and opportunities the role has given me and being a member of Sigma Kappa is the experience that has best prepared me for the professional world.