Give Thanks.

“Hope now. Believe now. Love now.”

– Anon

As I continue along my journey up and down the East coast, the leaves have begun to fall off the trees and the weather has caused me to wear my new winter coat more often.  This time of year always reminds me of Thanksgiving and my travels have continued to remind me of what I have to be thankful for…

Beta Zeta, University of Maryland

Some of the Beta Zeta ladies at the Alzheimer's Memory Walk!

Something that I was most impressed with while at Beta Zeta was the friendship that the chapter women have with one another.  I had the opportunity to attend a haunted house, Homecoming soccer game and the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk while I was in town.  Although I have participated in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk for the past few years, this year was especially meaningful to me.  As we walked, I had the opportunity to talk with various chapter members about their families and friends.  We talked about our memories as we walked to support a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  I am grateful for my memories of the past as well as those that I continue to create this year along my journey.

Delta Pi, Lock Haven University

The VIP House I stayed in while I was visiting Delta Pi!

After a brief few days in Maryland, it was back to the lovely state of Pennsylvania for a visit to Lock Haven University.  While at Lock Haven University, I had the honor of staying in the VIP house!  The VIP is a five bedroom home located on campus that organizations can rent out for when they have visitors in town.  I thoroughly enjoyed my VIP status while I was in town.  More so than being a VIP, I enjoyed meeting the chapter members through various sisterhood events.  It was apparent to me that the women truly care about one another.  They want one another to be the very best versions of themselves.  I had the privilege of attending two Halloween sisterhood events while I was in town and forced myself to overcome my fears of haunted houses and Halloween movies.  Bonding with the chapter members reminded me of my friends back home.  I am grateful that I have continued to remain close with my friends and Sorority sisters, despite the fact that we have all moved across the country.

Theta Psi, The Pennsylvania State University

The Palmer Art Museum at Penn State University!

Another reason why I love this time of year is because we get to celebrate the founding of our wonderful organization.  I had the opportunity to celebrate Founders’ Day as well as the Week of Giving at The Pennsylvania State University.  At an informal meeting the women reviewed who our founders are and the mission statement of our organization.  My favorite part of the presentation was when they talked about what the values are that make our organization unique.  Then, as part of their chapter’s Resp∑Kt Campaign, they brainstormed ways to live out our values in everyday life.  The chapter women made it clear that even though our organization was founded 136 years ago, it is very possible for women today to continue to define our letters by living our values in our everyday actions.  After the meeting, we then had a birthday party for Sigma Kappa complete with ice cream and sundae toppings!  I am grateful that I am a member of a sisterhood that was founded by strong, empowering women. 

Although I may be miles and miles from those that I love, there are reminders all along my travels of what I have to be thankful for everyday.  What are you thankful for this year?

XOXO

B

Exemplifying Service

First off, I would like to apologize for my lack of blogging over the last two and a half months.

Back to the beginning…Since August, I have had the opportunity to visit the women of Zeta Kappa in San Angelo, TX once a month.  During my September visit, the chapter held their big/little reveal.  The big sisters were “presents” to the little sisters.

One of the "presents"

Val jumping up to surprise her little

Later that week, the chapter participated in a local Memory Walk. The closest walk was about two hours away!  The walk was held at the Abilene Zoo so we enjoyed giraffes, zebras, tigers, and more.  Just as the walk started, it began to POUR down rain.  Not just a light drizzle, but a downpour.  Zeta Kappa stuck it out and walked through the rain.   Not only did they walk in terrible weather, the women stayed after and helped clean up the site.  While completely drenched, they loaded chairs, tables and food into the Uhaul.

Zeta Kappa before the walk...and rain

Mackenzie, Mikah and Amanda drenched at the end of the walk

 

On my way back to Miami, I stopped in Dallas to visit my friend Katelyn (also a Sigma Kappa) who works for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  I got a VIP tour of the new stadium and off site practice areas.

Katelyn and I on the 50 yard line

 

I was SO excited to be in the practice room where DCC: Making the Team is filmed.

Next job?

We also went to the Texas State Fair where we tried all kinds of fried creations including a peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwich, cheesecake and Frito Lay chili pie.  Needless to say we left in a food coma.  We also saw the world’s largest boar, a dog show and a diving show

Largest state fair in the nation!

A fried peanut butter and jelly with bananna sandwich. Absolutely delicious.

Earlier this month I headed back to Zeta Kappa where the women were in the midst of their first Ultra Violet Rockathon.  The chapter divided into four teams and each team decorated a rocking chair.  For over 12 hours, each team had a representative rocking in their chair at all times.  They also raffled off the rocking chairs.  Zeta Kappa raised around $1200 for the Sigma Kappa Foundation.  I have been so proud to watch these women consistently live our value of service

Roscoe Ram proposed. Wedding details to come.

One of the four chairs decorated by the women. So cute!

More blogging to come about my time in Miami soon!  – Dana