Cossette Powley, Zeta Omicron, University of Arizona
While on the road, I have been fortunate to have traveled to some very different places! I thought it was going to be easy considering that I’m from Arizona. I mean, I am from the only state that naturally grows cacti (plural form of cactus) and no matter where I look I can see a mountain. I really miss the mountains, and I was so lucky to have just visited home! Anyways, aside from taking advantage of the wonderful scenery, I wanted to share some of the trends or must haves I’ve seen at the places I have visited thus far.
–Tervis…I am a huge FAN.
– Erin Condren Planners, I still pet it like it’s a golden egg..for real though.
– A hair bow that perfectly matches the comfort color tank top, they’re not just a thing…it’s a movement.
– Lilly Pulitzer anything. This was quite a shock to discover for some women that the only Lilly item I own is my cellphone case!
Lastly, my all time favorite is that of the perfectly draped cardigan. I think this style has revolutionized my life. I consider myself blessed for being shown this during LC training this summer! #blessed
This time last year I was studying abroad in China. I was so excited to be in Asia for the first time that my body was in complete sensory overload. Everything was different, new and exciting, and I wanted to absorb all of it. In China, I had a professor who, in just a month’s time, became a mentor and a friend. It was evident, to the 24 of us on the trip, that Professor Mulcahy was filled with the most contagious sense of adventure and life. Everything he seemed to say became this life-changing piece of advice that a year later I find myself referring back to.
Katie (my little), Professor Mulcahy and myself in Hangzhou, China
Professor Mulcahy challenged my way of thinking. He forced me to think outside of the box and said that to be successful one has to be intentional, strategic and persistent. My favorite piece of advice he gave me was to “always make the ask.” He would always say that it can never hurt you to just ask; there are only three answers: yes, no, or no response at all.
To some, this is obvious, but asking for something you are nervous to ask about can be terrifying; it can be paralyzing. He challenged us to count “our asks.” Start by saying, this week I am going to make five asks. In the beginning, it’s uncomfortable, so he told us to develop a plan: who were we meeting that week, what would be something we would like to get from that meeting, and what should we ask that person to help us reach the end goal. After setting an ask goal and counting each week, keep building until it becomes second nature; keep asking until you reach a no.
As we studied the entrepreneurial ecosystem of China, I realized that this is key to being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is about taking chances when they present themselves, about embracing risk, making connections and never fearing rejection. Rejection is uncomfortable but entirely too common, and the sooner you embrace it, the sooner you will get over the fear of it.
As I have been on the road as an LC, I have realized that this is key to being a successful woman. The more you ask for in life, the more you will get, the more successful you will be, the more confident you will become. This piece of advice has completely pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s now something I think to myself every time an opportunity presents itself and the only thing that is in the way of achieving it is me needing to make the ask. This advice has allowed me to become a better leader, a more confidant woman, and an inherent entrepreneur. So thank you, Professor Mulcahy. I will keep making the ask.
As I have mentioned, I LOVE GREY’S ANATOMY. While it is arguably the best show to have ever been created, it also has taught other Grey’s lovers and myself some very valuable life lessons. But one personal favorite of mine is the magical half-minute known as: The 30-Second Dance Party.
DISCLAIMER: Nowhere in any of this text can the idea of me actually being able to dance be found. I’m horrid at it. I have two left feet and am as awkward as it comes on the dance floor…but I will say I am never embarrassed to break it down. Anywhere, anytime… ask Theta Omicron!
The 30-Second Dance Party can be an instant mood changer. Whether you are in between events during recruitment and have a few seconds to spare to get people pumped up, under a piping hot tent tabling about your love for Sigma Kappa, or in a downright crappy mood, you can’t not feel happy after you dance! I’m pretty sure it’s scientifical and all about endorphins or whatever so just go with it.
My Top Three Dance Party Songs
Where Does the Good Go by Tegan and Sarah: The Grey’s Anatomy Classic for when you’re really trying to channel your inner Christina and Meredith.
All About that Bass by Megan Trainor: Perfect for when you’re needing a quick confidence boost!
Run the World by the Queen Bey: No better song for when you just can’t contain your sass.
Madison Weissinger, Theta Omicron, Arizona State University
I have TEN songs for you that will get you moving. These tunes will help push yourself to take the next step and just go run it out! These are the songs that when I start saying those typical lines of, “my legs hurt,” “I am too tired,” and “this is too hard,” they just keep me strong and going to the next level. You may be asking yourself, what makes a great workout song? The simple answer is that it just pumps you up and gets your body moving! Here are my top ten favorite!
#10: “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot
#9: “A’int No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye
#8: “All for you” by Janet Jackson
#7: “Break Free” by Ariana Grande
#6: “Pop” by N’Sync
#5: “Fergalicious” by Fergie
#4: “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce
#3: “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child
#2: “Applause” by Lady Gaga
#1: “Till the World Ends” by Britney Spears
Now there is not much that is better than really having some motivating songs to keep you moving. When you are on the go like today’s college student usually is, then sometimes all you need is that pick me up to get you going. Utilize these songs to get you moving. You may learn that you actually love these songs just as much as I do, especially number one! Always a Britney fan!
One of the best parts of a lifelong sisterhood is that it sometimes pops up when you least expect it. You never know where you’ll meet a Sigma Kappa, and it’s just the most amazing feeling when two of you meet in unforeseen circumstances. I started thinking about this after my drive back to Pittsburgh from Delta Rho at James Madison. I stopped at a rest stop to use the restroom and happened to be wearing a Sigma Kappa shirt. A lady tapped me on my shoulder and squealed with excitement when she realized we were sisters! She was an alumna of the Delta Delta chapter! So I compiled a list of some of my friends’ favorite moments randomly meeting Sigma Kappas. Here some good ones:
“I walked into a store in downtown Chicago a few years ago wearing letters and one of the employees ran up to me yelling “Dove Love!” and she gave me a hug!”
“My first day of student teaching, the lady who walked me to my classroom saw my Sigma Kappa bag and happened to be a Sigma Kappa too.”
“My favorite co-worker is also a Sigma Kappa and when we are traveling alone on work trips we sing ritual songs in the car.”
“I traveled halfway across the world for study abroad and it was so comforting when I found out another member of my program was also a Sigma Kappa!”
“I found out recently that my godmother’s sister is a Sigma Kappa! We bonded over our college experiences.”
“I met a Sigma Kappa at a gas station on our way to Florida for spring break!”
“I sat down for a job interview, and it turned out that my interviewer’s mother was a Sigma Kappa. He couldn’t say enough about the impact it had on her life. I got the job, then got to meet her!”
You never know when you are going to meet a Sigma Kappa or where it might happen. Sometimes it surprises you just when you need it most. Speaking from experience, you may not know her, but whenever you have that ‘Sigma Kappa Sighting’ I promise it will make your day!
Gabriela Rodiles, Theta Omicron, Arizona State University
My big, bouncy curly hair has been part of my identity since I was young. It doesn’t surprise me when I get asked the question, “Soo…umm…what…what are you ?” I know the individual is questioning my ethnicity, which created the combination of my curly hair, green eyes and light skin. I typically answer that I am half Cuban and half Norwegian, but don’t really know where these curls came from.
Little Gab with bleach blonde curls…and some sass.
The consultants know after living with me over the summer that there is a whole system behind-the-scenes of the curls. As unpredictable as they can be, especially with the addition of this Houston humidity, the curls actually have quite a predictable week span. I sleep on a silk pillowcase every evening to ensure I can get the most out of them for six-seven days. After mastering the routine over the last 22 years, I am now opening up with the secrets. Day One: The Crunchy Look
The crunch of curly hair comes when product is freshly blow dried on the curls. This mousse or gel is usually some kind of anti-frizz serum that locks in their shape for a few days. Sleeping on the curls overnight softens them to look on point the next day.
See how the curls look very defined?
Day Two: The best day.
Day two is the prime day for rocking the curls. Not going to lie, I typically plan to do my hair a day ahead of time if I know I have an event or photographic moments coming. The frizz is still contained by this day and the curls are defined, but soft.
Thank you for cooperating, curls!
Day Three/Four: “That’s why her hair is so big, it’s full of secrets.”
These two days are when you really start noticing the frizz escaping. In Houston, the humidity kicks in and there’s no more saving the “hair down” look. By now, it’s big and full and there’s no stopping the size.
Look! I found my future son!
Day Five: Low ponytail day.
Depending on how day four looks, I may even start the pony a day early. The low ponytail is a go-to style because it can be dressed up or down, but is a way to combat the frizz I get on top of my head. It still lets the curls shine in the back, and for once, pulls the hair away from my face.
The classic look.
Day Six/Seven: Repeat process.
Depending on how the curls look by now, I could possibly stretch for a high pony doused with hairspray, or start the process over again.
Some things just never change.
Hope you have enjoyed getting an insight into the behind-the-scenes of my curly hair. Just remember, the most important thing is to embrace what makes you you and be proud of it!
Danielle Hall, Alpha Theta, University of Louisville
I think it is safe to say that it has become a fad in today’s society to openly express a love for bacon. I’m a part of this overwhelmingly large group of people that feel the need to not only enjoy bacon, but create a lifestyle around the LOVE for it. For me, it all started with appreciating the simple, yet wonderful B.L.T. sandwich. Now, I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t immediately drawn to the menu options that include bacon. Below are some of my bacon “favorites.”
Fast Food Option: The Baconator (or Junior) from Wendy’s.
Recipe I Have Successfully Completed: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Dessert Item: Bacon Maple Donut
It has become popular to also have bacon-flavored items. I have tried many of these, including an enticing box of bacon-flavored popcorn, but it just isn’t the same. There are, however, a few bacon-flavored items that I would suggest staying VERY far away from: bacon lip balm, bacon toothpaste and bacon soap. The smell of bacon cooking is the most wonderful way to wake up in the morning, but the smell of bacon on your breath and body is not to be encouraged.
I do however fully support the trend toward bacon-themed household items! For bacon lovers such as myself there are bacon pajamas, bacon wall art, and even gifts for friends of bacon lovers. Below is one item that I tried to get my mom for Mother’s Day this past year…but she sadly didn’t appreciate the gift as much as I did. It was a lesson that sometimes “it’s the thought that counts” is NOT all that matters!
Non-edible Related Bacon Item: I Love You More than Bacon Coffee Mug (WARNING: the recipient may not be as thrilled as you are.)
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