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| Rachel (right) with Alpha Phi's NPC Delegate and former NPC Chairman, Sally Grant (left), at the Candlelight Banquet. |
When reflecting on my collegiate experiences as an Alpha Phi,
it’s hard not to smile. I was fortunate to attend Alpha Phi’s Emerging Leaders
Institute last summer as a sophomore member. When the opportunity presented
itself for me to attend convention, I could not wait to reunite with my ELI
sisters from across the country for another summer adventure with Alpha
Phi.
I was already aware the world of Alpha Phi expands beyond
just my chapter from my experience at the leadership institute.
Convention immersed me in the big world of Alpha Phi once again. This time not
only did I find that I am a part of an amazing organization that’s larger than
my chapter, but I learned I also have many alumnae sisters that are very experienced,
accomplished and great at what they do.
Every Panhellenic organization has particular alumnae that
are famous members. Katie Couric, Sheryl Crow and Ashley Judd are
all fabulous sorority women. At
convention I got to hear the stories of women (my sisters!) who are just as
amazing as the pop culture stars we normally highlight.
Sorority women are driven and passionate. Our International
President, Linda Long Boland, said it all by using the famous Isaac Newton quote,
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants.” Alumnae
now and alumnae before them have broken down barriers to be successful in their
fields. We are where we are today because of the women who served as giants
before us. There is still work to be done. Women continue to struggle for equal
opportunity, compensation and respect in the work place. But by following the
examples of the leading women in our organizations we can be the giant for the
next generation.
As a collegiate member, I am inspired by the stories I heard
and the alumnae I met at convention. I saw examples of amazing women who truly
live out the values of our organization. Sorority membership is for a lifetime.
After attending convention I have a greater understanding of what lifetime
membership looks like. How we choose to spend our lifetime is up to us. Why not
‘stand on the shoulders of giants’?
