Senior Spotlight!

Senior Spotlight!

Katrina Drexler

Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Major: Marketing

Accomplishments in college: Deans list, Dance Marathon (four year dancer), order of omega, new member educator for AXO

Favorite meal at AXO: Baked potato bar and chili day

Favorite memory at AXO: Being vp of new member education and all of my best friends

Plans after graduation: Moving to another city and hopefully having a job

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself in Las Vegas with all of my best friends celebrating someone’s bachelorette party.

Advice for underclassman: Don't spend too much time sweating the small stuff, always keep the bigger picture in mind and remember to have fun in college because it truly is the best four years of your life!  

Alyssa Farrell

Hometown: Wesley Chapel, FL

Major: Criminology and Finance

Accomplishments in college: VP Risk Management for Alpha Chi, was offered a full time job at the Office of the Attorney General

Favorite meal at AXO: Pitas!

Favorite memory at AXO: Sisterhood Retreat in Tennessee

Plans after graduation: Continue working at the Capitol for another year before hopefully moving out of state.

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Working for an insurance company in my dream city (once I figure that out)

 Advice for underclassman: Realize you literally have the rest of your life to be an adult. Have fun and don’t rush anything!  

Mackenzie Feldman

Hometown:  West Palm Beach, FL

Major: Marketing, double minoring in Economics and Hospitality

 Accomplishments in college: I had two internships in NYC the past two summers

Favorite meal at AXO: Pita day

Favorite memory at AXO: Wacky Tacky each year

Plans after graduation: An elementary teacher in NYC

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself hopefully married (lol) still living in NYC as a teacher.

 Advice for underclassman: Get as much real world work experience, cause it matters a lot when you are applying for jobs!

Bianca Gentile

 Hometown:  Davie, FL

Major: Political Science/ International Affairs

 Accomplishments in college: Member of Order of Omega Honor Society, Member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Intern at Law Offices of Friedman and Abrahamsen, Social Chair, Personal Development Chair, PACE Chair at AXO, fourth year dancer for Dance Marathon

Favorite meal at AXO: Mac and cheese

Favorite memory at AXO: Too many to count! But game days, socials, and nights out with my sisters are my favorites. 

Plans after graduation: Will be attending law school

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Hopefully a stable job, a home, a family, healthy, and happy

Advice for underclassman: Even though college may be a crazy time, remember to always stay classy, make good decisions, and represent yourself well. Your reputation IS important!

Congratulations, Seniors! We are so proud of you!

Senior Spotlight!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT!

 Darly Aquno

Hometown: Hollywood, FL

Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice

Accomplishments in college: VP Philanthropy AXO, SGA, HLSU, Garnet and Gold Key Honor Society

Favorite meal at AXO: Taco bar

Favorite memory at AXO: I was a keynote speaker for a women’s appreciation event on campus. I had to talk about a very emotional topic (domestic violence) and seeing my sisters there helped me through it and I felt so much support and love.

Plans after graduation: I hope to work with a non-profit organization that I’m passionate about, preferably in a big city. I also hope to travel and see more of the world.

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I hope to see myself in a position where I can help others on a larger scale, whether that be through my own non-profit organization or perhaps in the legal system.

Advice for underclassman: It sounds cliché, and I never listened to this when people told me, but these four years really do fly by. Spend them next to those that matter (your sisters and friends) time is a precious gift that is meant to be shared with those who you love.

Megan Aschenbrenner

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Major: Criminology and Psychology

Accomplishments in college: Winning all sorority volleyball champs and never failing a class

Favorite meal at AXO: Pizza bagels

Favorite memory at AXO: My freshman year, big-little night

Plans after graduation: Go to Prague for 6 months to teach English to children

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Married with children living near my sisters so my children can hang out with all their cousins

Advice for underclassman: Figure out your plans for after college sooner rather than later.

Mary Kate Barnes

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Major: Hospitality

Accomplishments in college: Made the Dean’s list for the past semesters

Plans after graduation: Working for Marriott International

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Living somewhere exotic with a successful career and married to a professional golfer (preferably Keegan Bradley).

Advice for underclassman: Learn to balance between school, work, and friends; because it’s the times you have with the people around you that you will miss the most.

Courtney Buchanan

Hometown: Lighthouse Point, FL

Major: Accounting

Accomplishments in college: Winning all campus flag football and getting into Notre Dame’s Masters in Accounting Program

Favorite meal at AXO: Everything on pita day

Favorite memory at AXO: Picking one favorite memory is impossible, but living in the house the last three years has given me a majority of my favorites, from just sitting around on the couches together all night, or staying at meals hours after its over just to talk.

Plans after graduation: Internship with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Fort Lauderdale then after I will attend graduate school for one year to receive my masters in accounting, during which time I hope to take and pass the CPA exam.

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I hope to have a loving family of my own and to be still working for Pricewaterhouse Coopers in a managing role.

Advice for underclassman: Get involved with AXO as much as possible whether it’s living in the house or holding a position. You will never look back and wish you had not been as involved, but you will look back and wish you did more. This sorority gave me my favorite memories of college and got me through my hardest times.

Congratulations, seniors! 

Senior Spotlight!

Senior Spotlight!

            Chelsea Corrigan

  Hometown:  Jacksonville, FL

Major: Actuarial Science

Accomplishments in college: Becoming a Rho Gamma was the most amazing experience I have had so far. Having the opportunity to get to know women in all of FSU’s chapters helped me to truly appreciate the value of being a Panhellenic woman, and it was amazing to be able to help PNM's see that value and find their homes. 

 Favorite meal at AXO: Ravioli bar and any time there’s queso

Favorite memory at AXO: All of the big/little nights, movie nights at the house, and when my roommate, Lauren Wood, and I found out we went to preschool together!

Plans after graduation: I hope to be working in the Insurance Industry in either an underwriting or management position. I definitely want to stay in Florida.

Advice for underclassman: Volunteer, apply for internships, start making connections now! Don’t wait until junior/senior year to start thinking about plans after college. Have fun while you’re here, but remember what you’re here for!

            Annalise Corso

 Hometown: Orlando, FL

Major: Hospitality Management

 Accomplishments in college: Received my wedding planning license

Favorite meal at AXO: Grilled cheese and tomato soup (made from Ms. Ura)

Favorite memory at AXO: The new member retreat at my house when I was being initiated and the summer that my NMC really bonded (SumMeR lOvIn)!

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Living in another country, possibly Italy! And maybe even married.

Advice for underclassman: Manage your time wisely, I know that sounds cliché but it’s so true! Also, don’t ever let a man treat you with disrespect because you are all beautiful women and if a guy does not at least take you out on dates, forget him and on to the next one!

                        Lindsey Davidson

 Hometown: Naples, FL

Major: Finance with an minor in International Affairs

Accomplishments in college: Deans list every semester

Favorite meal at AXO: Salmon and rice

Favorite memory at AXO: I love all the date functions and socials especially Wacky Tacky. I loved white-water rafting on our sisterhood retreat in NC a couple years ago. Also, living in the house for two years. 

Plans after graduation: Currently a leasing professional at The Commons and plan to work there through the summer. I then plan on moving to DC by the end of the year to work at Vornado (a real estate company I interned with last summer)

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Working in real estate, probably be done with a Masters or MBA and live in or right outside a big city

 Advice for underclassman: Invest in a nice umbrella, rain boots, rain jacket, and warm jacket (Tallahassee weather is unpredictable!)

Kristen DeVos

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Major: Accounting

Accomplishments in college: I have just accepted an internship for this coming summer. I will be interning with one of the Big 4 accounting first, PwC, in Atlantaa.      Favorite meal at AXO: Ravioli bar

Favorite memory at AXO: Just sitting on the couch on the weekends with my big, my littles, and the rest of the Margarita family and watching movies

Plans after graduation: I have just applied to the Masters of Accounting program at FSU and I am waiting to hear if I have been accepted!

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself working and traveling around the world

 Advice for underclassman: Study hard, but also have fun! College goes by really fast so enjoy it!

Congratulations, ladies! We wish you the best of luck after graduation!

National Ritual Celebration Week, March 3-7, 2014

Alpha Chi Omega is proud to join with other Greek organizations to celebrate National Ritual Celebration Week, March 3-7, 2014. Collegians and alumnae are encouraged to make time each day of this week—either by participating in collegiate or alumnae chapter Ritual activities or personally—to reflect on the meaning of our Ritual and how living Ritual positively impacts your life and those around you.

To honor Alpha Chi Omega’s seven founders, here are seven suggestions for how you or your chapter can participate in National Ritual Celebration Week, beginning today:

1.  Follow, share and interact with Coffee With Celia (our Ritual social media program on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and alphachiomega.org's blog). CWC will have content every day that you can read and share via social media, email, and if applicable, your chapter's internal website.

2. Change your social-media-account pictures to the Ritual Celebration Week Facebook cover or badge photo. When you change your photo, share the impact Alpha Chi Omega and your sisters have had on your life. Use the hashtags #AXORitualWeek, #NRCW and #CoffeeWithCelia throughout the week to share your Ritual reflections.

3.  Read and share a Ritual moment each day. These are easy ways to reconnect with our Ritual, the foundation of our amazing fraternity.

4. Participate in the National Panhellenic Conference’s International Badge Day today, March 3. Wearing your badge to work, on campus, to your community gatherings not only honors Alpha Chi Omega, but gives you a chance to connect with other sorority women in your area and celebrate the history of women’s fraternities.

5. Tell a sister how she lives our Ritual. Send a hand-written note, text, or email, or pass her a virtual carnation to share with that sister how she lives our Ritual and why she’s a real, strong woman to you.

6. Reflect on the meaning of the Alpha Chi Omega Symphony. Re-read the Symphony at least once during the week. How does it relate to where you are in life right now? What is your favorite part? Do you keep a copy visible at home and at work?

7. Have fun learning our Ritual. Complete a crossword puzzle or word search. Play Ritual Jeopardy! or bingo.  Bust some Ritual myths. 

We hope you enjoy this week and celebrate how Ritual makes Alpha Chi Omega and all Greek organizations so much more than collegiate social clubs. Find just a few minutes each day to reflect on, talk about and cherish our Ritual.

We'd love to hear what you are doing... be sure to share in comments below, or on our Facebook page!

New Member Spotlight!

New Member Spotlight!

Abby Mistick

Hi  my name is Abby and I'm from Pittsburgh, but moved to Orlando last summer! My major is communications and media studies. I really like design and fashion and all that fun stuff! My favorite meal at alpha chi has been taco bar, and I'm really looking forward to getting involved and hopefully getting a leadership position one day! 

Natalia Colon

Hi my name is Natalia and I'm from Jacksonville, Florida, but I was born and lived in Puerto Rico for 4 years! I'm majoring in Biology. I love watching movies and different series, and going to the gym. My favorite meal so far has been the buffalo chicken salad or the macaroni & cheese with spinach casserole. I'm really looking forward to playing IM soccer and dance marathon with all my sisters!

New Member Spotlight!

New Member Spotlight!

Brittany Barbosa 

I'm Brittany and I'm from McLean, Virginia. I'm majoring in Biology. I love all outdoorsy things like running, hiking, biking, skiing, playing tennis, and dance. I'm actually obsessed with the meals at axo they're delicious lol but chicken cordon bleu is probably my favorite so far. I'm most looking forward to making lifelong friendships with all the girls, it's amazing how much we've already connected :)

Erica Pope

I'm Erica and I'm from Gainesville, Florida, which can be kind of difficult because of the intense rivalry between the Seminoles and the Gators. But, I've lived there my whole life so I'm glad I came to FSU and got away for a little bit. My major is Exploratory right now but I'm thinking about majoring in English and eventually getting my PhD to become a professor at a University. My favorite things to do are hangout with my friends and go to the beach, which I haven't done in forever because there aren't any close by! My favorite meal so far has been the chicken tortilla soup and quesadillas with queso...I'm obsessed with queso. I'm most looking forward to all the socials and getting more involved with the philanthropy, and dance marathon because everyone says that's one of the most fun activities we do all year!

Unmasking Domestic Violence Gala

Did you know that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime? October is domestic violence awareness month, and the ladies of Alpha Chi Omega are doing everything they can to share this with the world. As a way to shed light upon their philanthropy, Alpha Chi Omega held their first Unmasking Domestic Violence Gala, in which the turnout was nothing short of a success!

Taking place this past Friday night, friends, family, faculty and alumnae all gathered together in the University Club for the big event. The night kicked off with a piano performance by a fellow sister, followed by a Jazz band that got people on their feet. Dinner and dessert were provided, and the drinks were continuously flowing. Meanwhile, the bidding was never ending in our silent auction, making for a remarkable turnout. By the end of the night, Alpha Chi Omega had the honor of presenting a grand total of $11,887.73 to the local woman’s refuge house! This increases the total donations of Alpha Chi Omega at Florida State University to a new cumulative total of $87,019.24! With the help of Darley Aquino, VP Philanthropy, and Ashley Strawser, VP Membership Programming, Alpha Chi Omega put on just the kind of night they had been hoping for.  

New Member Spotlight!

New Member Spotlight!

Nicole Toledo

I'm Nicole and I'm from Fort Myers, Florida. My major is exploratory. I love to dance and go out with friends, or have netflix and movie nights! My favorite meal at the house has been barbecue chicken. I'm most looking forward to just really getting to know my sisters, becoming super close, and having that indescribable bond with them. Also, big/little week! 

Sierra Stull 

I'm Sierra and I'm from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. My major is Biology. I really like to sing and play guitar. I was a swimmer for ten years and now I just swim at the Leach sometimes! MY favorite meal at the house has been shrimp pasta with angel hair. I'm so excited about everything! But short term, I'm really excited about getting initiated, getting my big and family, and our first formal!

New Member Spotlight!

New Member Spotlight!

Dazil Carrion

I'm Dazil and I'm from Miami, but considering I constantly express my love for it, I think everyone knew that. For those of you that don't know me I'm very into music, shopping, and embarrassingly, organizing things. So if you ever need to get anything in order I'm your girl! My favorite meal at the house so far I'm gonna have to say is the spaghetti and meatballs. I feel like I'm at alpha chi all day everyday, so I'm really looking forward to really getting to know all my sisters personally. Love you all already!

Lauren Flannery

I'm Lauren and I'm from Verona, New Jersey. My major is Hospitality Management. I love shopping (duh), fashion blogging, watching old movies, and volunteering at animal shelters and other charities! My favorite meal at the house is obviously spaghetti and meatballs, I'm from New Jersey. I'm really looking forward to the New Member Retreat and other retreats so I can get to know everyone a little better! And tailgates because it's a fun way to get everyone together and see everyone having fun.

Beta Eta Love and Loyalty Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Diana Davenport- the recipient of the 2013 Beta Eta Love and Loyalty Scholarship. Below is a an informal progress report of her studies and activities. She is truly a model of a Real, Strong. Woman....

-Human Resources Management and Business Management double major
-Leadership Certificate through FSU (as many credits as a minor)
- Chapter Relations and Standards Board Executive Member
-FSU Greek Conduct Board Member
-FSU Student Conduct Board Member
-2 Year Dancer in Dance Marathon
-70 hours to the community last semester with the Leadership certificate, volunteering in an urban garden with underprivileged children in Frenchtown, a "food desert" community
-Study Abroad Participant London Summer 2013
-3.45 GPA

She is now entering her major area of study for the School of Business and will be taking Marketing, Business Law, and Organizational behavior to name a few classes she will be enrolled in in the fall. She hopes to enter the business world after graduation and pursue her MBA shortly after.

In her own words

" the scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies this semester and less on how I am going to afford school. Because I plan to partake in further studies after my undergraduate degree, I aim to be as frugal as possible during my undergraduate years so that I will go into my MBA debt-free. I am so blessed to have Alpha Chi Omega sisters who understand this need and have given me the opportunity to receive assistance from the organization who has already given me so much. My sisters at Florida State are my support system, my family, and my strength; this scholarship has shown me there are sisters who I have never had the opportunity to meet who are giving me even more support than I could imagine. The bond of Alpha Chi Omega extends far past your chapter, college, or state. It is seen in across the country in every generation and in every heart it touches. The love and bond of our sisters enables us to extend helping hands to those in need and I cannot wait to be able to extend the same opportunity to sisters in the future. "

Thank you to all of the alumnae and Alpha Chi Omegas that have contributed to the Beta Eta Love and Loyalty fund.

Earth Day Clean Up!

For Earth Day, we wanted to demonstrate our appreciation for nature and what is given to us. As a KROM (Keep Recruiting Our Members) event, a group of us picked up trash after dinner around the Alpha Chi Omega house outside. Although picking up trash doesn't seem like the most fun thing to do, with our sisters beside us we had a great time! In doing this activity, I believe we became more aware of our future actions to litter and to gain more respect for our home. Summer is soon approaching and as we all go our separate ways for the next few months, we know we will be coming back to a beautiful home inside and out. We hope to keep our home as clean as it can be from now on!

Dance Marathon 2013!

By Catalina Quintana

After a year of hard work, volunteering and fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network at Shands Hospital for Children and Florida State University’s College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program, we are happy to announce that Alpha Chi Omega and our partners, the gentlemen of Chi Phi Fraternity, raised over $50,000 and placed second at Dance Marathon this year.

Dance Marathon at FSU is the largest DM in the Southeast, and raised over $701,000 this year, a 20% increase from last year’s total. The event was held on March 22-24 at the Leon County Civic Center where students pledged to stand for one of two 20 hour shifts “for the kids.” This event was the culmination of year-long efforts to raise money and fundraise.

We are so proud of all of the women in our chapter who participated to make this happen.

Dancer Representatives Janet Parry and Sydney Botkin organized and informed the chapter of Dance Marathon events all year long and rallied for active participation. When Sydney had to step down in Fall due to being elected to the executive board, Janet stepped up to the plate and led the AXO dancers to success with leadership and determination, working with Chi Phi to set up creative fundraisers and to participate actively in all events.

Chelsea Swan and Catalina Quintana were elected to be on the Overall Committee for Dance Marathon as the Finance Chair and Marketing Chair, respectively. These women helped plan the entire event, invested countless hours throughout the year, and remained at the event for over 40 hours. They were even invited to the Dance Marathon Leadership Convention in 2012!

Kelly Palmer and Libby Pace were elected as Assistants to the Overall Committee for the Community Events Chair and Marketing Chair, respectively. These women were a huge aid in planning the event and stayed at the event for over 40 hours as well!

We also had an outstanding group of committee members from the chapter who volunteered their time at the event to assist with any and every task that was needed of them. These philanthropic women are: Alyssa Farrell, Simone Torres, Jane Guemmer, Tia Balthrop, and Lauren Wood Lindsey Davidson, Keely Finnegan, and more.

The spirit of Dance Marathon is embodied by the Morale Captains who are responsible for maintaining the energy of the dancers who tire after so many hours on their feet. Their captivating energy and outstanding personalities is what distinguished them over hundreds of applicants. Thanks to our morale captains Chelsea Moyle, Brooke Swilley, Corine Samaras, Kendall Scarlett, and Julia Welling.

Recruitment info for Alumnae...

a message from HQ..

Alpha Chi Omega alumnae:

As formal recruitment for fall 2013 approaches, here is a brief review of Alpha Chi Omega's legacy policy. We wish to provide you this information so that you are able to assist potential legacies as they enter into formal recruitment, as well as better understand the policies regarding legacies of Alpha Chi Omega.

Questions? Contact Jen Patterson, Associate Director-Recruitment, or Gina Fox, Assistant Director-Lifetime Engagement.

Our Policies

As outlined in the Polices of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, the legacy policy states:

R7 Legacy
A legacy to Alpha Chi Omega is a sister, daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of a member. The Alpha Chi Omega member and her family member define their legacy relationship, i.e. step relations, blended families, etc. Alpha Chi Omega values the relationship between a legacy and an alumna member. Chapters are regularly educated regarding the national legacy policy. Additionally, alumnae members are encouraged to prepare legacies to meet the standards of membership set forth by the national organization and local chapter.

R7.1 Preferred Candidate for Membership
An undergraduate legacy who meets membership standards and eligibility requirements is considered a preferred candidate and:

[a] Is invited to the first invitational round of events during the formal recruitment process.
[b] Is invited to at least one recruitment event in an informal or continuous recruitment process.

R7.2 Placement on Final Bid List
A legacy who attends a formal recruitment preference event is placed on the first bid list by the collegiate chapter.


Membership Selection

While legacies are not guaranteed membership in an Alpha Chi Omega collegiate chapter, all collegiate chapters welcome the opportunity to meet Alpha Chi Omega legacies. It is our intent to educate both alumnae and collegians about the importance of inviting legacies to membership.

It is always difficult when a legacy gets released during recruitment, but as long as the chapter follows the national policy, the final decision of membership selection is the informed responsibility of the collegiate chapter. Recruitment can be a difficult and stressful process, particularly on large campuses—there are often as many legacies going through recruitment as the chapter will have spots in quota. While our legacy policies and our recruitment procedures are national level policies, membership selection is a chapter-level decision, which is truly made by the collegiate members at that time.

Long before it is time to submit any recommendations to a collegiate chapter, alumnae have the privilege and responsibility of helping to grow Alpha Chi Omega’s membership in the following ways:

Promoting Alpha Chi Omega as an active part of her life. Doing so will increase the name recognition and familiarity of Alpha Chi Omega to legacies and other potential new members prior to recruitment.
Increasing the strong reputation of Alpha Chi Omega by identifying and connecting with young women who would make valuable additions to our membership.
Educating legacies and other potential new members regarding Alpha Chi Omega’s standards and values, as well as privileges of membership.

Legacy Webinar

For more information on legacies going through formal recruitment, please join Jen Patterson, Associate Director-Recruitment, and Gina Fox, Assistant Director-Lifetime Engagement, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at 9:00 p.m. (EST) for the legacy webinar. This webinar will provide alumnae with information regarding legacies participating in the formal recruitment process. We will review Alpha Chi Omega policies, give attendees a deeper understanding of the recruitment process, and help prepare members who may have legacies going through recruitment this year or in the future. Register here for this webinar.

Membership Recommendation

When the time comes, it is the responsibility of alumnae to utilize the Membership Recommendation Form to make the chapter aware that a legacy or other potential member will be participating in recruitment. All alumnae are encouraged to complete this form for any relative or friend who will be participating in recruitment. To send a recommendation (the preferred way to notify a chapter of a legacy or friend), you will need to register and log into alphachiomega.org. Then, simply click on "Recommend a Member" located on the homepage. This will take you to the Membership Recommendation Form and recruitment directory, which contains the recruitment contact information for all collegiate chapters.


Please be aware that Alpha Chi Omega has updated the Membership Recommendation Form for 2013. Be sure to use the updated form when writing recommendations for potential new members.  If you are writing one for Beta Eta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.. be sure to mail to 518 West park Avenue Tallahassee FL 32301 Attention CRIC

We encourage you to share this message with other Alpha Chi Omega alumnae whose email addresses may not be in our database.

Alpha Chis and Florida Public Relations Association

By Alex Whitaker
Last month, the FSU student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association traveled to New York City for our spring professional development trip. Several Beta Eta sisters are members of this organization, which sister, Brooke Swilley, leads as President. On our trip, we visited four high profile PR agencies; Weber Shandwick, Ruder Finn, Ketchum, and Hunter. Through our interactions at these agencies, we learned more about the PR agency as well as had the opportunity to make personal connections.

In addition to the professional aspects of the trip, we also had a lot of free time to explore the city. Famous landmarks, world class dining, and even a little bit of exploration that was off the beaten path were all on the agenda. All in all, we had a wonderful trip that not only helped us to grow professionally but brought us closer together as sisters.

Alumnae Spotlight- Lauren Hodde

Below is a great recap from NM '03 Alumnae, Lauren Hodde. She recently went on a mission trip, spending most her time in Chimbote, which is six hours north of Lima. We asked her to give a recap of her experience for our Alumnae Spotlight

We stayed at a parish that was on the outskirts of town, where they are just now installing roads and sidewalks.  On a typical day, it's normal to see donkey carts pulling produce.  The unemployment rate is high after the fishing industry became overrun and changes in fishing due to El Nino.  Many families are just trying to survive.

We partnered with an organization called Friends of Chimbote, http://friendsofchimbote.org/, which have been successful at slowly growing the economy by creating job opportunities.  Partnering with this organization was extremely helpful, they are local and could tell us the biggest needs in the town.  I was led by the Go Fish team, which are amazing individuals that have been going back and serving Chimbote for nearly twenty years. 

One of the best parts of my trip was the first two days that we spent demolishing, then rebuilding a house for a very grateful family of 6 that was living in unthinkable conditions prior.  Cockroaches and bugs overran their 10' x 40' home.  Within a few days their housing was drastically improved, and the mother kept crying and saying how we would be in her heart forever.  This is a moment that will also remain in mine.  Ive attached her photo below.  In total, all of the teams were able to restore and/or rebuild six homes.

The third day we spent with men and women at a prison and later visiting a hospital.  The hospital serves a majority of low income families, many of which are unable to afford their medical expenses and/or prescriptions, especially since patients are required to pay up front before any surgeries or procedures.  As a group, we were able to bless 14 families that were unable to pay their financial expenses.  It was amazing, and a few lives were saved including a mother and her baby that needed an emergency c-section.  We were also so blessed to have a priest on the trip that has a rock n roll spirit, which proved highly valuable in the prison!  The inmates had an incredible time listening to him jam out and their spirits were completely different after being uplifted.

The last few days we spent time with the neighborhood children, 50 of which are disabled.  We were able to bring them to the beach and feed them lunch, which was such a treat since many of them are unable to see much outside their neighborhood.  They were so joyful as they played freely in the water and sand.  We also held a fiesta, where we provided over 500 people with a hot meal and lots of dancing!  The remainder of the food was provided to soup kitchens and will serve a meal to approximately  900-1000 people.

Again, I want to thank your encouragement and support. I have such amazing friends and family- seriously you are incredible!  Be on the lookout for more photos I'll be posting on Facebook soon!

Until my next adventure,
Lauren

Sisterhood Retreat 2013

The week of March 1-3 we went to Greenville, South Carolina for our Sisterhood Retreat! We left Friday afternoon and made our way to Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center. We stayed in cabins along a trail in groups of about 10 sisters per cabin. Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to snow! It was a beautiful sight to see and we all bundled up then started our day filled with many activities! We split up into six groups and all rotated between different activities which included hiking beautiful trials, the Giant Swing, the Alpine Tower, the low ropes course, the rock climbing wall,  and the Leap of Faith.

The hiking trials were along a lake and in the distance we could see the mountain tops. The Giant Swing consisted of one sister being harnessed in and the rest of the group worked together to pull her up fifty feet in the air. She then released herself and swung through the air! It was a great time and everyone loved doing it. The Alpine Tower was a sixty feet tower combination of rock climbing and ropes with a platform at the top. Once we conquered the tower and got to the top, it was a beautiful view of the mountains of South Carolina.  The low ropes course was a team building activity in which communication and team work were used. First, we worked as a group to move numerous small objects with the use of one hook. We communicated with each other and moved various ropes as a team to move the hook and pick up the items. Next, we completed an activity in which we walked on wires leaning against another sister. We had to trust each other and there were many laughs exchanged. At the rock climbing wall, sisters held each other’s rope as they made their way up the wall. We helped each other by shouting out tips on where to place our hands and feet and motivate girls to make it to the top. The Leap of Faith was exactly what it sounds like! Harnessed in, we climbed up a twenty foot pole and then jump off it and hit a bell. 

After a long and exciting day, we had dinner and a bonfire with s’mores! Everyone bundled up, huddled the fire, and had a great time. Overall, the weekend was a great success and everyone enjoyed it! We all got to face our fears in attempting the activities and help each other overcome them. We also had down time in which we were able to share laughs and connect with sisters.

Alpha Chi Omega State Day 2013

On Saturday, February 23 the executive board of Alpha Chi Omega attended Florida State Day 2013. At this event executive boards from all seven Florida chapters attended. The day started out with check in and a nice breakfast in which everyone was able to mingle and introduce themselves to women from different chapters. The program officially started at 9 AM with a presentation about our individual strengths. Before everyone came to State Day, we were asked to complete STRENGTHSQUEST, which is a personality test.  The speaker, Rosalie Carpenter, was fantastic! During the presentation we had the opportunity to talk with women from other chapters as well as from our own chapter about our strengths. By completing this exercise we all learned so much about each other and this will really help all of the executive boards work better together as a team.  

Once the presentation on strengths was over, we had the pleasure of meeting the granddaughter of Nellie Gamble Childe, one of the founders of Alpha Chi Omega! It was such an amazing opportunity and truly fascinating to hear her speak about Nellie. After that excitement was done the day continued in full force. For the remainder of the day, everyone split up into three breakout sessions that were each around an hour long. State Day prided itself in that it was not another conference in which all we talked about was Alpha Chi for the entire day. Therefore, the sessions focused more on topics that would help sisters improve themselves and then be able to bring these improvements back to their chapters. The sessions ranged from topics on social media, personal finance, representing the real you, conflict management, and more! At the end of the day, everyone gathered together again and there were raffle prizes given away and the winners of the silent auction were announced. Overall, State Day was a wonderful experience and everyone took a great amount away with them that they can bring to their chapters!

 

Paint-A-Pot

On Tuesday, February 19^th, we had a KROM (Keep Recruiting Our Members) event at the on campus pottery center, Paint-A-Pot. February is MacDowell Month, a time for Alpha Chis to celebrate the fine arts as a part of our heritage. Thirteen girls came out to paint a piece of pottery of their choice. For many of the girls it was their first time to Paint-A-Pot, a Florida State must do activity on campus. We had a great time together painting, listening to music and catching up!

-Lindsey D