Re-blog from #AXOGSI and our Sister Chelsea Hogan!

Chelsea served Beta Eta as the vice president of ritual and fraternity appreciation in 2013. In 2014 she is serving as the date function chair. Below is the blog entry she wrote for the Alpha Chi Omega Blog about #AXOGSI:

http://axoete.blogspot.com/2012/05/alpha-chi-omega-global-service.html

http://blog.alphachiomega.org/2014/05/a-stronger-foundation/

A Stronger Foundation

by axoGSI

by Chelsea Hogan
(Beta Eta chapter, Florida State University)  

What do you know, yet another amazing day in Jamaica with my Alpha Chi sisters. As night two came to a close all eighteen us of were in the Night Heron’s cabin playing the game signs. I’ve never laughed so hard with girls that I had just met three short days ago. This morning when everyone went to the work site at the Ketto School, the vibe seemed different. Everyone seemed so eager to finish what we had started in hopes of making Ketto an environment where the children would enjoy learning.

Today at our service site, it was our job to repair the foundation of the building which had cracked earlier this year. This was a crucial part in our service trip because if the foundation was not fixed soon the government was going to shut down the school, taking away the great opportunity of education which we in America seem to take for granted. The day felt long as we had a lot to do in a short amount of time. I have never seen anything near as powerful and resourceful as I did today. Unlike in the United States, the great people of Jamaica make their own concrete. Sifting through dirt to separate rocks out of the sand, carrying buckets of concrete and water, and laying bricks in the cement to build the foundation was one of the most physically enduring tasks I have ever been a part of.

The sense of teamwork we all shared was a feeling of accomplishment, and one of love. I never thought that in just three days I would share an inseparable bond with these amazing women from Alpha Chi Omega chapters all over the United States. As the day ended, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we were all sad to leave and that we couldn’t serve the Ketto School anymore. This school, the teachers, and especially the children have made such a life altering impact on us. I couldn’t be more thankful that I have been given this opportunity to give other people joy, learn about myself, while growing in the process. Thank you Alpha Chi Omega for the amazing opportunity, and thank you to all my Alpha Chi sisters that I cannot wait to continue to bond with over the next four days.

Isabelle Wilkins ('10) served in #AXOGSI as well!

Senior Spotlight!

Senior Spotlight!

Sara Lyons

Hometown:  Jensen Beach, FL

Major: Biology

Favorite meal at AXO: Taco bar

Favorite memory at AXO: There are way too many for me to pick one!

Plans after graduation: Eventually go to Medical School

Where you see yourself in 10 years: Being an oncologist, married, with a family and happy

Advice for underclassman: Never be afraid to do something out of your comfort zone. Take every opportunity to meet new people that you can, don’t let being shy hold you back!

Chesley McLeary

Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL

Major: Marketing and Finance

 Accomplishments in college: I’ve been really involved in Dance Marathon. I was a Dancer, then a Morale Captain and then on the Core Board for two years

Favorite meal at AXO: Spaghetti squash and meatballs (obsessed with meatballs)

Favorite memory at AXO: Date functions with all my friends, my favorite was Wacky Tacky

Plans after graduation: Hopefully move to NY and get a job with either a bank or media company

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I’ll hopefully have a successful job and married

Advice for underclassman: Live it up during college and don’t take anything for granted. It flies by and don’t care what other people think…people will always judge. But don’t have too much fun, get internships and work experience. You’ll thank yourself later!

Michelle Nicastro

Hometown:  Monroe, NY

Major: Double major in Psychology and Family and Child Sciences

Accomplishments in college: Florida State Honors student, graduating Cum Lade with honors medallion, Panhellenic Rho Gamma for Recruitment 2013, women’s all-campus flag football champions in 2012, getting a promotion at my job in management for 2 years, interning at a local Middle School, and completing undergraduate research at the College of Education

Favorite meal at AXO: Taco bar! Queso makes any day better.

Favorite memory at AXO: Meeting my little Taylor Locklear. She is my best friend, my go to person for everything. Without AXO I would not have found the girl who stands by me through everything.

Plans after graduation: I’m staying in Tallahassee after graduation to work and get ready for graduate school instead of moving back to New York. I plan on going to graduate school for School of Child Psychology in the Spring somewhere in Florida. I’m excited for the opportunity to enjoy Tallahassee outside of school!

Where you see yourself in 10 years: I haven’t decided on a specific career path, but if anything I want to be working with children. Hopefully by then I will be settled with my family with at least a Master’s, working in a career that I enjoy

 Advice for underclassman: Never stop taking advantages of the opportunities available to all of us. Some of my greatest accomplishments and memories at FSU are the ones where I took a risk, worked towards a goal, and did not stop trying. Also, remember that AXO is part of something so much bigger than just our sorority. We are part of Panhellenic. Don’t miss out on meeting all of the other amazing girls from other organizations.

We are so proud of you, ladies!

19th Annual Dance Marathon

Last weekend, from Friday, March 28th through Sunday, March 30th, Florida State hosted its 19th annual Dance Marathon in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. All registered dancers stood for 20 hours straight in two shifts for a total of 40 hours to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network and the Florida State University College of Medicine's Pediatric Outreach Program. 
Every hour on the hour, dancers rushed to the dance floor to perform an eight minute long medley of popular songs. After every line dance, a miracle family was introduced and shared their story either in person or via video. It was a heartwarming and inspirational experience for everyone, including some honorary 3rd and 4th year dancers. 
Over the course of each 20 hour shift, dancers wrote letters to the miracle families, colored, played sports or video games, earned sitting time in La-Z-Boy chairs, and showcased their spirit with hourly costume themes. In the early AM hours, the fraternities hosted a drag show, dance and step teams performed, the circus put on a show, and DJ's competed. Around 5am, there was "silent disco," where dancers jammed to different stations playing on their wireless headphones. The event drew to a close with performances by local dance companies and a rave. 
By the end of Dance Marathon, Alpha Chi Omega had raised $32,634!Sigma Delta Tau and Chi Phi won the event, but Alpha Chi Omega took home the Most Spirited Organization award! 

Florida State's Dance Marathon raised a total of $781,196.22!!! #FTK 

Seek the Heights With Alpha Chi Rock Climbing Competition

On Saturday, March 22, Alpha Chi Omega hosted the first annual "Seek the Heights with Alpha Chi" rock climbing competition. FSU sororities and fraternities scaled the rock wall competing for the fastest time. The event, hosted at Heritage Grove, raised money for the local women's refuge house and the fastest climbers took home a signed National Championship football and a $150 donation to a non-profit of their choice!

A great big thank you to everyone who supported our philanthropy! #DVA
And shout out to our winners, Phi Delt and Phi Mu!! 

Together let us seek the heights

Here's a link to a video that was made to publicize the competition!

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/FSU-S-251719981.html

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.