Blog Posts - ALABAMA DELTA ZETA

From Big/Little to Future Bridesmaid

11/15/2017

Everyone always talks about how in joining a sorority you meet your best friends, your favorite roommates and your future bridesmaids. On bid day 2015 I came to Delta Zeta to see Madison Wilson holding my sign, who I had talked to on preference round the day before. It was nice to see a familiar face since I did not know anyone. Being a freshman it was crucial having Madison to show me the ropes, help me get ready for date parties and introduce me to more friends in Delta Zeta. Quickly Madison became one of my best friends, which made it easy to choose who I wanted my big to be come time for big/ little reveal! Throughout my freshman and sophomore year my relationship with Madison grew and we were inseparable. We spent our time between classes at Starbucks, and evenings at the library together. It was even better when we both moved into the Delta Zeta house because then we didn’t need to drive to each others place to hang out. Summer 2017 I drove to Texas to spend the 4th of July with her and we talked about how excited we were for the upcoming year because it was going to be her senior year and we had to make it special. It was heartbreaking to realize this was my last year with her.

During recruitment, I was on the recruitment team and had been working endless hours for two weeks. Madison was not able to come to recruitment because of an internship, so I was not able to talk to her. During the morning of the preference round our advisor made an announcement that we had a candle pass to do. A candle pass is something our chapter does when someone gets engaged, there is a flower bouquet with a candle and everyone passes it around and sings a song. Once it gets to the sister that is engaged they blow out the candle. No one had any idea who got engaged so we all were standing in a circle singing the song waiting anxiously for our unknown sister to blow out the candle. Once the candle got passed in a full circle, Madison came out from the side door and blew out the candle. She hadn’t told me but she got engaged to her long time boyfriend at the end of the summer. I was ecstatic! It was unbelievable. So, when time came for her to choose bridesmaids she told me that she wouldn’t want to have her big day without me there. Madison also asked my little to be a bridesmaid because of how close we had all grown. All of the sisters that Delta Zeta has given me, especially Madison, I know are my lifelong friends. Cliche, but joining a sorority really does give you your future bridesmaids!!

-Lauren Baker PC '15

From Neighbors to Big and Little!

10/11/2017

In Delta Zeta, I found not only a big sister, but also a best friend. Ashley and I, ironically, had grown up going to the same school. Being older than me, we knew of each other but did not know each other personally. Throughout recruitment, I saw Ashley on several occasions when I came in to the Delta Zeta Castle. She always waved and smiled, which gave me a little comfort during such a hectic week. It was nice to see a familiar face on my first week away from home. On Bid Day, I was ecstatic when I opened my bid to see that I was running home to Delta Zeta. Upon arriving at the house, Ashley was holding my sign and welcomed me home. It immediately felt comfortable to see such a familiar face, although we had never known each other personally in school. Coming from the same home town gave Ashley and me an instant connection. As the fall semester progressed, Ashley and I grew closer. We bonded over pizza (lots of it!) and laughed about stories from our home town. It was so crazy how Delta Zeta brought me so close to someone in a matter of months, who had lived down the street from me my entire life. Freshman year is a whirlwind of emotions, but I knew Ashley was always there for me. When we went home for summer, we hung out all the time. We literally lived three minutes away from each other, and never would have known it if it was not for Delta Zeta.

Not only did I find a big and a roommate, but I also found a best friend. Someone who had been around my entire life, but it took moving to college for her to become my best friend. Ashley was a rock to me freshman year. She encouraged me to get involved both in and out of DZ, was there for me when the days were hard, and celebrated the triumphs with me on the best of days. We have so many silly memories, whether it be singing throwbacks in the car, obsessing over her dog when we get distracted from studying, or yelling at each other from our bedrooms when we are too lazy to get up and go to talk to each other. While we have only been friends for a year, we have enough memories to last a life time. Ashley is the most hilarious, thoughtful, and lively person I know, and I’m so thankful to have her as my Big and roommate. So thank you, Delta Zeta, for making my down the street neighbor, my best friend.

<3 Emily Truchon

Delta Zeta is...Involvement

9/19/2017

Last fall, coming to Alabama to start my collegiate career, I was nervous – but in a good way. I convinced my parents to allow me to participate in sorority recruitment, and more than anything, I wanted to run down sorority row with all of my new sisters to the front lawn of my future home. However, I wasn’t going to settle for just any house - I wanted to be a part of a genuine sisterhood where the members would push you to be the best version of yourself possible. I wanted my house to value scholarship, individuality, creativity, and kindness. Running home to Delta Zeta on Bid Day was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. I knew that the women in this house would encourage and guide me through this next chapter of my life and I couldn’t wait to fully experience everything that Delta Zeta had to offer.

Before initiation, I remember reflecting on what sorority is. At large universities like Alabama, it’s easy to get caught up in the frills of Greek life – the date parties, flawless photoshoots, and game days with your sisters. Even though Delta Zeta provided me with all the frills, our tight-knit sisterhood was the fabric of our organization. I remember thinking that Delta Zeta is so much more than a social club – it’s a network of philanthropic, passionate, independent women pursuing success in their collegiate careers and beyond. This organization has helped me achieve more personal success on campus than I could ever imagine. From the moment our current president, Hayley White, introduced me to First Year Council, up until now, the women in this chapter continue to mentor and support me in every way possible.

On campus, I currently serve as SGA Director of Veterans Affairs, UA Habitat for Humanity Marketing Director, and in my chapter as Assistant Panhellenic Delegate. I am a full-time student at the University of Alabama double-majoring in Marketing and Management Information Systems (MIS). I maintain a personal blog, study art, and enjoy traveling all on the side. Because of the endless support from my sisters, I have been able to live my best life – managing my priorities and projects successfully. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to all of the women in my chapter who support me in everything I do. Thank you for inspiring me every day to be the best that I can be, and to live a life full of passion and adventure. KOB

-Meredith Coleman (PC '16)

Recruitment 101

8/1/2017

Dear Potential New Members,

Freshman year of college is a whirlwind of new opportunities and chances to make memories. Joining Alabama’s Greek community exposed me to support systems and friendships with women that rival any other you’ve experienced.

Recruitment is a time full of emotions. It is overwhelming, exciting, and exhilarating all at once. I just had to keep reminding myself each active member had been in my shoes before.
I told myself to not be afraid to be myself; it ended up only benefitting me in the end.
I continuously reminded myself that I couldn’t listen in to what other people said, and I needed to be prepared. I made sure to have a purse full of items I’d need each day, especially a personal fan because Alabama heat is no joke. During my recruitment, I was true to myself the entire time, and it led me home to the charismatic women of Delta Zeta. I gained new shopping buddies, lunch dates, and lifelong friends in DZ. I am more than proud to be a Delta Zeta and glad that during recruitment I was able to find my organization by staying true to my values.
Everyone who experiences the Capstone is in luck, as it is the best university in the nation. You’re in for the time of your life from football games, to sisterhood events, to living in the dorms, as soon as you step foot on campus as a freshmen. Delta Zeta is a gift that keeps on giving. I was encouraged to get involved on campus and am now the recruitment director for another organization as well. I was pushed to have better grades, and in turn I have had higher GPAs every year of college than I ever did in high school. Delta Zeta and The University of Alabama are the best things that have ever happened to me.

Tara Griesemer, Vice President of Membership

Recruitment Advice

“ The larger the tote...the better” - Sarah Lindsay McBurney PC’ 16

“Bring oil blot sheets and an umbrella...Alabama heat is beyond unpredictable” - Christina Daughenbaugh PC ‘14

“Put nike shorts in your purse to wear in between parties under your dress...you’ll thank me” - Katie O'Donnell PC’ 15

“Drink lots of water throughout the day and bring snacks” - Megan Welker PC’ 14

“Setting spray is your make ups best friend” - Kari Eisenberg PC’ 16

“Wear what you feel the most comfortable in!! Don’t worry about what you think you’re “supposed” to wear” - Julia Cornejo PC’ 15

“Bring sandals or flip flops to wear in between parties, especially on days when you’re running around the row” - Shelby Epstein PC’ 15

“Smile!! As much as you possibly can” - Gabby Dicarlo PC’ 16

“Make sure to listen to your rho chi’s and j-board they’re there to help make your experience the best it can be” -Emily Crisci PC’ 15

“Drink lots of vitamin C and stay healthy- rush week can be exhausting” - Victoria Moody PC’16

“Be yourself!! That’s the most important part” -Rachel Kinsella PC’ 14

“Have an open mind each round. Just because you didn’t have the best conversation the first time, doesn't mean you won’t have the best conversation the next” - Emily Truchon PC’ 16

From Biological Sisters to Sorority Sisters: The Hyatts

7/20/2017

Kelsey (PC’ 15) and I have an older sister that graduated from Alabama in 2012. She was in a sorority that we both loved, and we were both set on pledging them. We were always at her house when we would come to Tuscaloosa and we received countless cute hand-me-down t-shirts from her. When Kelsey went through recruitment, she didn't end up in the sorority we had dreamt about as little girls, which was heartbreaking for me. This made it harder for me when going through rush the next year because I had watched her go through this. But when she pledged Delta Zeta, she ended up loving it and couldn’t see herself anywhere else.

Before recruitment, I was terrified about choosing which sorority was right for me. The first day of recruitment was fun because I was able to experience all 16 sororities going through each and every house on the row. Although I was still set on the two sororities my sisters were in, I knew in order to find my home I had to give every chapter at Alabama a chance. As I got further in the week, it was harder for me to narrow down which one I truly wanted. I was in love with both sororities. All week, Kelsey kept telling me, “just follow your heart and choose whichever sorority you like best, whether that’s Delta Zeta or not.” I was torn throughout the week because I wanted to be with Kelsey, yet I kept being drawn to the other sorority my oldest sister had been in.

When Preference Day came, I really had to decide what I wanted. I had both houses scheduled back to back. Luckily, there was a rain delay in between so I had more time to think about my tough decision. I never felt so alone, like no one would help me. I was heartbroken at the thought that I would let Kelsey down if I didn’t choose Delta Zeta or my parents would be disappointed in me if I went my own path. Despite the hard decision I was facing, the determining factor for me was which house I felt like I could be my best self in. The house that I could walk into after pulling an all nighter with no makeup on and in a beat up t-shirt and never feel ugly. I knew whichever house I chose needed to be the one that felt like that. When I walked into Delta Zeta during preference round, I knew DZ was that house.

I woke up on Bid Day with the biggest smile on my face knowing I made the right choice. I was so scared on the inside because I thought that I wouldn’t get the house I wanted. When my Rho Chi’s counted down to open our bids, my heart stopped. I finally opened it and heard 2,487 other girls screaming at the top of their lungs. I just stayed silent with a smile on my face because even though I knew what I wanted, the system still worked out and I was beyond happy. I ran as fast I could to the Delta Zeta castle to be welcomed by Kelsey and my now big, Marcy.

I love Delta Zeta with my whole heart, and I have never felt more myself than in the Delta Zeta castle I call home. Despite how tough recruitment may have been, Delta Zeta has been the biggest blessing in my life and is still the best decision I’ve ever made. Sharing this bond with my best friend and sister, Kelsey has been rewarding as well. We get to experience college together and with an additional other 300 other sisters. I’m beyond grateful for the recruitment process and how happy I am today with how it all worked out.

-Maddie Hyatt (PC’ 16)

Thank You, DZ: SL McBurney

7/13/2017

33,000 people. 3,000 women. 17 organizations. The summer before my freshman year, that’s what was constantly running through my head. In a campus so large, how will I know when I’ve found my home? A home I can run to and know I’ll be heard and valued. A sisterhood that not only encourages me to work hard, but also that encourages me to try new things, meet new people both young and old, and explore other clubs and organizations that interest me.

In high school, I was never a part of a set “group.” I preferred to make friends with people from different interests. I played volleyball and was an athletic trainer for my football team, all while taking Honors and AP-level classes. I was the 2016 Class President of an organization outside of my school - National Charity League - and found I had a passion for serving others. By the end of my high school career, I found that many of my best friends were from different schools and areas. My friends were diverse and encouraged me to think differently and see things from other people’s point of view.

Coming to Alabama would be a completely new world, especially having grown up just north of Atlanta, Georgia. Recruitment was daunting to me, as neither of my parents were involved in Greek life, and I am the oldest of my siblings and therefore the first one to go out into the “real world.” As the day of move-in drew nearer and nearer, I knew I wanted to be a part of a sorority who would encourage me and make me feel welcome, but what Delta Zeta gave was me so much more.

The women in Delta Zeta have helped me grow, lead, and find joy in even the smallest things. I have sisters who row, play field hockey, and lacrosse; other sisters who participate in beauty pageants and model. Each one of my best friends are so different, each one of them breaks the “mold” of a typical sorority girl. I have friends from as far as Washington, New York, and California; as close as Birmingham and Mobile. Around my best friends and DZ sisters, I can be myself. I can look to my Katie, my big, for advice about classes and boys. My “Bruno babes” and I have spent so much time studying in our favorite library and sharing cups of coffee - we’ve lost count. My grandbig Sam and I spent a weekend in Nashville exploring and making unforgettable memories before she graduated, and when I go on vacation this summer I already have plans to catch up with my big and a few other sisters, too.

In Delta Zeta, I found myself. In Delta Zeta, I found lifelong friendships and mentors. Each one of these amazing women made my freshman year unforgettable, pushing me to be my best self- whether that be acting as the Philanthropy Day Chair for Fall Recruitment or making the Dean’s List both semesters. It’s because of Delta Zeta that I have accomplished these things, because my sisters have encouraged me, lifted me up, and led with me every step of the way.
So, to each and every one of my sisters: Thank you. Thank you for friendships that will last a lifetime and for always encouraging me to be the best possible version of myself.

XX-
Sarah Lindsey “SL” McBurney

Meet Kyleigh Our New Member Educator!

7/6/2017

If someone would have told me five years ago that I would leave California to go to college down south, join a sorority of 300+ girls, meet some of my best friends/future bridesmaids, and serve in leadership positions, I would have laughed. I've always wanted to join a sorority, but never would I have imagined being apart of an international organization with the biggest hearts toward each other and the community. Nor would I have imagined how much "strangers" would impact my life while helping me grow into the person I am today.

I remember being nervous during recruitment, I was worried that I might not find the tight-knit, close family that I had always envisioned sorority sisters were. I remember sitting in the library of Delta Zeta on pref night, crying to my childhood best friend confused about what to do and scared I would make the wrong decision. The advice I received was to choose the house that felt like a home and where I was most comfortable to be myself. When I opened my bid that next day and saw the words 'Delta Zeta', I knew I was running home.

You always hear that Bid Day is better than Christmas. It's because of how many gifts and happiness the day gives. Whether you're opening your bid card or waiting impatiently to welcome your new sisters. Everything from the prior week is worth it. Looking back on my freshman Bid Day, I can't help but smile and laugh at how everything works out. Little did I know how close I would become to the random girl I sat next to and made the DZ hand sign with in our pledge class photo. That I would meet my future roommates because our bid day buddies were best friends. Or that one of the first girls I would meet in my pledge class would become my best friend, all because I went out on a whim and said "Hi, I'm Kyleigh! Would you like to be friends?"

When I decided to run for Vice President of New Member Education, after serving as an assistant the prior year, all I wanted was to give each new member the same incredible experience that I have acquired. Delta Zeta has taught me more than I ever thought an organization could. The planning and enhancing of the new member program has been one of the most challenging yet exhilarating parts of being VP of New Member Education. The new member period is such a unique time, you're in a new environment, living on your own for the first time, attending a new school. There's a lot of new experiences going on. One of the greatest parts about the new member program is that it's designed to not only teach you everything you could ever know about Delta Zeta but that it also helps you adjust to your new life at school. From weekly new member meetings with your entire pledge class to your small group meetings where you get to know each other and bond. The numerous hours in the library which turn into study dates, that you actually look forward to. Getting ready with your sisters for the silly themed swap just so you can take the perfect Instagram picture. Signing up for the same clubs so you will get involved on campus and within the community together. Freshman year is one of the most memorable years if you attend everything and are open to meeting new people. You truly get out what you put into your sorority. The new member program enhances your experience of what a genuine sisterhood is while also preparing you to be successful in your college career.

There are countless experiences that I have to thank Delta Zeta for: lifelong friendships with ‘sisters’ who feel more like family, the chance to make a global impact, the opportunity to grow as a leader, and abundantly so much more. Delta Zeta has impacted and changed my life, and I want this same experience for each and every member.

-Kyleigh Roberts, 2nd Vice President of New Member Education

Delta Zeta is Opportunity

6/28/2017

Delta Zeta is Opportunity.

When I initially became a member of the Alpha Gamma chapter of Delta Zeta, I was not sure what to really expect. Whenever I was asked throughout recruitment what I was hoping to gain from joining a sorority, I consistently stated that I was looking for a home away from home. As cliché as it sounds, I traveled 754 miles from the home I had lived in since I was born. It was a scary decision to pack up and move across the country knowing no one, which is why I hoped to find that safe, comforting feeling of home in a sorority at UA. I found it quickly within DZ when I met Sydney Anne Dove who discussed Shark Week, Chipotle, and puppies with me. She showed me that I would be welcomed and accepted for all that I was, including my strange mini pig addiction and my love for Crocs. Today, over three years later, DZ is still my place to call home when I’m in Tuscaloosa. I feel accepted when I enter the doors and it is an exceptional feeling that I hope every girl has when they join a sorority. While DZ gave me exactly what I was looking for, it also provided me with so much more than I anticipated. That is why Delta Zeta means opportunity to me. While I’m sure DZ has impacted many in more ways than I plan to discuss, these are the main ways in which Delta Zeta has given opportunities to me.

Firstly, Delta Zeta provided me with the opportunity to make new friends. Going to a university halfway across the country, knowing no one is a very courageous, but also terrifying decision to make. I had no idea how I would make friends at this school. While participating in recruitment helped me to meet new people, my initial pledge class consisted of over 150 girls. I was nervous I would still struggle to find friends at Alabama and within my sorority. Little did I know I would be placed in a small group based upon my last name and some of those people would continue to be my best friends to this day. Little did I know that I would meet my roommate, best friend, and future bridesmaid in the DZ house because she needed to borrow safety pins. The best part of the people I call my best friends today is that they are from all over the country. Because of this, I now have connections in California, Georgia, Ohio, New York, Delaware, Missouri, and even found a friend from a suburb near Chicago who I could then visit over the summer. Without Delta Zeta, I would not have met any of these people who make me a better person each and every day.

This brings me to my next point as DZ provided me with the opportunity to network throughout the country. Besides meeting friends from all over, DZ is a national sorority so there are DZ’s scattered throughout the entire nation. With Delta Zeta, you have the opportunity to meet people in whichever area of the United States that you end up. Delta Zeta also enables you to network locally as many alumnae in the area stay very active in the chapter. For example, Dr. Purcell is an Alpha Gamma chapter alum and she taught one of my honors courses at Alabama. Because of my membership in DZ, she and I grew very close. Not only did I make a close relationship with a professor, but I also found a mentor and someone to look up to. I now have an excellent connection to someone well known to the University of Alabama who will speak fondly of me, which is extremely beneficial upon entering the work force.

While Dr. Purcell has helped me to better myself through her resiliency initiative course, she also provided me with the opportunity to receive scholarships. Dr. Purcell knew me well enough to know that I paid for all of my DZ expenses on my own. Because of this, she recommended that I apply for a local DZ scholarship; I was chosen to be a recipient. Besides the local scholarships that Delta Zeta provides, the sorority also offers national scholarships. With Dr. Purcell’s guidance and recommendation, I applied for these scholarships as well and was lucky enough to be chosen as the recipient of a national scholarship. These funds came to be extremely helpful come the following semester.

In the fall of 2016, I planned to study abroad in Spain. It was bound to be an expensive trip, but it was extremely worth it to become fluent in a second language. Delta Zeta took this into account when choosing me as the national scholarship recipient, which leads me to believe that DZ provides the opportunity to travel. Due to the scholarship I received, I was able to explore all that Spain had to offer without financial worries the entire semester. Delta Zeta allowed me to fully immerse myself into the Spanish culture due to the funds they provided me, which shows how important Delta Zeta feels international studies can be. While I was in Spain, I made some amazing friends and in fact, the mother of my best friend in Spain was a Delta Zeta. Learning this showed me that this really was where I was meant to be and I would not have been able to be there without DZ’s help.

While I recommend that everyone travel abroad should they have the opportunity, it was not the only reason I was chosen as a recipient of a national scholarship. I was also chosen because of my involvement within the Alpha Gamma chapter, which is another way DZ provides opportunities. Through Delta Zeta, I became the Chapter Guard, which provided me with a leadership position within the sorority and something additional to add to my resume. Also through Delta Zeta, I received my current marketing internship due to a sorority sister posting about the opportunity online. I participate in this internship with two other DZ’s as well. Without Delta Zeta, I would not have an amazing internship that I love. My sorority truly gave me the opportunity to become more involved on campus.

While involvement on campus is crucial, Delta Zeta also provides the opportunity to STAY involved. After graduation, many people find jobs in new parts of the country far away from their families. In the same way that me traveling hundreds of miles to Alabama was and traveling thousands of miles to Spain was, this change can be scary and intimidating. However, Delta Zeta has local alumnae chapters throughout the nation that make moves such as this a little less treacherous. I have even seen members of the Alpha Gamma chapter that have graduated become members on the executive boards of their local alum chapters. I have the opportunity to be involved in something other than my work life when I graduate and make even more new, everlasting friendships.

While Delta Zeta encourages involvement, presently and in the future, it also heavily promotes giving back to our local community. Through our national philanthropy, Speech and Hearing, as well as our national philanthropy project, The Painted Turtle Camp, Delta Zeta is able to give back the world in exceptional ways. Beyond that, Delta Zeta asks members to complete community service hours, which are often beneficial to the local community. I have volunteered at the West Alabama Food Bank, helped to clean the chapel at the Phoenix House, and participated in events DZ held to promote our philanthropy. Delta Zeta provides immense opportunities to give back locally, nationally, and internationally.

Because of the campus involvement and philanthropy hours, Delta Zeta allows you to improve your resume each day; therefore, DZ offers the opportunity to be prepared for the workplace. Delta Zeta provides leadership opportunities, requires campus involvement, and offers volunteer options. All of these components are necessary to create a great resume. Delta Zeta also holds alumnae networking events to improve your professional speaking skills, networking efforts, and attire to wear in business settings. At the Alpha Gamma chapter, there is also a database of our resumes to provide examples for those uncertain of where to start and to improve the resume you currently have.

While Delta Zeta does offer wonderful opportunities, the last two are the most important to me, which are the opportunity to have a home away from home and the opportunity to have connections for life. Regarding the home, obviously it was the main reason I chose Delta Zeta. I wanted to feel at home in a place that was nothing like where I grew up. I was lucky enough to find it during the recruitment process and continue to feel this way today. I even found a sister who likes wearing Crocs as much as I do. Regarding the connections, I know that the people I am friends with because of Delta Zeta will be apart of my life forever. My big, my littles, my best friends. I plan to stay in contact with all of them no matter where life takes us. They say to find your bridesmaids in college, but I found mine in Delta Zeta.

While reflecting on the past three years has reminded me of all the opportunities I’ve previously received through DZ, it also makes me hopeful for the opportunities it will provide me with during my senior year and after graduation. Delta Zeta has provided me with so many amazing opportunities and I am forever grateful for the laughs, tears, memories, and friendships that I have gained through this experience.

With love,
Danielle Friedel

From the Treasurer...

6/21/2017

All my life I attended small schools, so attending a university this large was quite the leap of faith. I was nervous I would not fit in, that I would not find my niche. I went back and forth about participating in recruitment, but I have to say that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For me, the week was not stressful; it was full of new people and experiences. At the end of tiring recruitment week I ran to my now home away from home, Delta Zeta. The first semester was hard as I found myself feeling like I did not belong. That soon changed when I realized how open and welcoming this group of girls is. I broke out of my shell and allowed myself to be consumed by the fun, support, and positivity Delta Zeta has to offer.

My next leap of faith came the following fall when I decided to run for Treasurer, and I must say holding this position is quite a blessing and a curse. I have learned more from these past seven months as Treasurer as I have in a long time. It has really opened my eyes to the realities and truths of what it takes to be in a sorority, especially one at this magnitude. It may seem like a lot of money for people that do not understand, but without it we could not do all the fun stuff. We are so lucky to have food, date parties, sisterhood events, and so much more that allows us to bond with our sisters, making all the money worth it. At times it makes me hate sorority life, but then I allow myself to take a step back to understand all Delta Zeta has given me. It is a lot to run an organization of 300+ people, but that makes it all the more special. This is not just a social club, but a way to grow and find yourself; just as I did. Delta Zeta offers so much while also teaching each one of us how to balance fun and responsibilities- financial and school. Being Treasurer is not one of the fun, glamorous jobs sorority life has to offer, but it has taught me a lot and I now realize I would not change this experience for anything. It has helped me mature, grow, and understand how hard it is to manage your finances, while trying to have fun and please everyone. It is not easy.

Thank you Delta Zeta for giving me all the opportunities in the world, and allowing me to grow into a much better person because of it.

DZ Taught Me

6/14/2017

Delta Zeta taught me that working hard and making sacrifices will give you unbelievable benefits. My benefit was sisterhood.

College can be an immense financial burden on anyone, but luckily my parents can cover most of the costs – except my sorority dues. When my parents presented me with this responsibility, I never once thought to quit; my mind immediately traveled to wonder, “How am I going to stay in Delta Zeta?”. I found my solution. I decided to spend my summer working two jobs to cover my dues for the year.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. When I tell people the reason I work is so I can afford to be in my sorority, they laugh in my face. The only thing I say to them is: it’s worth it.

After moving to Alabama and joining Delta Zeta, I have never been in a better emotional, mental, and physical state. When I look back on this past year and my experiences with Delta Zeta, all I can do is smile. Before college I only had a few friends and I kept to myself; now I am a social butterfly that is involved in anything I can get my hands on. I have grown so much as a person, and I have my sisters to thank for that. Delta Zeta and my sisters have given me endless opportunities to better myself. I am eternally grateful for the gifts I have been given so far, and I cannot wait to make more memories over the next three years.

So, yes, I devoted my whole summer to working long hours. However, it’s all so I can have the best time of my life, with the best girls, in the best sorority. My summer sacrifices will pay off come August; and I cannot wait to return home to Delta Zeta.

-Ashley Kubisztal, PC '16