Meet Kyleigh Our New Member Educator!

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.
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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