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Showing posts with label Sorority Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sorority Spotlight. Show all posts

Friday, August 28, 2015

Sorority Spotlight: Alpha Chi Omega, California State University, Fullerton



[picture descriptions: 1 & 2. Photoshoot from polish week, a week where they prepare for their upcoming recruitment and "polish" things up! The big group shot is of all 130 of their members (minus their Rho Chis who had to disaffiliate for recruitment) and the smaller group shot is of some of their Fall '12 senior class. 3. Photo of them celebrating when they reached 2,000 followers on Instagram. 4. Picture of their most recent graduating class. 5 & 6. Pictures from their "Disney" and "Born In the USA" themed days of polish week.]

Earlier this month we hosted a contest to determine the BEST sorority Instagram. The winner received a spotlight on our site. The sisters of Alpha Chi Omega from California State University, Fullerton won the contest so today we are featuring them and their amazing sorority. This month they also released a brand new School Spirit video on their sorority's YouTube account, so be sure to check it here!

Let's learn more about them...

University: California State University, Fullerton

Chapter: Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega

Founded On: Locally, we were founded December 7th, 1968. The first ever AXO chapter was founded October 15, 1885.

Sorority Symbol: The Lyre, a musical instrument 

Sorority Colors: Scarlett Red and Olive Green

Philanthropy: Nationally, we support victims of Domestic Violence and promote Domestic Violence Awareness (DVA). Locally, we volunteer each month at a Women's Transitional Living Center and support Laura's House and Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) due to losing 2 of our sisters to drunk drivers.

Awards/Achievements: Awarded Founders' Roll for having donated $100,000 to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, named a 5 Star Chapter on Campus (highest honor for a Greek chapter. We excelled in Greek Week this year winning 1st Place in the Volleyball Championship and 1st place in the Lip Sync Championship a 2nd year in a row, and we raised $13,000 during Greek Week for CSUF's philanthropy Camp Titan, a camp for underprivileged children in the Orange County area.This year, we raised $700 during our Healthy Relationships Week, $4,761 at our annual pancake breakfast and $12,215 at our annual Mr. Alpha Chi event. All proceeds went to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the local women's shelters we support.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Why I Went Greek {Ali}


Ever since I found out what a sorority was, I wanted to join one.

My love for all things Greek started in about 2001, when I was first introduced to a character named Elle Woods.  She was smart, beautiful, sassy, and looked smashing while wearing pink.  Then in 2002, my love was confirmed when I watched the show "Sorority Life" on MTV.  Does anyone remember that show?  It completely intrigued me.  What was being in a sorority all about?  Who were these people, and more importantly-- what sorority were they in?!  It boggled my mind that the Greek letters were blurred out during the entire show, and I Googled relentlessly until I could find out which organization this show was all about.  There was so much drama, there were so many twists, and I spent so many hours glued to the screen.

But that was the movies.  That was made for TV.

As I left high school, I chose to stay in-state and attend Arizona State University.  The campus looked beautiful, there were many great shops and restaurants nearby, and Mom wasn't too far of a drive either when I wanted a home-cooked meal.  Plus they had an excellent Journalism & Communication program, so I was sold.  Even though I stayed in-state, a funny thing happened... NONE of my friends from high school chose to go to ASU.  They all either chose the rival college in Arizona, or to go out of state.  Big gulp... I was a lone ranger.  I was on my own to find a new circle of friends.  There was no question; I was going through sorority recruitment.  I signed up, and went shopping for outfits to wear to recruitment immediately.

Once Bid Day rolled around, I had lunch with my Mom by campus just before the big event.  As I sat there talking to her about my experience over the past weekend, I started crying.  I fell in love with the chapter I wanted to be in, and the connections I made meant so much to me... I cried just thinking about it.  The women in this chapter were ones that I identified with, looked up to, and were in alignment with my values.  Tears of happiness, I found my home.  And a few hours later, I found out that my wish came true.

As my first few years of college flew by, I was swept away in Greek pride.  I was so proud, that I painted our sorority name in neon pink spray paint on the wall of the spare bedroom where 3 of my sisters and I lived together.  Oh, and my car had a 3 foot wide decal on the back window too (in pink, with hearts).  I got involved.  I held positions, and they forced me to take action to improve my leadership skills... and get out of my comfort zone.  As one who liked to do things typically all on their own, I learned how to delegate and trust in my sisters to help me get the job done while I was recruitment chair.  One late night while living in the house, I bonded with a new friend in my pledge class.  We laughed, we cried, and we were inseparable from that day forward.  I was there the night she met her future husband at a fraternity house.  And, she stood beside me as my Matron of Honor at my wedding 3 months ago.

And then there was that one time I got in trouble... oh boy.  Now I could leave this story out, but I'm keeping it real... this humbling event was key to my experience.  While I thought I was having an innocent party one night, it didn't exactly play out that way when I got called in the following week.  Some of the new members were at the party, and our advisors weren't too happy with me.  I was so upset with myself, I cried for days.  But you know what?  It taught me a lesson.  I learned how to better look out for my friends, my chapter... my sisters.  How, you might ask?  Because it was up to people like me to ensure the chapter I loved stayed that way; it's the older members' responsibility to guide the new members in the right direction.  Sure, we had fun.  But sisterhood to me wasn't about a party.  Often times, it was the nights hanging out on the couch that meant the most.  Suddenly, I saw the bigger picture & a lightbulb went off... it all made sense.  Once things calmed down, I realized that my sisters cared enough about me to call me out when I was doing something wrong.  I respected them for doing that.  That's exactly what happens while you're in your early 20's; you grow up.  Now I'm not suggesting to go out there and be reckless, but it's ok to make mistakes too.  Being Greek holds you accountable, and reminds you to respect the values that made you fall in love with your chapter in the first place.  Thank goodness I had my sisters by my side to experience the growing pains together.  Those 4 years wouldn't have been close to the same without them, and I can't imagine it happening any other way.  And as I continue to grow for the rest of my life, I know that they'll be right there with me for the ride.

Today, the pride I take in being Greek has taken on a new meaning... beyond any massive sticker I could place on the back of my car window.  I can say with my whole heart that choosing to go Greek is one of the most important decisions I've made in my life.  I met my bridesmaids, it challenged me as a person (and made me a better one), and I've built a career for myself out of something that I hold so dear to my heart.  It taught me to be a better friend, a better leader, and a better woman.  I even attribute my decision of going Greek to meeting my husband; if it wasn't for the people I met in my sorority, I might not have ever met him.  After graduation, being Greek takes on a whole new meaning... when you meet another woman who is also a Greek alum, it's instant common ground (same organization as you or not, it doesn't matter).  I'm fortunate that I get to stay connected to Greek life through both The Sorority Secrets, and through my company 224 Apparel as well.  Even after I've graduated, I'm able to give back to something that has given so much to me... and it gives me true joy.  I believe in sorority women.  They are among the most powerful, influential, and caring people I know.  It's an honor to be a part of such an organization, and part of a legacy of remarkable women.  I'll be forever proud to be a Greek woman, and grateful for my decision to Go Greek.

{P.S.} no TV show can capture the magic of what it's really like.  Not even close :)

Xoxo,
Ali

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Why I Went Greek {Karen}




Yesterday, we highlighted why Co Founder, Sakura "went Greek" Today, find out why Co Founder, Karen "went Greek"!

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My story is really unique in the sense that I knew absolutely NOTHING about sororities. I of course heard about them via movies, but didn't quite understand it.

Here is a little background on me. I am Nigerian-American. I was born and raised in America, however, both of my parents are Nigerian. As my parents assimilated to the American culture, we were brought up in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood. The majority of my friends were of that race and as I continued throughout junior high and high school I tried to diversify my circle of friends, however, I yearned for more African-American girlfriends.

As I entered into my Freshman year of college I had heard about sororities that fostered young African-American women. Eager to learn more about it, I went up to the Greek Offices. When I went up to the Greek Offices toward the Non-Panhellenic area, no one was there. However, across the way in the Panhellenic area stood a tall, black woman. She said, "Can I help you?" I then let her know I was looking to talk to her about joining a historically black sorority. The tall, black girl further introduced herself as Kiara and politely asked if there was a reason why I wanted to join the all black sorority. I gave her my spiel that I explained earlier and she then stopped me and said, "Karen, I am not in an all black sorority and I have made some amazing relationships with women who I call my sisters. We have all races in my sorority, even black women. At the end of the day, it shouldn't be about the race of girls, it should be about where you feel most comfortable ". Kiara had a great point. To be honest, I have never defined my life by race. For those who know me, I have a diverse circle and seek to learn the person BEHIND the skin shade. While I do believe that there are some things similar races can vibe on, I prefer to surround myself among all walks and colors of life. Kiara then suggested that I participate in the Panhellenic recruitment which happened to be that weekend--I had nothing to lose as the historically black sororities were not looking for new members until the next semester anyway. I figured if the recruitment that weekend didn't work out, I still had the opportunity to check out the historically black sororities. Long story short, going through recruitment that weekend was the best decision of my life. I met women who I could relate to on all levels and they helped to shape my positive college experience. From holding various roles like Recruitment Chair, Social Chair, and choreographing fun philanthropic dances, I was able to practice my leadership skills and overall have a blast in college. Above all else, without my sorority experience I would not have met Sakura and Ali to start The Sorority Secrets. For that, I am grateful.

What's your positive story on why you went Greek? Share with us below!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Meet Mackenzie


We love expanding our team and Mackenzie has just joined us as our Senior Assistant. We couldn't be more happy to have her onboard and we wanted you to get to know her too! Mackenzie is a Junior at the University of Washington where she is studying Communications. When she isn't at school, she is an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her true passion is makeup and you will more than likely catch her doing her sisters'  makeup for special events like formals and date parties. Mackenzie hopes to one day be a professional Makeup Artist. Giving back is something near and dear to Mackenzie and she is actively involved in her church. This past spring break to took a trip to the Dominican Republic with some of her church members and Theta sisters to help those less fortunate. 

Please join us in welcoming Mackenzie to The Sorority Secrets' team!


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