By: Alex Steele PC ‘19
Going into college I, like many of you reading this, was excited about the idea of joining a sorority. So many of my older friends loved talking about their sisters, the joy of big/little, the fun of date events and so much more. I would be lying if I said I didn’t go through recruitment with that in mind, but I also knew I wanted so much more. When I walked into Alpha Phi, I remember talking with a member of PC ‘18 on the first day of Open House and seeing her eyes light up when she talked about the authentic and empowering friendships she found through A Phi. I also remember seeing on her name tag the title “Assistant Director of Sisterhood.” It was so inspiring to hear about all of the great friendships and opportunities she found here at Alpha Phi.
After my first year as an Alpha Phi, I couldn’t be more grateful for that conversation. The friends and memories I’ve made are incomparable and made my freshman year amazing. However, as I experienced all of the love and fun of sorority life, I found another blessing that I never expected: opportunity. As a new member, I assumed that I would take the role of sitting back and listening, but in Texas Alpha Phi, your voice matters, and your sisters encourage you to use it in so many ways.
Before getting involved in Greek life, I believed that the only leadership positions within the chapter were the executive positions like the President and Vice Presidents of key functions like Recruitment and Philanthropy. I had no idea that there would be exec positions that would align with my business education like the VP of Finance and VP of Marketing. Even after these introductions, I assumed only upperclassmen could lead given the experience needed for these positions. Thankfully, I was very, very wrong.
In addition to the eight amazing women that serve on the executive board, there are 28 women who hold officer positions for the 2020 year. These roles come in every shape and size and I’m very happy to have been appointed to one that suits my passions and skills. Along with PC ‘19 Cate Naukam, I’m working on our biggest philanthropy event of the year, Red Dress Gala, under the position of Red Dress Co-Chairman. Every Alpha Phi chapter hosts this event in an effort to raise money to support women’s heart health initiatives. Our chapter celebrates RDG during our parents’ weekend and it’s guaranteed to be a good time. To make it happen Cate and I (along with our amazing VP Jacqueline Johnson and our chapter advisors) have to book the venue, caterers, entertainment, and organize all of the fundraising incentives like auction items. Holding this position has exposed me to leading and planning on a new level, and it has connected me with other people who are driven to make a difference. Of course, we can’t do that alone, so we create committees that any A Phi member can join to get a taste of leadership and a chance to help the chapter. Alpha Phi has several committees that fall under every department so all members can easily get involved with the chapter. Our Red Dress Gala Committee is extremely helpful when it comes to setting up and decorating the event, checking our members into the venue, and making sure the event runs smoothly. Committees were the first way I got involved in Alpha Phi because I was able to join one right away. I love how you can discover more about yourself, your sisters, and the chapter through them.
Before you join a sorority, it’s easy to assume your experience will be contained to your college campus. However, In the best way possible this isn’t the case. Alpha Phi is an international organization, and they are there to help you. One of the ways they are helping me is through the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute. This brand new program brings members of Alpha Phi together from each chapter to better our leadership skills at Walt Disney World under the instruction of the Disney Institute. As someone who is passionate about ethical leadership and management and has always admired Disney’s methods, I can’t think of a more exciting way to better myself and my chapter. If that style of leadership isn’t for you, there are so many other local and international programs like visits to Capitol Hill, leadership conferences, or the chance to sit on committees for the core leadership of the sorority.
As a Texas Alpha Phi, there will always be a place for you, and more importantly, Alpha Phi will be a place that gives you the room and resources to grow. No matter your interests or gifts, you can find a position in chapter leadership that excites you. If you find opportunities to lead in other organizations on campus, your sisters will be first in line to cheer you on and support your journey. Our International programming is designed to help you grow in whatever direction you need. With so much unknown, the one thing I can promise you is this: Alpha Phi will be everything you need and everything you didn’t know you needed. To this year’s PNMs; we can’t wait to talk to you about who you are, who you want to become, and how Alpha Phi can get you there.