Thursday, October 14, 2010

A "Perspective" piece I wrote and was published in Alpha Chi Omega's Fall Lyre Magazine

I am the first-born child of teen-aged parents, a first generation American and first generation university graduate.  My father was a US Navy SEAL therefore I’m also a “military brat”.  Growing up, I lived in countless houses, in different states and countries.  Including my enrollment at UCLA, I attended 12 schools.  Very little in my life, besides family, was familiar or constant, until I was granted the privilege of membership in Alpha Chi Omega.  My 16 years, as an Alpha Chi, have been an honor, with continual opportunities to enjoy the society of my sisters.

I feel strongly that our open motto means we should be committed to seeking the heights of friendship. As I grow older and it becomes more difficult to meet people with whom I have something in common, I have come to recognize, with Alpha Chi Omega, opportunity for new kinships are always there.  No matter where I have been, across the United States, I have had the connection to our Fraternity.  The “network” promised, when I first joined, has come through for me, time and time again.

Our “society” is vast.  Since before graduation, I have enjoyed the network.  First, I joined Gamma Theta Gamma, in Southern California.  When I moved 3000 miles from home and everyone I knew, I connected with sisters in New Jersey through Theta Tau Chapter at Rutger’s University, as a way to meet people.  One of my very best friends, in the entire world, came as a result.  I have sisters in Denver in the Nu Nu Alumnae Chapter.  It was through this group, as a first time mother, I was granted the kinship of sisters in the bond of motherhood.  I now live in a small town in Western Colorado, where there is no immediate access to Alpha Chi Omega.  But, just last summer I happened across an email looking for women interested in volunteering with the Fraternity.  Because of my location I wasn’t expecting much.  Yet, an opportunity was still granted to me, and I have become friends, and joke regularly, with women I have never met face to face! 

Just the other day, while pointing at my sweatpants, my 7-year old daughter asked me what “A – X – horseshoe” stood for.  I continue to wear my letters proudly because the longevity and familiarity of my friendship with Alpha Chi Omega, and its impact continues to shape me.  It has been my privilege to have been introduced to so many wonderful sisters, I call friends.  My friendships, with this ever-growing group of women, make it very easy to declare a lifetime commitment to give back to Alpha Chi Omega.  In accord with our symphony, I try “to shed the light of love and friendship round me”, as thanks for the opportunities of friendship Alpha Chi Omega has granted me.  I feel I have done my very best to always be a good sister.  Still, all that being said, I think AXO has gotten the shorter end of the stick!