As the first goodbyes are said, and the first of tears are shed, our time in this office has officially come to an end. We all look back to the beginning. Eight complete strangers wander into the bunk room. The only thing we knew was that we were all stuck in one room and we were all interns at Alpha Delta Pi.
Who would have guessed that eight women would get so close in six short weeks. My time here has been completely life changing. Each and every day I found another reason to love this sorority. I felt challenged to grow, and by golly, I did! I formed relationships that will last longer than a lifetime and strengthened the bonds of sisterhood we all share.
The seven women I was lucky enough to share the summer with are inspiring. They are perfect role models and great leaders. I feel so blessed to be able to call them my sisters. I know that our love for Alpha Delta Pi and each other will bring us back.
The last week here at Executive Office has been wonderful.
On Monday morning, Catherine Joiner came to EO to do a resume workshop with us. She went through the do's and don'ts and we were able to ask questions about our resumes. It was a great workshop! Not only is Alpha Delta Pi committed to our values within our sorority, but Alpha Delta Pi, and the staff here at EO, want to prepare us for our futures as women in the working world. Throughout our time here at Executive Office, we had the opportunity to shadow many different staff members to learn about their roles and what their jobs are. We also had the opportunity to ask questions if we were interested in related fields.
Then on Monday evening we went to make dinner at the Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta. We got to make them tacos! Volunteering there is an really great experience.
Being able to help the families at RMH is life changing. It really makes you put life back into perspective. Often we get so involved in the most trivial things, we forget tho appreciate the value of a home cooked meal with your family. Being able to provide this to the families staying at RMH is truly a blessing.
On Tuesday night, we all decided to make a family style dinner. Lucky for us, Katie (a senior LC) and Ms. Pinkston were at the house and joined us for dinner. We had a lot of great laughs around the table.
Most of the week was spent stuffing Alpha Packets. Each new member is considered an Alpha Member until she is initiated, upon which, she is a Delta Member, or chapter member in full standing. During Alpha membership, women are led ,by their New Member Coordinator, through Alpha Member Education sessions. In these sessions, they learn about the history and inner workings of Alpha Delta Pi. The Alpha Packets are a supplementary material provided by EO that Alphas receive on bid day.
On Wednesday we went to froyo with the foundation and had a blast. Later that evening, we all hiked Stone Mountain. It was breathtaking. A mile hike up and back down right at sunset! It was so much fun! Definitely a major "to do" while you're in Atlanta. And it's free! ☺
Today was the last official day of the internship. It has truly been a life changing experience. I know I will have friendships that will last a lifetime with the wonderful women I got to spend the summer with. It is truly amazing how close eight women (sisters) can get in just six short weeks.
People always ask, why ADPi? Today I discovered the reason. One of the many reasons. I'm quite sure that if I tried to count every reason Alpha Delta Pi is so wonderful, I would die counting.
BUT...
Let me tell you the reason I discovered today.
First, let's talk about sisterhood. What is it?
According to dictionary.com:
Now where do I begin to explain how it's somuch more.
This morning, my exec. team at my chapter at school was talking in our GroupMe. A Leadership Consultant we had during our colonization had just finished facilitating a conference [UIFI] where they had values-based conversations and learned how to change their Ritual into their ritual (*note the capitalization difference☺). A couple years ago, that same Leadership Consultant posted in her blog about this same thing. This is surely a must read for anyone Greek, interested in going Greek, and truly, anyone who has ever interacted with a Greek woman or man.
Even talking about beginning values-based discussions and strengthening our chapter gets me going. I am so excited to be a part of my chapter and to help not only myself, but also my sisters grow and flourish in Alpha Delta Pi and in life. We, as Alpha Delta Pi, pride ourselves in the development of four key points:
"I believe that I must strive to become a well balanced person by following the dictates of the four points symbolized by our diamond shaped badge. First, strengthening my own personality and character, second, watching my attitude toward my fellow beings, third, recognizing the value of high educational standards, and fourth, developing faith and loyalty."
Sisterhood is [partly] encouraging sisters to live out our values, to shape them, and in turn, myself, into women of character and poise. By living our open motto, "We Live for Each Other." So what happened next? Kathryn and I were sitting at the desk by the front door, answering phones, working on our other projects, etc. etc. It was our first day answering the phone by ourselves (although we had each other) and I don't care what you say or how much you have talked on the phone, it is nerve-wracking at first! We would get a call and one would answer, "Good afternoon, Alpha Delta Pi..." and in that moment of panic and the "what do I do now" face passing on mine or hers, the other of us would stop our work and help. Now there isn't too much to help with when it comes to one phone, but we got through our first day of calls successfully! Having someone there to support you through the littlest of things (like answering a phone) just shows that they'll be there for the big things too.
Sisterhood is [partly] about being there. Being there for the big things, and the small things, and the things in between. Again, you may ask, "so what?" Well I'll tell you what. In what organization do you feel comfortable talking to anyone you meet. As an intern here at Alpha Delta Pi's executive office, I am given tasks, and along with those tasks, plenty of questions to ensure that I do my job correctly. Working here, I'm surrounded by members Alpha Delta Pi from all walks of life. I feel comfortable talking to the intern coordinator (well I'd hope so!) but I feel comfortable asking anyone in the office anything I am wondering or concerned about. Mrs. Ablard (the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - that means she's the boss and a very big deal) and I have had plenty of conversations, about ADPi or just life. How awesome is that?! Ms. Pinkston (the INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT - HELLO! also a big deal) was in the office today, and I had a question. She was the only one around. I mean, talking to the International President of an organization is pretty intimidating right? I beg to disagree. She was more than willing to answer my question and we even had a good laugh.
My fellow interns - I met them the day we got here. We're all living together. And guess what? We're great friends. We're all from around the country, different schools, different traditions, different backgrounds, and, well, a whole lot of different. But there is one thing we share. We share a bond rooted in sisterhood, we all share Alpha Delta Pi. Sisterhood is [partly] about being able to talk to anyone and everyone. Being comfortable. Being able to share stories and memories with any sister you meet. Asking questions, and answering, being real with each other. Sisterhood is just one of the infinite number of reasons Alpha Delta Pi is amazing. It is everything you could ever want from an organization and so much more. I am so fortunate to be able to call every Alpha Delta Pi my sister.
