Panhellenic Awards Night

A couple weeks ago we had our Panhellenic Awards Night at Ackerman Grand Ballroom. Our former president, Victoria Tenney, was nominated as President of the Year and I was so honored to be nominated for New Member of the Year. I was so excited to represent Chi Omega; I was especially excited because I made the top three of all the houses! I had an interview for the award and it was nice to meet some of the Panhellenic delegates in the process. Though I did not win the award, I was still very excited to just be in the running! It was a great evening and I went with some of my best friends to Big Chill afterward- best frozen yogurt on the planet! Only they would have chocolate raspberry truffle and chocolate covered banana flavor!

Below is my entry for the essay on "What It Means to be Greek"

As soon as I read the Chi Omega Symphony, I knew that I had found a home on Hilgard. Becoming a sister of Chi Omega has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life and I am continually grateful for the friendships, traditions, and community that have been offered. Our Symphony has defined my experience in the Greek system: I see every verse embodied in so many of the women on a daily basis; “placing scholarship before social obligations,” “character before appearances,” and being “democratic rather than exclusive.” I especially admire how my Chi Omega sisters exemplify the phrase, “lovable rather than popular.” These are the traits that I strive to embody as a UCLA Bruin, Chi Omega sister, and human being. The melodic inscription of the Chi Omega Symphony has given me a new perspective; whether it is to “work earnestly” by pursuing my degree in psychology in hopes of one day becoming a motivational speaker or to “act sincerely” in the presence of my sisters, my family and friends, or anyone for that matter. Through its words I have discovered a greater appreciation for the loyalty and companionship that grows from the bonds of sisterhood.
I hear the Symphony every day on campus; it is a shared smile across Bruin Walk or a wave walking down Hilgard. It is a friendly conversation in the kitchen and a hug on Monday nights when I arrive at the house for dinner. The Symphony is not heard just in Chi Omega though; its notes are being played across campus in every house of the Greek System. Sisterhoods are being strengthened on a daily basis; handshakes are being exchanged, songs are being sung, and oaths are being vowed. We are apart of a tradition that has lasted over a century; women have been playing the Symphony long before we could ever hear it. But the tune still rings louder than ever just as I and so many have promised to be a “symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note.”

Rho Beta

On Sunday night we celebrated our Chi Omega senior send-off with the traditional Rho Beta dance. The theme was Las Vegas hotels- first years were Circus Circus, second years were Luxor/Caesar's Palace, third years were Rio, and seniors were the Hard Rock. Everyone had such great costumes- I was a clown! Greg had a little more trouble with his costume...we finally decided on Papa Georgio from Vegas Vacation. Although Greg and I were absolutely exhausted from Rose Ball, we definitely made a showing and had a great time dancing! This was my last Chi Omega social event of the year and I was so glad that I could go and celebrate a fantastic year with my sisters!

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Rose Ball

I had the best weekend in San Diego! I went with Greg for his Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity formal, Rose Ball. I have made a lot of friends in Pi Kapp so it was so much fun spending time with them in the beautiful San Diego sunshine! It was also nice because a lot of my Chi Omega sisters were there as well. We had a great time relaxing by the pool and of course we had delicious Mexican food at El Indios- which is a must when you visit San Diego! The formal was lovely; it was on a classic boat and we had a delicious sit down dinner with chocolate cake to top it off! I was so proud of Greg; he was awarded as Scholar of the Year. We had a great time dancing the night away and everyone had such a great time. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to go!

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Walk for Wishes

This morning (at 7:15 no less) I walked with my sisters at the Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser, Walk for Wishes. Because this is the Chi Omega national philanthropy, it was very important to me that I participate. This cause is something truly special and it was a huge deciding factor as to why I wanted to join Chi Omega. I love what the organization stands for; as someone that has been touched by cancer, I love that the Make-A-Wish foundation takes a tragic situation and makes light of it by granting the wish of not just the child, but the family that suffers from a cancer diagnosis in the family. Whether it's a puppy dog, a day with Miley Cyrus, or swimming with dolphins (which is a gift that our house sponsored for a boy) this organization changes lives and makes lives better than they were before. I am hopeful that our house will get even more involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and that girls in our house become more aware of what the organization stands for. My good friend Shelby has served the organization for years and she has taught me so much about the program. We had a great time walking and talking this morning and the event was extremely well planned. They had so many food vendors- the P.F. Chang's chicken lettuce wraps at 10:00 this morning along with the truffles was a nice touch!

Spring Sing!

Last night I attended Spring Sing in Pauley Pavillion- it was absolutely amazing! It was another night to remind me of how thankful and proud I am to be a Bruin- there are so many talented students here! The show had various acts- everything from the beloved male acapella group Bruin Harmony to solos, duets, bands, dance groups, and fraternity and sorority song and dance numbers. It was so entertaining and I especially loved the Company which was responsible for providing the comedy- and boy were they funny! I was so proud because we had two Chi Omegas in the Company and they did such an excellent job. It was also exciting because a fellow pageant contestant (and American Idol finalist) Arianna Afsar was in the show and she did a phenomenal job- she even won the award for best duet! It was great sitting next to my Big Sis Kelly and finally getting a chance to catch up. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends to share these experiences with! I wish I could watch the show again!

Happy Mother's Day!

I had such a wonderful and relaxing weekend at home for Mother's Day. Of course my mom planned a family party to celebrate and she made the most beautiful and delicious Boston Creme Pie! It was really nice to spend time with my cousin Sara who just completed her first year at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Earlier in the day we went to afternoon tea with my Grandma Farr and it was really nice to see my old singing coach, Linda. It was such a perfect weekend- so glad that I could see everyone- especially my little Kiko!

Mom's Day

Today was Chi Omega's Mom's Day- it was a fabulous day! Not only was the weather absolutely beautiful- it was a lovely venue on the patio of Covel and we had amazing entertainment- Bruin Harmony. They are UCLA's signature male acapella group and they sang everything from Billy Joel, Jay Sean, Carole King, and Amy Winehouse. They are so talented and so entertaining! Lunch was delicious and it was so nice to get to spend time with my mom and two grandmas. I finally got to give my Grandma Joan and Grandma Farr a tour of Chi Omega and they both really liked the house- so exciting that I will be living there next year! My grand big Jenna planned the event today and she did such an excellent job. Everything about the day was perfect- not to mention stopping at Golden Spoon on the way home made the day even better! I do love my sweets!

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