Being a sorority woman does not make me better than you... It makes me better than who I was.

"I, as a proud sorority woman, understand that being a member of a fraternal organization comes with extra responsibilities and expectations.  That when I took my oath to be a life long member, I promised to hold myself to a higher standard every day.  That being a sorority woman does not make me better than you - it makes me better than who I was.  I take my responsibility of being a sorority woman seriously and I get upset when others do not."

 -- Jessica Gendron Williams, Phired Up Productions

Here I am (holding my bid card!) starting my journey as a woman entering the sorority community -- aimless and hopeful of the possibilities and opportunities ahead of me. I joined the unknown world of Greek life ready to build truly meaningful relationships with a group of strangers that I hoped, and on some level knew, that I would be  their sister for a lifetime. I wanted to get involved in all aspects of my chapter but I had no idea what that meant. I knew I had leadership opportunities available to me because my sister had done it in her chapter. If she could lead, surely I could do the same. It didn't matter that I was one out of 104 strangers. I was in a sorority. My life was going to change for the better.

Reflecting  upon my membership thus far, my ideas of what role I want sorority life to take in my own life have changed drastically. Now, pictured here as a Chapter President and collegiate delegate at Alpha Chi Omega's 57th Biennial National Convention, sorority life means more than involvement or leadership. My vision of how I want to live my sorority life has changed drastically as well.

I joined a sorority to be a better woman: to develop my social interacting (building relationships) skills, participate in organizations on campus, impact a community of people with like-minded ideals. I decided to participate in chapter leadership so I could have a louder voice in steering our organization towards true success, at Ohio State and nationally. I chose to run for Chapter President because I wanted to empower others how Alpha Chi Omega had strengthened, challenged, and loved me. As President, if my members do not leave our doors a better woman in four years, I have in a way failed them. Of course, it is up to the individual to take advantage of opportunities before her but if I do not provide those experiences, I have failed her and my organization.

My vision for my life is to impact women in a positive and uplifting way. To show them that they deserve the best education, the utmost respect, and the tools to empower themselves and others. To show them that making hard decisions is a necessary part of life -- and when forced to make them, leaning on your values is the best way to do so. To show them that making socially responsible decisions may not be popular but are always in the best interest of herself as well as others. To help them experience that a sorority is more than a club -- sororities aren't about drinking with your best friends, or shopping together all of the time, or focusing on how to seem more attractive to men --- sororities are organizations that challenge your moral center andstrengthen your values and beliefs. To show them that expressing love for the organization through volunteering and positive attitudes will mean more to them in 10 years than they ever could have imagined. To push women to the forefront as authoritative, intelligent, poised, innovative and philanthropic. My vision for my life is to make sorority womens' experiences valuable and meaningful to them in a way that they will treasure their experiences and allow them to shape their future.

I have grown as a sorority woman. I have gained valuable experiences I could not have acquired anywhere else. I have recognized the importance of Alpha Chi Omega, in all of its aspects, in my life. I am ready to share that with every woman in my life and those I meet in the future.