Written by: Katie Pulio - PC14
As I sit waiting for my delayed flight, I can’t help but
reflect on how the past 5 days have changed me. Through my time at ELI, I have
both developed leadership skills and established friendships that will last a lifetime.
But I am getting way ahead of myself, so here is how it all happened:
I arrived at Butler University for the Emerging Leaders
Institute anxious, excited, and completely alone. I was surrounded by 50+ women
from all over the country who were strangers to me. I quickly learned that these
women were not strangers at all. We all had such similar personalities, and so
much in common because of Alpha Phi. We meshed instantly. Within minutes of
walking in the door, I was fully submerged (in the best possible way). Everyone
was so kind, accepting, and eager to better themselves and their chapters.
Before I even had any of my bags unpacked, we were all collected, eating in the
kitchen and getting to know each other.
We spent most of our days learning just about everything
leadership entails. Between doing team building exercises, a high-ropes course,
and having a discussion with an alumni panel, the facilitators certainly knew
how to keep our interest with high-energy activities. We also learned a variety
of things essential in good leadership; how to handle confrontational
situations, our personal values, and our visions for our chapter were only a
few of the topics. The curriculum had a strong focus on Alpha Phi’s values of
scholarship, sisterhood, service, leadership, loyalty, and character
development. It was interesting to see how these values not only applied to
each of our different chapters, but also to each of our selves as individuals.
I knew this would be an incredible experience filled with an
abundance of knowledge, but had no idea the type of impact these ladies would
have on me. Their positive energy and outlooks on life are consuming and
contagious. I have never met such caring and beautiful individuals in my life.
Every single one of them inspires me to be the best version of myself I can be.
I will be forever grateful for the genuine love & loyalty this
international sisterhood has provided me with.
I am a better leader and person because of this experience. So, thank you to all of these women for
showing me who I am and what I want out of life, and to the Alpha Phi
Foundation for giving us all this opportunity. I will take the things I’ve learned with me for the rest of
my life.
