Hannah's Summer of Granting Wishes!

Written by: Hannah Hartlieb - PC 14

Before entering college I wasn’t set on what I wanted to do with my life. Although there was one thing of which I was certain; I knew that I wanted to find a career that would allow me to somehow better the lives of others. After losing my mother to cancer my freshman year, my desire to help others was reaffirmed. The only mystery left to solve was how to go about turning that desire into a reality. Entering my sophomore year of college I narrowed my focus to one main goal; to earn a fulfilling job within the non-profit sector. I did my research and decided that the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation was something that I wanted to be a part of. I had no idea that the opportunities I have had working with the organization would end up having such a powerful impact on me. 

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I had been stressing about finding an internship for most of the spring semester; not because I wasn’t applying to enough places, but because the only job I really wanted was with Make-A-Wish Arizona. A branch from the National/International organization as a whole, the Arizona chapter is where the foundation was founded, and it's where the magic began. Loving what they stand for, I wanted so badly to play a role in making wishes come true, even if it were a small one. 

I vividly remember getting the call from my supervisor offering me the position of the Volunteer Services Intern for the summer semester and feeling like I had just become a part of something so much bigger than myself. It was a quick turnaround. I had two weeks to take my finals, move out of school, book flights to Phoenix, find a place to live, and move my life across the country. But what is life without a little challenge and spontaneity, right? As I packed my life into two suitcases and boarded a flight out west for the summer, I was anxious, excited, and totally unprepared for how much my life was about to change.

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Pictured: Hannah Hartlieb and Linda Pauling. Pauling's son was the inspiration that founded the organization, Make a Wish.

The next three months were nothing short of rewarding and incredible. I was able to learn from an extraordinary group of people in a special kind of workplace. My experience consisted of countless learning opportunities from talented professionals who truly sought to carry out the Make-A-Wish mission every single day. I grew both professionally and personally as I interacted with wish families and volunteers from around the state. I learned firsthand that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.

For the first time in my life I felt certain that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. It made me learn the value of finding a career that allows you to have a T.G.I.M., “Thank God it’s Monday”, mentality, because I get to do something I love. As my internship came to a close, I headed back to the Midwest with new friendships, a valuable network of professionals who care about me, and a true confidence in what I want to do for the rest of my life. While I wish I could relive this summer again, I feel extremely grateful to have had an experience like this of which I miss so much already. I am excited to see where it'll take me next!

Alpha Phi's Future Rockette!

Written by: Skylar Suppes PC 14

 This summer was my second year attending the Rockette Summer Intensive in New York. I value the experience and am truly grateful for it each year. This intensive is a week of dancing and training specifically designed to teach Rockette hopefuls what it's like to truly train as a Rockette. While spending the week in New York City, I attended eight hour rehearsals for six days a week, and on the 7th day, we performed at our RSI showcase. 

                 

I was full of excitement the first week. I met so many other young women who share the same goals as I do. One of the most special parts about this week was getting the opportunity to learn from current Radio City Rockettes. They have so much more knowledge and guidance to offer than I could've ever imagined. Being able to dance with and learn from them, in my opinion, is the best way to grow as an aspiring Rockette.

The Radio City Rockettes are famous for their eye-high kicks and precision dancing. As a Rockette, you're not working alone. You're working as a team with the other dancers in your line in order to create the incredible look of moving as one. The Rockettes make it look easy, but there is a lot behind each number performed and each movement carried out. I learned this very quickly while spending my week with the Rockettes. It's very important to pay attention to every movement. It's crucial to not only remember each detail, but also execute each detail while performing. 

During the week, I was placed in a line with 19 other women as we learned three Rockette routines; Welcome to New York, Shine, and The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Each routine was unique, powerful and incredibly fun to learn and perform. It was a lot to learn in such a short period of time, but so rewarding to see how far all of us were able to come. Through countless hours of learning, cleaning, and perfecting, we were able to push ourselves and grow further as dancers. 

Growing up as a dancer, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn from a Rockette. My dance teacher, Susan (Henderson) Dustin, performed as a Rockette in Branson, Las Vegas and of course, New York City. She has always inspired me to work hard and encouraged me to be a part of experiences like the Rockette Summer Intensive!

I have dreamed of becoming a Radio City Rockette since I was a little girl. This week of intense training is truly inspiring and feels like I'm living the dream. I value the experience and am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity. I'm already counting down the days until next summer for my next RSI experience! 

Displaying Our Core Values Everywhere We Go!

Written by: Jenna Boessen PC 14

Road Trip!

Bethany Haskins, Jamie Selman, Gabi Hahn, Naomi Hoffner, 
Emily Novak and Maddie Clausius PC 14

Jamie, Maddie, Gabi and Emily piled into Bethany's car and road-tripped to see Naomi in Georgia! With lots of catching up to do, the 10 hour car ride wasn't a problem and neither was staying up all night talking once they made it to Naomi's house! 

Their first touristy stop was the Atlanta Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. They saw dolphins and whale sharks and even pet sting rays and starfish! Naomi brought the girls down Ponce de Leon and they all ate at her favorite pizza place. Modern murals, swanky resale shops and record stores lined the street. She even showed them to the Ponce City Market where they saw breathtaking views and of course, posed for a photo op. Lots of sushi filled their last night in Atlanta, followed by ice cream and watching movies together.

        

"Leaving Atlanta and Naomi Sunday morning was hard, but luckily we'll all be reunited at Mizzou in less than a month for recruitment!" Bethany said. 

Giving Back to CoMo!

        

Madeline Martodam, Allie Sadler and Ronni Mueller PC 15

Three of our sisters served the community by volunteering at a CPR Training event hosted by the American Heart Association on June 4th! They learned how to give hands only CPR in 60 seconds and taught others how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

"I am so glad I volunteered to teach hands only CPR, because now I not only have the knowledge to perform it, but most importantly, I feel more connected to our philanthropy {Women's Heart Health}," Allie Sadler said. 

The Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi raised over $42,000 for Women's Heart Health this past academic year! The CPR Training along with Alpha Phizza, Alpha Phi Poker Tournament and Red Dress Gala all add in Alpha Phi's philanthropy towards raising awareness of Women's Heart Health.

It's Wonderful at Wonderland Camp!

Jessica Wolff PC 14

Our sister, Jessica Wolff, has spent her past two summers at Wonderland Camp. Wonderland Camp is a nonprofit that provides a week of fun-filled activities and memories for individuals with disabilities ages 6-106. This year Jess is Program Director and leads the scheduling, planning, and facilitating the camp activities. While it may sound busy, Jess said that her job consists of love, laughter and making dreams come true. 

Camp has a way of bringing people together, despite their differences. "Everyone comes into camp thinking they're going to make an impact and change someone's life, but the reality is that the campers change yours," Jess said. The environment at camp is at a different level of acceptance.  It's all about making the world a better place with creating friendships and memories to last a life time. Wonderland Camp is a special place for those who volunteer their time and love and for the campers who enjoy the week of fun!

"I wake up every morning knowing I get to put a smile someone's face and spend time with the people I love," Jess said.

Studying in Greece!

          

Jordan Miller-Mandel PC 14

Our sister, Jordan Miller-Mandel, is currently studying abroad in Greece! She decided she wanted to further her knowledge of mythology, history, and classical humanities and what better place to brush up her studies than in Greece! She has been traveling for the past month and so far, her two favorite places are Crete and Naxos. Touring archaeological sites and museums, beach outings and hikes fill her busy days in Greece. She has been cave hiking and even visited a black sand beach! Jordan said she visited Olympia where the olympics were first held and even traveled to Santorini and Corfu. 

"It's awesome to go on these trips not knowing anyone and coming back with a family!" said Jordan, "I would recommend this trip to anyone!"

Center for Talent Development Internship!

      

Summer O'Gradney PC 14

Summer O'Gradney accepted an internship working as a teacher's assistant for the Center for Talent Development program at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. CTD is a program for gifted children who travel from all over to stay at Northwestern where they can further their intelligence with advanced courses for their age. 

Summer is majoring in Communication Science and Disorders and plans on becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. Northwestern is her ultimate dream school for continuing her major in their master's program, so working on the campus adds to the dream! She focuses on each kid's speech/language and cognitive development while creating lesson plans, running discussions, and leading study sessions at her internship. 

"Words cannot describe how lucky I feel to be a part of such an amazing program!" Summer said.

Creating a Bond for Other Alpha Phis!

Clare Hanks PC 12

Our alumna, Clare Hanks, is spending her summer as an Educational Leadership Consultant. ELCs are recent graduates who travel for the fraternity providing strategic support for all Alpha Phi chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Clare acts as an onsite resource to strengthen the chapters' membership experience from recruitment to officer transition. 

Currently, Clare is training with 20 other ELCs who all share the same passion for Alpha Phi. For three weeks they will train in the Alpha Phi house at University of Colorado, Boulder. She said she is most excited to experience other chapters since no two chapters are the same. She's ready to help other chapters and make an impact in the same way that past ELCs have made at Omicron. 

"I'm so happy I was given this opportunity, so I can give back to Alpha Phi, since Alpha Phi has given me so much," Clare said. 

From Columbia, Missouri to London, England

Written by: Catherine Howser PC 14

          I took a huge step out of my comfort zone by taking on London this summer for study abroad. This past April after all of the countless paperwork, meetings, appointments, and added anticipation I had finally been accepted into the study abroad program.  

I chose to go to London partly because they speak English… but mostly because of its rich architectural history. My major is interior design in architectural studies, so London seemed like the perfect place to go as well as the perfect place to put on my resume. I’ve always wanted to live in a big city and this was my chance to experience it and cross something off my bucket list. I was so excited and ready to test my traveling abilities as I flew out on June 6th to London, England.

            Looking back, there are so many initial concerns when deciding to study abroad. I had never been this far from home without my family. Not to mention, I had not even traveled outside of Columbia, Missouri for this amount of time in my life, not even for summer camp. Although, I would have to say London has been the ultimate “summer camp." I have learned so much about the city, the country, and myself over the last 6 weeks.

            While in Europe I have been taking two classes, one over censorship in British films and another centered around the architecture in London. These classes have been challenging but definitely well worth the six credits.

                                           

In addition to classes, I have had a lot of free time to spend doing touristy things, which include riding the London Eye, seeing a play on Piccadilly Circus, climbing the 500+ stairs to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and of course, seeing Beyoncé perform in Wembley Stadium! Not only did I explore all over the city but also visited a few places in England as well. I took a day trip to the pebble beaches in Brighton Beach, the Roman Baths in Bath, and the mysterious Stonehenge in Salisbury, England. I was even lucky enough to experience a weekend trip to Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank House. 

This past weekend I went up the Eiffel Tower and visited the Louvre Museum in Paris. I tried macaroons at the same bakery where the notorious Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl got hers and I ate at Kim and Kanye's favorite burger place in Paris, called Ferdi. I also saw part of the Love Lock Bridge, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe! Traveling to Paris was by far my favorite part of my six week journey through Europe.  Although, I can’t wait to come back home to America where I can get the perfect burger, drive my own car, and finally see my sisters! 

Our President Represents Omicron at the 71st Biennial Convention!

Written by: Hannah Hartlieb PC14

When I walked through the front doors of 906 South Providence during recruitment, I had no idea what an impact this home would have on me, not only as a collegiate woman, but also far beyond.

This past June I had the privilege of representing our Omicron chapter at the 71^st Biennial Alpha Phi Convention hosted by Alpha Phi International in Cleveland, Ohio. I spent four days strategizing with other collegiate chapter presidents from across the U.S. and Canada. We had the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate our sisterhood with alumnae who exemplified why Alpha Phi is so much more than just four years of our lives.

I walked into this experience as a representative from a single chapter and walked out with sisters from all over who I now have the privilege of calling my friends. I attained a whole new appreciation for this organization.

When I was first initiated into Alpha Phi, if someone had told me that I would be in the leadership position I am now, I wouldn’t have believed them. My experience at convention allowed me to find a new love for this organization with its passion and dedication towards bettering the lives of young women. I am certain that my collegiate experience would not be near what it has been without Alpha Phi. This chapter has pushed me to be the best version of myself and to develop into a leader I never truly could envision until now. Alpha Phi has provided me with irreplaceable memories and has given me a network of thousands of incredible women around the U.S. and Canada.

I am so grateful for my time in this home, for gaining friendships from coast to coast, and for having the opportunity to attend the biennial convention where I witnessed firsthand the originality and special bond within this sisterhood.

From Greek Town to PR Agency Life

Melissa Hirner PC 09

It’s hard to believe that three years have passed since Omicron’s PC 2009 became Alpha Phi alumnae and graduated from Mizzou.

Two days after graduation, I started as an intern in the brand marketing practice at FleishmanHillard – one of the world’s largest public relations firms headquartered in St. Louis. I had shadowed at the agency’s London office while interning in the UK and after learning about the caliber of their clients and campaigns, knew it was the type of place where I’d like to start my career. After completing their summer internship program, I joined the agency full time and have now been there for three years. Time flies!

My clients are international brands in the food and fashion industries – and we help them communicate with a variety of audiences through social media, press appearances, event activations and more. From SXSW and the Super Bowl to Vogue and good ‘ole trending hashtags… we work to generate positive buzz that will get consumers engaged with our clients’ products.

I love the fast-paced nature of agency life – there’s never a dull moment. In a typical day, I might be partnering with influential fashion Instagrammers, writing social content for a major restaurant chain, or planning a media event in Manhattan. It’s fun to be immersed in so many different brands, and even better to be working alongside the industry’s most talented creatives, social strategists and media relations pros. The travel is definitely a perk, too.

My involvement in Alpha Phi, the J School and other campus organizations definitely honed the multitasking, leadership and people skills that I use at FH every day. And without having those experiences to supplement five (yes, five!) internships, I doubt my resume would’ve stood out to top tier employers. Still, it’s hard to be adequately prepared for the real world after college – despite studying, interning and being involved on campus, it was still a shock to find that the “8-to-5” work day has shifted to “always accessible.” By far my biggest takeaway from Alpha Phi is the sisters that I continue to call my best friends – no matter how many miles are between us! While my career will always be a top priority, I cherish those relationships and quality time together more than any title on LinkedIn.