Sisters Travel to Africa on Volunteer Trip

Written by: Kelsey Fairchild, Kellen Kimmel, and Taylor Blumenthal – PC12

This summer started off with a whirlwind adventure as we traveled to Africa together. We went to Tanzania and Zanzibar with a volunteer trip called GIVE to teach English to bright and eager students while also working to help build a classroom for a local community.

Each morning, students of all ages would enthusiastically arrive at the school, ready to learn anything and everything from numbers to nouns. We allocated our time to work with construction as well, where our days were often filled with laying concrete for the floors of classrooms.  Each day, people from the village would sacrifice their own time in order to come learn and help build, wanting to contribute to the work we were doing for their community. We were overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness of the local people who had so little yet gave so much.

Not only did we devote our time to the volunteer work, but we also were lucky enough to go sailing, swimming with dolphins, on safaris, and visit schools and an orphanage. These experiences opened our eyes to beauty we never knew was fathomable and gave us an appreciation we otherwise couldn’t have imagined.

These past three weeks were filled with more happiness, beauty and gratitude than we can even begin to explain. We set out with the intention of changing the lives of others, only to find that the real change was in ourselves. For us to simply say we are grateful for this experience is an understatement. We are humbled.

Skylar Suppes Represents Omicron at ELI

Written by: Skylar Suppes, PC14

Being a part of Alpha Phi’s Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) was an experience that I will never forget. I had the amazing opportunity to spend a week with 49 Alpha Phi sisters from across the country. Though we all came from different chapters and had never met one another before, we were brought together by Alpha Phi and created a bond that will never be broken.  I grew to love and know each and every one of the girls and am forever grateful to have my ELI family! 

We had the opportunity to learn about the true meaning of leadership and how we can empower those around us. We discussed not only the values of Alpha Phi but also the values that we personally hold ourselves to everyday. In the beginning of the week we participated in a ropes challenge course that taught us about teamwork and how to trust one another. It was so amazing to see how quickly we were all able to work together and support each other even though we had only met the day before. An important lesson that stood out to me from the course was how important it is to communicate as a team so that everyone is on the same page and willing to strive for a common goal.

 

One of my favorite parts during this experience was learning about the ritual that connects all of Alpha Phi together. I was able to further strengthen my love for Alpha Phi and learn the true meaning behind this amazing organization that I am blessed to be a part of. 

I am endlessly grateful to have had this opportunity. Alpha Phi’s Emerging Leaders Institute encouraged me to always share my light because it will only make Alpha Phi brighter!

Omicron Welcomes 14 New Members

On Feb. 28, Mizzou Alpha Phi welcomed 14 new members into the Omicron chapter with an ice cream social. Members met at the chapter house for sweet treats and music to welcome new women into the sisterhood. The house was brightly decorated with balloons and a colorful banner, and a photo booth was set up for taking pictures. Despite the snowy day, girls enjoyed ice cream sundaes and cookies while bonding with their new sisters. It is just the beginning of amazing times for these new girls!

 

MAking MemΦries

Written by: Alex Martins

One of the best parts of joining a sorority like Alpha Phi is that you have sisters from around the country, and you can spend your breaks traveling with them. This winter break I had the pleasure of exploring Nashville with my best friend and roomie Rachel Ahlemeier. We went to a St. Louis Blues game December 30th and decided to stay another night to ring in the New Year.

Nashville is such a cool city filled with interesting people, music, and sights. We got the chance to walk down Broadway, the main strip in Nashville. It was lined with iconic shops, bars, and restaurants. We explored all day, ate the best pulled pork sandwiches, and I even bought my first pair of cowboy boots.

Nashville is the epicenter of country music and we got a little taste of that. On New Years Eve there was a free outdoor concert on Broadway, some performers included Lady Antebellum and Gavin DeGraw. We pushed our way to the front row and enjoyed the music, all while waiting for midnight and the music note to drop. We counted down from 10 and once the clock struck midnight, confetti flew everywhere and Rachel and I were screaming and hugging in true sorority sister fashion. If you ever have the chance to ring in the New Year with your sisters I highly suggest you take it. It was an experience I’ll never forget.