feedback from class

So in class, despite the disgusting weather, we separated into groups and went out in search of Greeks whom we could survey. While we did one survey on the street with a random SigEp we saw, most of what we did was based on phone calls and house visits. The biggest thing i noticed was everybody's initial reaction. Most people i talked to were surprised about our questions. As a PHA women, this made me laugh, because during formal recruitment the answers to these questions are drilled into our heads on the off chance a PNM asks us about something other than our live-in requirement. It seems however, that once january is over, the "correct" answers go straight out the window. I found that the best answers i got were the ones who previously held positions and often the upperclassmen. The younger ones had more issues with the questions.

When people did manage to get a response out that wasn't "uhhh" almost everybody answered with the same repetitive answers. "We value sisterhood/brotherhood, leadership, we like to have socials and are involved and our ritual is what separates us from other chapters." Ironic isn't it that no matter what council and what chapter you were, you said almost the exact same thing. I'm thinking that's what kristen's point was.....

a family thing

So when we got the assignment to pick an organization, the first thing to pop into my head was Exxon Mobil. This is simply because both of my parents work for Exxon and have for quite some time. So of course i was brought up learning all about everything they do and why they do it. It's very common for the general public to dislike big oil companies, especially in today's day and age. However, i know that is a mistake. Exxon is constantly looking for useful alternative energy resources. They travel the world to find other resources they can use besides oil. Because of this, i think they do a very good job of showing their organizational values. They are also a notoriously conservative company, from the attire they expect their employees to wear, to general business conduct, Exxon certainly values hard work and good ethics. A good example of this is their reaction to the BP oil spill. Instead of distancing themselves from BP and trying to take advantage of a competitors downfall, they reached out. They approached BP and offered help and advice to how they could come back from such a devastating event. Exxon shows its values in many ways including its actions with BP and its many commercials to keep the public informed about their most recent activities.

A picture of my mom and other Exxon Mobil employees donating to United Way, one of the charities Exxon has close ties to.

Values

When i think of this topic, i think of the countless weekends i've spent at conferences both for OSU and for Delta Zeta. No matter what the main purpose of the conference is, it always goes back to our values. We discuss what our chapters were founded on and strive to live by these everyday. While Delta Zeta's values are good and all, i have my own set of values that are important to me.
1. friendship
-My friends really mean the world to me. They've always been there for me, regardless of what was going on in my life or how far away we are. No matter how successful you may be in life, you're nothing without your friends.
2. honesty
- I never expect people to be perfect, but i do expect people to be honest. One of the hardest things in life is when to admit that you messed up and when you're wrong. I really value people who are capable of doing that.
3. Giving
- so as i'm sitting here writing this blog, i was asking my sisters for some advice about what my values are. I know, it seems weird that i should ask them about MY values, but they do know me better then myself sometimes. They suggested giving. I try to always give what i can to my sisters. Whether that be a ride to class, clothes for a date, or the perfect headband to wear out at night :) personally, i believe strongly that what's mine is theirs. After I graduate i hope to continue this in my place of work and my family.


I have plenty more such as trust, courage, and intelligence. But i feel as these are pretty self-explanatory and i'm willing to bet many people will have these as well.

Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy.

Everybody hates it. I've found that in the Greek community, including in my own chapter, there are hypocritical people by the dozens. Everybody talks about living by our values and joining greek life for good reasons. Unfortunately some of these very same people, are the ones going against these "values" every time they go out. The ones who, during the day, preach about sisterhood or brotherhood, are sometimes the very same people who go out, get wasted, and do stupid things. 

Look I understand, it's college, and everybody likes to unwind and relax on the weekends. But, if this is what you like to do, then own up to it. Don't walk around like you are god's gift to Greek Life, just to act like a complete idiot on the weekend. Personally, i will be the first to admit that i've done stupid stuff i've regret and I know there are times that I don't live up to the values our founders founded Delta Zeta on. But at least i'm honest about it. And i know that's something our founders would appreciate--honesty. 

First Official Blog Post

So I'm officially writing my first blog post. My brother and sister-in-law (who are avid bloggers) must be so  proud. It will certainly be interesting to see how this goes. Now, for Tyler's questions.

Who am I? I am a second year finance major from Houston. Being far away from home can sometimes be hard, but I love being at OSU. When I'm not busy with Homework or DZ, I love shopping and being outdoors. I also enjoy traveling and i've been to 16 different countries.

Why am I in a sorority? Well for me, i was a part of the "always joiners" recruitment books talk about. In the south, everybody goes Greek, it's just how things are done. My older brother was in a fraternity at UT and he met his wife at her sorority semi-formal. Needless to say, Greek life was a necessity for any college I wanted to attend. While Greek life up here certainly isn't what it is down south, i love it. Recruitment was stressful of course, but I am so happy that i ended up at Delta Zeta. Currently I am the Vice President of Membership, and I definitely enjoy it.

How do I feel? Well i actually enjoy a blog as opposed to carmen, or a different type of website. It gives it a bit more of a relaxed feel, and the videos are a nice way to break up all the information. I am definitely looking forward to having some great discussions about how we can change Greek life for the better.