Dear PNM

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge planner. I love to know every detail of everything that is going to happen- like every detail. This was great an all in high school, but then the biggest unknown was ahead of me, college. I worried if I would fit in, would I like the school, would I even make friends? Many worries and fears that you might be feeling right now. After a summer of worrying about the unknown,  Adpi was the best unexpected thing I could have ever dreamt of. 

“be confident in who you are”

Moving in and starting recruitment week can be so overwhelming and a little scary, but I encourage you to be confident in who you are. When I walked into ADPI, it wasn’t about the clothes that I spent months preparing or the curls I spent an hour doing. In that moment, what really mattered to me was finding a place that felt like home. For me, that was Alpha Delta Pi. 

I’m not going to say every class you take is going to be easy or that you won’t get homesick the first semester, but I will say becoming an ADPi allowed me to find people that will be there when I need a laugh, a bible study group, or a study buddy. 

Looking back now, I’m so thankful I couldn’t have planned the last two years because they have been filled with more memories, friendships, and late night food runs than I would have ever imagined. 

So don’t live in the fear of the unknown, but live in the excitement for the many friendships, memories, and experiences that going Greek has to offer you! 

With love,

Mary Margaret Gilbert

Recruitment and Marketing Vice President

If you have the same doubts I did…

When I was going into college, people would always ask me if I was going to join a sorority, and never once did I hesitate to say no. No one in my family was ever a part of greek life. I had my mind set on not doing it, ever. 

I met multiple girls throughout the summer who were so excited to rush, and I had no idea why. In my mind, I believed all of the stereotypical things that surrounded greek life. I believed things such as: “it’s paying for your friends” and “all sororities girls do is party.” 

So I decided to not rush my freshmen year. I didn’t think it was for me. I didn’t think it was worth it. 

My outlook changed when I watched my friend Chelsea fall in love with her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I watched her grow into a better person, find herself, and find her best friends. Throughout my whole freshman year, I started to truly learn what greek life was all about. 

Sophomore year rolled around, and I decided I was gonna give it a go. My first day, I went to ADPi and I understood. I understood how Chelsea could fall in love with this place and these girls, and I started to fall in love too. 

After getting a bid from my dream sorority, this love only grew so much stronger. 

Thank you Chelsea for encouraging to take a chance. Thank you Alpha Delta Pi for giving me a home and the best friends I could ask for. I couldn’t imagine my life without you now that I’m apart of you. 

With much love, 

Dakota Beever (PC ‘18)

turning my besties into my sisters

Payton,

Since the day you joined ADPi and started talking about it, I knew I wanted to experience that myself. The first time I walked through the doors of ADPi, I instantly got chills seeing all the friendships that you had built during your time away from home. It was in that moment that I wanted to make it my home too. The feeling I got when the door opened on pref day and you were there to pick me up well, there has been nothing like it.  Many, extremely happy tears were shed when I was able to run home to you on bid day. My dream of being your ADPi sister had come true.  Sharing my first year of college and sisterhood with you is something I will be forever grateful to have experienced. You are my reason for falling in love with ADPi. 

Kenzlee,

Having you by my side throughout my entire college experience has been a blessing to me. All of our ups (because there hasn’t been any downs) have helped me get through the hard times of college and the things I’ve faced in life.  You have been my constant since pre-school.  Some of my best memories include you. Extending them into our college years have been more than I could ask.  Running home to ADPi with you was truly running “home”.  Making new friends in college is scary, but I knew that I would always have you by my side to make it easier.  You are my piece of comfort in ADPi. 

Madison,

I couldn’t help but feel excited when you told me that you wanted to attend Georgia Southern and go through recruitment. I knew from that moment that I wanted to share all the love that I have for my sisterhood with you. I made it my personal goal to make you fall in love with Georgia Southern and ADPi the way Payton did for me and for it to become your comfort zone the way Kenzlee is for me. Opening the door and welcoming you in on pref day was a day that I will always treasure, but having you run home to me on bid day is my all- time favorite memory. I can’t wait to take on our second year together. You are my future in ADPi.  

 ADPi has been many things to me, but I am forever grateful for ADPi for turning my besties into my sisters. 

-Hannah Paul (Fall ‘17)

Learning to Lead

This past semester was a complete whirlwind. In January I felt as though I had this enormous amount of weight pressed onto my shoulders all at once and that I was wayyyy in over my head. I never dreaded starting a semester so much. 

I had just began my role as President and I kept continually beating myself up, wondering why in the world I thought I could lead a chapter of 220+ amazing, beautiful, intelligent young women. 

Then it hit me. I wasn’t leading them alone. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

This was the scripture I read before the very first day of my spring semester - and I realized then it was all going to be okay. 

Not only did I begin to realize I had my faith to lean on, I had a whole team of officers, an amazing executive board, and so many others to help guide me on my journey. I think back to a time right after reading this verse when someone asked me: “Why do you want to be President?” - my answer was simple then: “Why not?” 

If I could give one piece of advice to young women everywhere it would be straight from that verse. Do not be anxious, and do what you want to do. The only person who can limit you is yourself. 

I am forever in debt to Alpha Delta Pi for giving me the confidence I needed to be the best I can be.

Loyally,

Tayler Wickham (2019 Epsilon Pi President & Fall ‘16)

to my sweet roomies...

Throughout recruitment, you meet lots and lots of new people. Some girls you won’t remember and some you won’t forget. Lucky for me, I met some of my very best friends and ROOMIES! From standing in line together for icebreakers, to making conversation walking from one end of row to the other, to opening our bids, to running home on bid day! Fast forward a few months later and we are signing a lease to live together next year. Now, the countdown is on and only 80 days til I get to live with my best friends!

These strangers have become some of my closest friends. Freshman year with these girls was full of dorm sleepovers, landy dates, borrowing each other's whole closets, chapter carpool, countless hours painting banners and spring break travels with each other. I cannot imagine having spent my first year of college without these three girls. A huge shoutout to Alpha Delt for blessing me with not only the bestest sister friends, but also the best roomies! 

Ella, Hailey, and Madeline - you all are my people. I am so lucky to call y’all my best friends. I know I can always count on y’all for anything and everything! Y’all are my ride or dies forever. Each of you are so magical and beautiful in your own ways! I really cannot wait to live with y’all and be able to drive y’all crazy 24/7. ;) I love and miss you all so much and can’t wait to give y’all the biggest hugs when we get back to States. I can’t wait for the memories we have coming for us in this next year! Here’s to endless sleepovers and family dinners and roomies night in’s! Love you sisters <3 OBIC

-      With love, Ally T

GO GREEK!!!!!!!!!

College gets tough…really tough. Some of the classes I have taken I barely scraped by with a good grade, and it would have been a lot more miserable if I did not have the friends in the class that I did. As a freshman I got swallowed by the big lecture halls and I would sit in the back not knowing anyone, until I spotted the classic, comfort colors t-shirt, and frocket with Greek letters on it. It did not matter what Greek organization that person was in, the question “what sorority are you in?” was always a conversation starter.

One class that I am thinking of that was different than any class I have ever taken, was my anatomy lab, where I met Caroline. Anatomy labs require so little of you until the big practical rolls around. Practical week is when everyone starts to panic. Texts are flying around asking if anyone has any tips or tricks to share, and looking over the list of 200+ parts of the body to memorize gets daunting. It is scary until I started making friends with people around me because we all had something in common, and that was: we were all in Greek life.

The beginning of the random friendships in my anatomy lab, and so many other situations, all started with “What sorority are you in?”. They would give an answer and I would often respond with “do you know (insert name)????” then it would just take off from there! So, in conclusion, joining a sorority has helped me in SO many ways. One of my favorite things it has given me is always having a conversation starter for a shy person like me.

-Emma Lewis (Fall ‘16)

To my sweet Natalie

Less than a year ago, I never thought that my little would play such a big role in my life. Becoming a big was something everyone always talked about, saying how exciting it was, and from my experience it has been life changing. From the first time I met you, Natalie Christie, we had an indescribable bond, that has forever changed my life. 

 From the first time I met you, you had me in awe. From your contagious smile, to your courageous life style, these are just some of the things I will always look up to you for. Your kind heart for helping others, and never putting yourself first is one of the many things I love about you. Not to mention how strong you are. No matter what goes on in your life or the obstacles you face, you always seem to find the courage to keep going and never let it get you down. You have a special place in this world Natalie, and you are so unique; Never let anyone tell you different. 

Nat, I will never be able to describe to you how you have been such a savior to my life this past year of school. From the countless phone calls/facetimes multiple times throughout the day, to our random work out spells (obviously not very often, LOL), to the not so perfect moments in our lives, you have always been there for me. These are things that I won’t ever be to tell you how much they mean to me. It really doesn’t matter how far or close apart we are, you are always in my heart and on my mind. The way we can laugh till we almost cry, and bond so closely from similar experiences we have faced, brings a sense of comfort, and reminds me that God placed you in my life, as my little, for a reason. The role you play in my life is irreplaceable, and I will always be there for you. 

As for our futures, I cannot wait to see what they hold. I know no matter where life takes us, we will stay close at heart no matter what (especially with you living 3 houses down from me next year). As you continue your experience through college, my advice to you is to stay true to your heart. I will support you no matter what, and always validate your dreams. Never let anyone slow you down or keep you from following your dreams. The special role you have is a gift to this world, and never forget that.

Here’s to the undeniable bond between us that will never fade. Thank you for making me a better person, and never giving up on me. Thank you for always accepting me, as I am and unconditionally being my person. If only you could see through my eyes how perfect and precious you are to me, and how that will never change. I will always be here no matter where life leads us, from now until forever. I love you forever and ever!!! Never forget that!

 Xoxo,

Addie

“I found my future bridesmaids, now you go find yours.”

Growing up a legacy of the Epsilon Pi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, I would see my mom meet with a group of about 5 or 6 ladies about every month. One day I asked my mom who they were and why they only came around every so often and she said, “those are my sisters, we don’t all live in the same town, so it’s hard to keep in touch, but we share an amazing bond of sisterhood so we make a point to see each other whenever we can.”. I knew in that moment that I wanted to be a part of that.

Ashlyn Millians (Fall ‘18) & Monica Millians (Fall ‘90)

A few years later, my wish had come true and I was now a part of the same wonderful sisterhood as my mother. Coming in as a freshman I knew absolutely no one and I admit I was a little scared. On bid day, that all changed when I met my bid day buddy and eventually my big sister, Emily Alexander. I had never clicked with anyone as fast as I did with Emily. It was like I found my long lost sister. She introduced me to all of her friends and answered any question I may have had and by the end of bid day I knew I had found my life long friends.

Freshman year is very scary to say the least. I had never been that far away from my parents and the feeling of being all by myself so fast was a little overwhelming. The thing was though, I wasn't all by myself, I now had a support system of around 200 girls. I always had a sister to turn to if I wanted to go on a lunch date to destress or needed a study buddy or really anything I needed at all. So, if your thinking about rushing but are scared because you don’t know anyone, my advice to you would be go for it. The second you run home to your sorority, in the blink of an eye you have a team of girls behind you that are going to help you succeed not only through college but in life as well. I found my future bridesmaids, now you go find yours.

- Ashlyn Millians

Finding the Perfect Balance

Coming back to college whether it be your freshmen year, or your senior year can include every type of emotion. Trying to live up every moment, go to every social, and hang out with your sisters can be tough especially while trying to maintain good grades. Being in Alpha Delta Pi has brought me so many opportunities and a lot of sisters who are always there to help when the going gets tough.

My first year of college was one like no other. My senior year of high school I dual enrolled, so I came into college as a sophomore; meaning I would immediately be taking upper-level science classes. Being a nursing major, I was always stressed out, and in dire need of some help. Trying to balance the best of both worlds was catching up with me quickly. I was beginning to doubt myself and was thinking there is no way I can be in a sorority and balance school all at the same time. I needed help and needed it fast. 

Alpha Delta Pi was the perfect place to go for advice. It provided me with an endless number of sisters who had the best advice. I then reached out to some older girls who I knew were in the nursing program and asked for some help. They welcomed my endless amounts of questions with open arms and were the best encouragers especially when school was kicking my butt. They always told me to stay strong, dive in my studies even when I don’t want to, have fun every once in a while, and never to be afraid to ask for help. I am so thankful for all of the girls that encouraged me; without them I would be a wreck. I learned that it was possible to balance both schoolwork and fun and still be happy. ADPi has brought me so many things, but I believe the best thing would be the endless love and support that each of my sisters has given me. I am forever in debt to Alpha Delt.  

Freshman-Year Follow-Up

From the start, I knew that I wanted to be apart of Greek Life. Coming to Georgia Southern was one of the scariest but best experiences. I had to leave my family and the majority of my friends 3 hours away, and the thought of making new friends was a terrifying one. Throughout rush week, I met some girls who helped me to not be as nervous throughout the week. Decision making was difficult, but someone told me to think about it like this- “If that was the last time you would walk into that sorority house, would you be okay with that?” That piece of advice helped me tremendously. Whenever I walked into the ADPi house for the first time, my heart was set on staying there. The girls there exhibited something that I did not realize I was missing. Every time I walked into those doors of ADPi, the Lord told me that is exactly where I needed to be.

“If that was the last time you would walk into that sorority house, would you be okay with that?”

Choosing ADPi as my new home turned my life around. There was no one in my PC who I knew very well, but I made some of my best friends in less than a week, who are actually close to my hometown (shoutout to Elizabeth, Jacie, Caroline, Destin, Anna, and Emily). Throughout initiation and homecoming week, I became so much closer with my PC as a whole, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have those girls! As you can imagine, the first semester ever of college is a lot of adjusting and just a tough time in general. My family went through a lot of troubles, and it was really hard to be so far away from home during it. Addison Smith guided me through everything and was always there for me. She taught me how to think about the positives, and without her, I have no idea how I would’ve handled it or gotten through it. Every girl here, in Epsilon Pi, has something different to offer. We are all different in our own ways, but we come together as a whole to make something great.

Greek Life isn’t just socials and date nights, it is way beyond that. The opportunities that ADPi and this chapter have to offer is truly what helps us all succeed and be the best version of ourselves. You are able to fully get involved in campus life and the community. We are encouraged to help other sororities and fraternities with their philanthropy by attending their events, and by doing this, I have met so many great friends and grown closer to my sisters. ADPi allows us to be more involved by having community service days, letting us help our philanthropy, the Ronald McDonald House, attending events on campus, and many other opportunities. Bible study is one of my favorite things that this chapter has to offer because you’re able to grow closer to God along with your sisters.

This sorority has already taught me so many valuable lessons and shaped me into who I want to be. Alpha Delt inspires me to always be my best and to always do what is best for me, and it has truly been one of my biggest blessings. I am so incredibly excited to show new members of ADPi how this sisterhood will change your life in the most positive way. Thank you, Alpha Delta Pi, for helping me find myself and my people.

-Natalie Christie (Fall ‘18)

Looking Back… From a Senior’s Perspective

 “As I sit here and think about the past four years of my life being a part of Alpha Delta Pi, my mind is flooded with memories. Four years ago, I came to college bright-eyed and ready for a new beginning. I didn’t even know what I was looking for, but I found so many missing pieces of my life in the beautiful white mansion on Olympic Boulevard. 

 Alpha Delta Pi truly became a home away from home for me. There just isn’t another place in this world where you can rely on 240+ women to have your back and encourage you in your journey of life. I found who I was called to be in this group of women. I found the true meaning behind sisterhood in this group of women. Most of all, I found the love of Jesus in this group of women. The way I have been accepted and loved by my friends in ADPi has shown me time and time again how Jesus accepts and loves us.

 Throughout my four years in ADPi, I have heard over and over, “ADPi doesn’t just last four years, it lasts a lifetime”, and I can vouch for this well-known saying. As my best friends and I begin to pack up our college lives and scatter all over the state, I am put at ease knowing these bonds won’t be broken. I rest in knowing that these friendships have been founded upon solid ground. I have been blessed to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I am forever indebted to this sorority for all it has given to me.”

 Loyally, 

           Jenny

Dear Kendyll + Anne Marie

I remember the summer before college like it was yesterday. I was nervous and excited all at once, totally unsure of what my college years were going to look like or who I would spend my time with. I spent hours praying for friends who would not only walk with me through our college years, but who would stand by my side for all of the following seasons of life. I prayed for friends that would just get me. 

Then, the Lord answered this prayer by giving me Kendyll Canning and Anne Marie Fuller - two girls that just get me! I knew I loved you both the second I met each of you, but I truly never knew that I could love y'all even more four years later. 

You are both so loyal, humble, and kind - the exact type of friends that everyone needs rooting for them in their corner. You have been my go-to girls for sisterhood events, socials, date nights, and all things ADPi and college. My favorite memories have you two in them! We have shared countless laughs, adventures, dreams, and prayers together. Y'all have encouraged me, loved me, and poured into me in ways I never knew girls my age could. Y'all truly make me better!!

As you both know, I have cried nearly every day leading up to your graduation. There have been plenty of sad tears, but my tears are mostly those filled with joy and pride - thankful for the gift of being your friend. I am speechless over the fact that the Lord gave me such incredible best friends. He promises immeasurably more, and you two are just that! Y'all are going to shine so bright in the adult world, and I simply cannot wait to see how you are going to change it!

While the future is never certain and we won't all three be in the same little town of Statesboro anymore, there is one thing I know will never change: the friendship I share with you two. I am excited for the coming seasons that we will get to share together - figuring out the adult world, road tripping to see each other's new homes, sharing engagements and weddings, raising families, and being silly old women. Y'all are never getting rid of me!! 

Here's to the best four years and a lifetime of memories to come!! Thanks for making my college years a season that I will cherish forever. Thanks for pushing me to walk the straight and narrow, even when it's hard. Thanks for the road trips, the goofy selfies, the ice cream runs, and all the love you two have given me. It's not going to be the same around here without my girls! I love y'all and wish you the best in this new season of life (but I'll be texting you every day to check in, of course). 

XOXO, 

Liv 

"Thank you, ADPi for pushing me to get the most out of my four short years at GSU"

In high school, my resume was so long that it took up almost three pages! I was the captain of the golf team, president and vice president of various clubs, and won numerous awards for my involvement. I did a distinguished engineering internship my senior year and volunteered at a few different local organizations.  When I was looking at different colleges to attend, I knew I had to pick one where I could become involved with just as many things as I was in high school. As soon as I made my first trip to Georgia Southern, I was certain I could make an impact at this school. The small feel of the school really gave me the confidence to get involved on campus.

Before I even moved into my dorm in August, I started to join various clubs on campus. I first joined the University Honors Program and was blessed to receive a few scholarships. I decided to live in the Honors Living Learning Community and become even closer to my peers that are in the program. (I ended up with the BEST roomies- one turned out to be an ADPi with me)

I was a little hesitant of rushing earlier in the summer, but I decided to give it a shot. I thought it would be a great chance for me to meet some people on campus. I am so glad I did and even more glad that I joined ADPi. Alpha Delt pushes me to be the best woman I can be and helps me stay even more involved with Georgia Southern than I would on my own. Something that we truly believe in as members is getting involved and becoming leaders. We are required to be in two outside organizations outside of ADPi and I truly believe that helps shape us to become the best business woman, nurses, lawyers, doctors, and teachers that we could possibly be.

Although I have only been in Statesboro for less than a year, my resume is already starting to build up. I am a University Honors Program Ambassador, member of the PHA Judicial Board, and a member of various clubs on campus. Thank you, ADPi for pushing me to get the most out of my four short years at GSU. <>

-Taylor Gray (Fall ‘18)

5th Annual Backyard Boogie + BBQ

What is Philanthropy? It is to promote the welfare of others by the generous donation of money, time, and effort. I have the pleasure of being my chapter’s philanthropy chair for the 2019 calendar year. I came into this position excited and ready to tackle challenges while raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. 

I continued the tradition of hosting Epsilon Pi’s 5th Annual Backyard Boogie philanthropy event held at our chapter house on Greek Row. I am definitely not an event planner, so this event made me very anxious as I wanted to succeed and have a great turnout. The planning began all the way back in January between choosing a date of the event, what kind of food to serve, and how it would be great! Specific details were finalized by the beginning of March and the event was set for April 4th. 

Gnat’s Landing catered the event serving barbeque, potato salad, chips, and dessert. Tickets were only $5 which included your meal, a drink, live entertainment, and popsicles! We also had the opportunity for guests to decorate cards to be sent to The Ronald McDonald House in Savannah, Georgia and to literally “Pie a Pi” for $1. 

I could not be happier with how the event turned out. I had the support of my sisters from the start and to be honest, I could not have done it without all their encouragement. The week at the event I spent late nights at the house doing last minute planning/organizing and my sisters would bring me anything I wanted from food to coffee, or they would just come downstairs to keep me company. Without everyone in Epsilon Pi supporting me, I would not have the pleasure to say that we raised $6,000 for our philanthropy! 

-Kaitlyn Kelly

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Family Weekend ✮ Spring 2019

I think anyone could agree that time spent with your family is time well spent! That is

why I get so excited when I hear that it is time for a Family Weekend at the Alpha Delta Pi

house. That means that my family gets to come see this pretty little town of Statesboro and

learn more about my sisterhood that I have been blessed with.

This past Saturday, I brought my dad, little sister, and twin little brothers to the Low Country

Boil dinner at the Blue Room. It is always so fun to see how each of our families can hit it off

with each other so easily because of the things they have in common. It is really amazing to see

all of our families together in the same place getting to spend time with one other. I even found

out that mine and Maggie Dollar’s dad graduated from the same high school together after my

dad literally chased him down right when he laid eyes on him!

Funny story: my brothers have actually never had low country boil before. My brother

Blake, without anyone knowing, started to eat a shrimp. He tapped on my shoulder and said,

“This shrimp is crunchy.” He didn’t know he had to peel it before he ate it! So it’s safe to say they definitely

learned a lot that night.

These experiences and the time spent together just shows that being a member of

Alpha Delta Pi goes far beyond just being a member. It affects our families, our relationships and

friendships. It is so much more than a sorority.

more than a ritual ♢ more than a symbol ♢ it’s a way of life

“I already knew that you would not really have a day or time to “become” an ADPi…..an ADPi is what you have always been.”

I get my True Blue, Georgia Southern blood and love for ADPi honestly. My parents, my aunt and my uncle all attended college here and my grandparents worked here. Growing up, I heard stories from my parents about their time at Georgia Southern and about my mom and her sister’s love for ADPi. As an only child, I remember thinking how cool it would be to have so many sisters all over the world, if I was ever lucky enough to be an ADPi, or in any sorority at all. 

I chose Georgia Southern because it felt like home. I wanted to have that same feeling with my sorority. During rush, I was so nervous going into the ADPi house. I was nervous that it wouldn’t be all that I had built it up to be in my mind and even more nervous that they wouldn’t like me or I just wouldn’t fit in. Going through rush, everyone tells you of “the feeling” you’ll have when you walk into the house you belong in. The moment I walked into ADPi I knew that was the place for me. Jenny Way picked me up at the door and made me fall even more in love with ADPi and the girls that would eventually become my sisters. Each day after, through recruitment, I had that same nervous feeling but I knew that God would lead me to the house I belonged in. 

Bid day was so much fun – I ran home to my bid day buddy, Mary Spivey (who also became my big!), and standing right there with her were my mom and aunt! It was so special to be welcomed home by two of the most important women in my life. 

My mom wrote this to me the night before my initiation into Alpha Delta Pi and my experiences as a sister have proved that my mom was right (of course!). 

            “For as long as I can remember, you said you wanted to “be” an ADPi – and, I never shared this thought with you, because you could not truly understand until this special week….but I already knew that you would not really have a day or time to “become” an ADPi…..an ADPi is what you have always been.” 

My first year in ADPi was exactly what I had dreamed of!  I made so many new friends, got the greatest big and grand-big, and I felt like someone (or 200+ someones) had my back no matter what.

 The one thing missing was my best friend. My cousin Ansley is one year younger than me and during my freshman year, she was a senior in high school. I knew as soon as I joined ADPi that this is where she belonged too. I prayed she would pick to come to Georgia Southern with me and when she finally chose, I was so excited for our college adventures together!

Fast forward to 2018 Recruitment Week. Each day my mom told me that Ansley had loved everywhere she had been. I knew ADPi was her home and I was hoping she would see that during the short time she got to spend in my home away from home. On preference day, I FINALLY got to talk to my best friend and hear all about her week. The first thing she told me was, “Megan, I want to be an ADPi so bad.” I probably cried more than she did that day, but I think now, she understands why. 

 My sweet Ans running home to me on Bid Day was such a fun day! Now she knows, first hand, why my mom, her mom, and I love ADPi so much. 

 I didn’t think it was possible but my sophomore year in ADPi has been even more fun with her by my side through everything. 

 Alpha Delta Pi is more than a ritual, more than a symbol, it is a way of life. It’s the way of life my mom taught me to live before I was an ADPi, how my Aunt Anne taught Ansley to live before she was an ADPi, and how Ans and I will teach our daughters to live before (fingers crossed) they become ADPis.

-Megan Leben (Fall ‘17) 

“College isn’t easy-Life isn’t easy-So find your Blair”

The very first day of school I walked out of my dorm, realizing I had no idea where I was going. I looked up and saw another girl with an ADPi t-shirt on, so I walked up to her and asked what her name was, and where to go. She gladly walked me to my class. Little did I know that this person was not only my new sorority sister, but the girl who was going to be my best friend. A semester goes by, and our friendship grows. We realized we shared so many things besides Alpha Delta Pi. We shared a love for the Lord, the same birthday (weird right?), a desire to help people, the same music taste, and so much more. There has been a lot of late nights, a lot of traveling to different states, a lot of living on the beach during the summer (and a lot more of that to come), and a lot of trying to survive college together - one day at a time. 

I never truly understood what sisterhood meant, until I joined Alpha Delta Pi. Here I was, just fresh out of high school, traveling four hours away, to a place I had never been to, expected to find my best friends and to call it home. And it is my home. And I have found my best friends. 

Georgia Southern is my home, and the sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi has changed my life, and influenced me in an amazing way to be a part of something bigger than myself. College is a place where you desperately need a friend that you can count on for anything, have late night chats with, and grow in the Lord together. College isn’t easy. Life isn’t easy. So find your Blair, and trust in the Lord with His plans for your life. It makes things a whole lot easier. 

 An encouragement: the Lord is perfect, and His timing is perfect. Sit back, and rest in His goodness. Enjoy where He has put you, and make the most of where you are. Embrace the sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi. Cherish it. Remember it forever. Live out the true meaning of WLFEO. College is short, and life is short, but God is good. And with God in the center of your heart, life is pretty darn good too.

 Also, shout out to Blair! Love ya my best pal. 

-Ansley Lloyd

SISTER ⟶ SISTA

“God couldn’t have hand picked a better sister for me, and I’m so glad that we get to share this special bond that Alpha Delta Pi has given us. ”

Growing up, I didn't realize how important my “annoying" little sister would one day be to me.  Throughout middle and high school, we grew to have an inseparable bond.  When I moved off to college 4 hours away, we missed each other so badly!  After just two years of living 200 miles away from each other, my sister decided to join me at GA Southern.  I was THRILLED!  Talking her in to going through recruitment was kind of tough.  "I'm not a sorority girl," she would say.  After visiting me while I lived in the ADPi house, Hayden got a glimpse of the sisterhood that changed my life, and fell in love with this place.  Needless to say, she was convinced enough to sign up for rush.  

Before recruitment began, I advised her to have an open mind and that I would support her no matter what she chose (hoping that she would choose ADPi anyway).  Throughout the entire recruitment process, it was so hard not to talk to her!  I wanted so badly to know how her day went and which houses she liked best.  Once pref day rolled around, I was so excited to be able to talk to my sister and watch her experience this sisterhood in a more serious way.  I remember telling her that I would give anything for her to experience the fullness of this sisterhood, and that she is more deserving of it than anyone I know.  Of course, by the end of the ceremony, tears were flowing, and Hayden told me that Alpha Delta Pi was her home.  I knew from the beginning that it would be.  Bid day was the sweetest day ever!  Having my sister run home to me is something that I will cherish forever.  I am so thankful to all of my ADPi sisters who love her just like she's their own little sister, and for being just as excited to have her as I was.  

This year has already been the best one yet.  Hayden is such a light to anyone she is around, and having her here has made everything about this year so much more exciting.  Everything from socials, studying together, Landrum dates, to initiating her into the sorority that has given me so much has made my college experience so much richer.  

Hayden, I'm so thankful for you and can't wait to see what the next few years hold!  God couldn't have hand picked a better sister for me, and I'm so glad that we get to share this special bond that Alpha Delta Pi has given us.

-Reyd Strickland  

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October Recap

Homecoming, Diamond Days, and MORE!

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Alexia McNeill (Pledge Class '15) and Delaney Polk (Pledge Class '16)

One word for October: Busy! From Homecoming week to Diamond Days to Trick or Treat on Greek Street, this month has been packed with campus events, functions, and social events. Read this post to hear from our sisters about all we did over the last 5 weeks!

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Homecoming Week

Endless shoutouts to Faith Williams for being the absolute perfect representative! Congratulations, we are so proud of you!

FAITH WILLIAMS, AC ‘15

Homecoming week had me filled with so many different emotions. I had all of my girls constantly giving me encouragement and love. They stayed up with me all hours of the night helping me bake cookies and paint banners. The planning process was so fun, but not as joyful as getting to hang out with all of my girls throughout the week. They had the most joyful attitudes even though none of us slept all week. They made sure I was well fed and well taken care of. They are just the best!!!! 

Although I had so much fun during campaigning, Doo-Dah, Lip Sync battle and so much more, I guess I never really expected to make it on court. When they called my name, all I could do was look into the crowd and throw up the diamond… because I knew this could not have been possible without my incredible and selfless sisters. Looking out in the crowd and seeing everyone throw the diamonds right back was such a cool moment… I just had so much pride in my sorority. WE DID THIS. Epsilon Pi executed this. They are the reason I ever even made it on court. 

After I was brought back to reality, I realized I did not have a dress to wear on the field and I certainly did not have the time to order one. However, I was SO BLESSED to have an amazing Epsilon Pi alumni, Liz Corbett, play Mama Bear for me. She blessed me with the most beautiful dress I could have ever imagined. I will never forget that act of kindness and I hope she knows how much I appreciate her. 

When they called my name on the field, I looked to my side and saw all of my girls standing on the sidelines. I ran over there and we jumped and hugged and cried and laughed. I remember thinking “this is a moment I ever want to forget” - these girls are my family. I would have never stepped out of my comfort zone and done this without their beautiful and encouraging words and actions. 

Thank you to my ADPi sisters for making this senior year the most memorable year ever. I am so grateful.

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Diamond Days

Exciting days leading up to Initiation!

HAILEY STEPHENS, ANSLEY DAVIS, DANIELLE BURTON, AC ‘18

“For me Diamond Days, were so special. I grew so much closer not only with my pledge class and my sweet big, Taylor Annette, but with this sisterhood as a whole. I’m so thankful for ADPi and all of the sweet girls in it. All of my Delta sisters made this initiation process mean the world to me. Initiation into the Alpha Delta Pi is something that I will surely never forget.” - Hailey Stephens, AC ‘18

“The night before Diamond Days was honestly like the night before Christmas. I had the same butterflies because I knew that the next few days were going to be something that I would cherish forever. For me personally, these days were a little extra special. Ever since I was a little girl my mom has talked about her ADPi sisterhood and how special it was to her. I grew up meeting her sisters and even though they had been apart for quite some time, when they reunited it seemed like they had spent no time apart. She would always tell me that she could not wait for me to experience something as special as she did. And these were the days that would finally make that dream come true. I had no idea that my mom would be here to celebrate diamond days with me, but when I heard her voice it brought a tear to my eye. It really made me realize that her dream was for me to share her sisterhood with her and to be not only her daughter but her sister. I was also able to share this special time with my aunt and cousin which makes this sisterhood and diamond days so much sweeter for me.” - Ansley Davis, AC ‘18

“ I will never forgot Diamond Days. It was such a sweet and special couple of days. Listening to the letters that were written from everyone’s parents for all the girls in my pledge class was so special because we all bonded even more from all the laughing and crying we did. The amount of support and love I got from all the members of Alpha Delta Pi was so special. From the individual written letters I got from everyone in ADPi, to having my own sister initiate me this week was full of sentimental values I will never forget.” - Danielle Burton, AC ‘18

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Trick or Treat on Greek Street

Shoutout to our Alumnae Relations Chair, Mary Margaret Gilbert for putting on such an awesome event!

MARY MARGARET GILBERT, ALUMNAE RELATIONS CHAIR, AC ‘17

“Halloween was always one of my favorite events as a kid. I loved going around town with my family and trick-or-treating at the different houses. Because of these memories, I was so excited to get to plan this event for the Statesboro community. I love that families and friends come dressed together from being sushi rolls to astronauts! While planning this night, I remembered the past years and wanted to continue the fun at ADPi. For this year’s event, our theme was “Blue and White Fight, Fight, Fight.” I wanted our theme to not only include ADPI, but also the whole Georgia Southern community. Our girls were dressed in everything from cheerleading uniforms to their favorite football team’s jersey. After picking the theme, I could not leave out the kids favorite part- the sweet treats!! This year we had cotton candy, popcorn, and of course lots of candy. So, I am sure most of the kids left on a sugar rush! After stopping at our “concession stand” the kids were able to get their “game faces on” with our face painting table. Once they were “painted up,” we had a photo booth to capture their best game face. During the excitement, I realized how the Statesboro community and Greek Life has the opportunity to interact with each other at such a fun event. My whole goal for this event was for kids, families, and friends to have those same memories that I remember and cherish from my own childhood.”

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Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!

Chapter Retreat

August 25-26th, we had our annual Chapter Retreat at the Watson's in Macon, Georgia. The Watson family generously opens their home up to us, as their daughter, Haleigh, was a former Epsilon Pi member. Read this post to hear from our Membership Education Vice President, Sidney Folsom, about our weekend!

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EPSILON PI CHAPTER

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SIDNEY FOLSOM (AC '16, Membership Education Vice President )

I was so excited to have the privilege of planning chapter retreat this year with my position in ADPi. Our Chapter has a tradition of going to the Watson’s home in Macon, GA. The Watson’s Daughter, Haleigh was an ADPi here at GSU. Her family and herself eagerly await our chapter retreat each year. They host us with such a giving heart and ask for merely nothing in return. Through communicating with Haleigh, I could see ADPi’s sisterhood from a different aspect, one outside of college. Her genuine spirit and confident personality impacted my heart in such a positive way. There is nothing the Watson’s would not do for our Chapter and we are so grateful for that.

Having all my favorite girls together for a weekend is more than a blessing. It only takes a few hours outside of all the hustle and bustle of college life to regain ourselves and to see our sisterhood flourish in a different setting. From eating way too many cheese sticks, to turning a float into a slipping slide, I will forever cherish the memories made at chapter retreat. Though retreat may be a short amount of time, the amount of memories and bonds built outpaces the time constraints. There is one thing I know for sure, each of our sisters were strategically placed here by God, and He continues to prove that to me each day. At chapter retreat I saw girls’ personalities blossom and servant hearts constantly helping with anything that was needed. I love growing closer to sisters during chapter retreat and am ready for next year’s retreat already!

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Make sure to keep up with us on Instagram, VSCO, Twitter and Facebook to see more of our sisterhood and to know when our next blog post is up!