The Year as President

Epsilon Pi, where do I even begin!! Reflecting back on 2020 brings back so many genuine memories that I will cherish forever. Even through a year of uncertainties, I find peace knowing that everything happened for a reason in God’s Perfect Plan, and I am so thankful He gave me the opportunity to help lead the Epsilon Pi Chapter. 

To my Exec team, 

Thank you for your constant commitment, strength, and loyalty to myself and our chapter members. Thank you for trusting me unconditionally through the uncertainties we experienced. I could not have made it through this year without each and every one of you. I will miss all the laughs and fun times we shared together. I love y’all so much!!!

To my advisors,

Thank you for being there for me from the beginning. This year would not have been possible without the help of each and every one of you. Through the good and the bad, you never doubted me. Instead, you were there to help me learn and grow in every situation. Epsilon Pi is so truly blessed to have advisors that are so dedicated and loving to the whole chapter.

To my officers,

Thank you for your optimistic attitudes and dedication throughout the year. When times were tough, you were all willing to push through and provide opportunities for our members to bond with each other in the midst of this pandemic. I am so proud of all we accomplished in 2020 and I thank you for giving it your all. 

To my sisters/best friends (Addie, Kendall, Mackensie, Grace, Avery, Sydney, Morgan, and Savannah),

Thank you for always being there to support me in my best and most difficult times of this past year. I would have never in a million years pictured myself being a President of 250+ girls and it is because of you all believing in me. I am so truly blessed for Epsilon Pi bringing me my ‘Girl Gang’. 

To my entire Epsilon Pi Chapter,

Thank you for never giving up on me. Our chapter would not be where it is today without each and every one of you. I have learned so much from you more than you know, and I am forever changed by the love and grace you have shown this year. Remember that you will never get these years back so live it to the fullest! I pray that this chapter continues to be filled with women who are engaged and admired at all times. Leading this chapter has been the biggest honor and the greatest privilege. I love you all so much & thank you for the past year!!!

With Love, Sydney Starling Epsilon Pi President (2020)

Dorm Life: Tips and Tricks

To the future freshies.... wish I was back in your shoes. Welcome to the best year ever! There are so many things to look forward to about your freshmen year, but for me one of my favorite parts was living in the dorms. Of course it is a scary time, being away from home for the first time, but this is also your first step into freedom. You get to go to bed anytime you want, eat whatever you want for dinner, decorate your room super duper cute, and of course have a year long sleepover with your roomies. As I’m going into my sophomore year I am definitely excited to see what this year has in store for me, however I definitely am going to miss the dorm life. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make this transition a whole lot easier.

1. Make sure you get to know your roomies. Whether they are people you have met from home, online or random roommates, they are going to be with you for the rest of the year. They are going through the same transition as you and having one another will make the process a lot more fun. Whether ya’ll are having a night in binge watching Netflix movies, helping one another get ready for date nights, or just going with one another to get food from landy or lakeside, having each other will be a huge benefit. My roomies turned into some of my best friends and I could not imagine freshmen year without having them around for constant love and support. 

2. Use the dining hall to your advantage. No it is not a 5-star meal that you will be getting but it is already paid for and once you find what you like, it really isn’t that bad. My personal fav is lakeside, never missed out on the star hash browns for breakfast and oriental chicken and fried rice for lunch!! I’m definitely going to be missing the food this year and how easy it is to go in between classes for an already paid for meal. Also, it is okay to sit by yourself, we have all been there before and it is not as bad as you think, I would always do homework while eating by myself. 

3. Bring a Brita. Cannot stress enough how much of a lifesaver this is. Not only do you save money by not having to buy cases of water bottles every week, but something about that Brita water is 10x better, trust me. 

4. Bring pictures. Lots and lots of pictures, whether it is of your family, friends or even your dogs, bring them. There is going to come times where looking at those pictures in your room will make it feel more like home and come in handy during stressful times. 

5. Make the most of it. We all know from the previous few months how things can change at the drop of a hat @corona. Meet your neighbors, never say no to those random dirt road driving nights with your friends, go to all the date nights and socials, and just have fun. Your freshmen year only happens once so make sure you live it up the best you can!

Trust the process during your freshmen year. It can be difficult at times, but it can also be so much fun. Study hard but have fun! Wish I could go back and do it all again, this is a year of trying new things and making friends, don’t be afraid.

With love, Taylor Holwell, Fall’ 19

Bittersweet Goodbye

Wow. As I am sitting here, reflecting on my time in ADPI there are so many emotions running through my head.  I am so sad that I will be closing the door to the best four years and starting the next chapter of my life.  Three years ago, I rushed as a sophomore and I was so nervous I would not find “my home away from home.”  As cliché as this sounds, Alpha Delta Pi IS my home away from home.  The girls in this chapter have supported me in times I needed it, been a shoulder to cry on during the bad days, and always pushed me to be the best person I can be.  Our bond is real. It has been so comforting knowing I can walk into ADPI with a house full of girls that are truly accepting of each other and exemplify what a true sisterhood is like.  Epsilon Pi will always hold a special place in my heart and the friends I have made in the last 3 years will be my forever friends. 

I want to thank ADPI for bringing me two girls in particular, Chelsea Burandt and Emma Stillwell.  

Chelsea, your radiant smile and positive attitude lights up every room you are in.  You possess every quality of a Christian woman and I am so thankful He brought you into my life. I will miss our morning walks with Major and Banks and our dinner dates that turn into us talking for hours at a time.  You give the best advice, and I’m thankful to have such a caring best friend that listens to me even when I keep you up past your 10:30 bedtime.  

And Emma… you know I could list thousands of stories, from wearing wigs (and our Panda head, Roxy) around our house for the past 2 years, doing speak to talks to everyone who has ever walked in our house, and all of our late nights in 142, but the thing I will miss the most about you is your ability to make me laugh no matter what we’re doing.  You understand me better than anyone and I could not have made it through college without you.  It has been so heartwarming growing in our faith together (shoutout to Makenzie Williams) and experiencing everything college has thrown at us together.  You’ve been by my side through it all and I want to say thank you for that. 

The best advice I can leave behind for my sisters and future sisters is never miss a date night, play in all the intramural games you can, GO ON A MISSION TRIP (I promise it is the most life changing experience), stay up late with your roommates even when you have a test at 8 A.M, make the most of everyday with your best friends and never miss an opportunity because we don’t get to live in the same house, or a few houses down from each other, for the rest of our lives.   Thank you ADPI for providing me with true friendships, a place to call home, and memories that I will cherish forever. 

Love, Claire Durden Fall ‘17

2020 President Elections!

We are SO thankful for the outstanding leadership this past year with Tayler Wickham as our president! And we are SO excited for Sydney Starling to takeover as our 2020 president!

A word from Tayler

“To the amazing women of Epsilon Pi, thank you. Thank you for trusting me with this job. Thank you for supporting me in all my decisions. Thank you for teaching me how to lead. And most most importantly, thank you for loving me unconditionally. 

When I decided to go to Georgia Southern, it wasn’t a big shock since I’m from Statesboro. What did throw my friends and family for a loop was when I told them that I wanted to be President of ADPi. Never in a thousand years did they think that I would take on such a leadership role, and neither did I. Words cannot express how lucky I was to lead a group of God-fearing, motivating, and loving girls. 

Looking back on this year, there is only one word I would use to describe it, rewarding. The people I have met, the networks formed, and the bonds created will last a life-time. I will always be able to look back on this experience and know that I was not shaped by anything I did, but by every single girl in this chapter. 

To Sydney and the new leadership team of Epsilon Pi, breathe. Take it all in. It goes by too quick and while you might want to count down the days until you “pass the torch”, trust me when I say you’ll eventually want to do it again. To the whole chapter treat this new exec and officer group like the sisters that they are. Thank you again for having faith in me this year and reminding me exactly why ADPi girls are the best girls… I love each one of you so very much, thank you for the best year.”

Loyally, Tayler Wickham Epsilon Pi President (2019)  AC ‘16

A word from Sydney

Wow, I am so very honored to serve as the next President of Epsilon Pi! I’m excited to apply what I have learned so far and strive to grow during my time as President. The sisterhood that I have made over the past few years have been something that I will cherish forever. I am inspired by how strong and resilient our chapter is, & excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2020!

A special Shoutout to Tayler for always believing in me and being such a good example of how to lead the Chapter. You have been such an inspiration & your selfless leadership did not go unnoticed. ILY.

Loyally, Sydney Starling Epsilon Pi President (2020) AC ‘17

Embracing Uncertainty

Uncertainty is something we face everyday. As humans we are naturally triggered to believe that uncertainty is scary. But what if it is not? What if uncertainty is something to welcome with open arms and embrace for all it is?

As my last semester of college approaches I cannot help but wonder what is going to happen when I graduate. There are moments when I become fearful of where I will end up or if I will get a good job, but most of my moments are filled with excitement and gratitude. I can look forward to whatever may be coming because I know it will be great. I am grateful for the excitement I have because I have already had the best journey here. 

This summer I had the privilege of working as an intern in Los Angeles for one of the nation’s top off-price retailers. I was way over my head. This was the first time I was going to have to live on my own, make new friends and be isolated on the other side of the country for a whole 3 months– totally out of my comfort zone. In the midst of the questions and all the uncertainty I reminded myself to breathe. I thought, haven’t you done this all before? It was not quite the same, but I had been in that position once before. This is the moment I understood that we do not have to have all of the answers to life’s questions. 

I traced back to that memory of coming to college in 2016. I had to meet all new friends, live with strangers, and live 4 hours away from my family (which honestly felt like the other side of the country back then). I was extremely doubtful and had a million questions running through my head all the time. Would I find a good group of friends? Would I want to be involved on campus? Would I even get into a sorority? Would my social life and school life be what I hoped they would be? I was not embracing uncertainty. I wanted to know all of the answers and what the next four years would hold for me, but I was so wrong to live that way. 

Looking back on those moments, I laugh at myself. Needless to say, I am glad I pushed myself when I came to college even though I was scared. I have had such a blessed experience. I did find a good group of friends, I did get involved, I got into the best sorority (I may be bias), and my social and school life are far better than I could have ever asked for. My days and nights have been filled with laughter, love, tears and warmth– all which has made me forget about the doubts and questions I have ever had. 

My gratitude for embracing uncertainty is unmatched to any other emotion I have felt recently. I genuinely believe in falling in love with the unknown. Life ends up being so amazing when we don’t try and figure out all of the answers and our fears become so, so small. Take it from someone who has taken almost four years to figure it out– life is better that way. 

“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later.” —Bob Goff.

XoXo - Alyssa Jennings, Fall ‘16

I love Jesus & I love being an ADPi

I was raised in a Christian home, with parents who demonstrated what it is like to live a life for Christ. Coming to college, I knew it was the beginning of me making my faith my own. When considering joining a sorority, I was nervous about finding people who would encourage me in my faith. I was a scared little freshman, who didn’t know why God had placed her where she was. Sometimes I wish I could go back and tell freshman me that everything was going to be amazing and God is going to surprise me in ways I never thought possible. 

At the beginning of my freshman year, I really struggled. Not many admit that, but freshman year was really hard for me. It is the first time I wasn’t living in the same house as my parents and sister, and the first time I wasn’t surrounded by a Christian community. My high school was a small Christian school, so college was a bit of a culture shock. I knew that things went on in the world, but it was the first time I had been directly exposed to it in my own life. I desperately wanted that Christian community and one of the places I found it was ADPi. 

“They are my family when I am three and a half hours away from my family. ”

When I joined ADPi, I quickly met many girls who were passionate about Jesus and radiated His love to everyone they met. They encouraged me and loved me through my highs and my lows. I never expected to find the community I did in ADPi. 

There are so many girls I could name who have been influential in my walk with the Lord in college. To name a few, Mackenzie Williams (who happens to be my precious big), Greer Kerns, Ally Burkhalter, Emily Sims, Hannah Garcia, Mattie Wynn Hendrix and Olivia Dowe. Each of these girls have demonstrated the overwhelming and unconditional love of Christ and I can’t express how thankful I am to them for that. They helped make Statesboro feel like home. They are my family when I am three and a half hours away from my family. 

Yes, sororities sometimes have a bad reputation. There are so many stereotypes and movies out there that portray sorority girls as ditsy girls who care more about appearances than anything else. But I have found something special in the girls I have met through ADPi. I have found community, I have found love, and I have found people who are stewards of the Gospel and are bright lights in our sorority and on our campus. Jesus is present wherever His servants are, and He is definitely present in ADPi. 

To those who have stood by me and loved me so well, I love y’all more than words can say and I thank God for friends like y’all. And to everyone reading this, Jesus loves you. I hope you run to Him every day and trust Him with your life. I know it was the best decision I have ever made. And if you ever need anyone to talk to, I know for a fact any of the girls I listed or myself would love to be there for you.

Love, 

Hallie B. (Fall ’18)

My Forever Girls

Some may not know that I transferred to Georgia Southern, Fall of my sophomore year. I pledged ADPI at Georgia College, but the distance was too much for me, so I moved closer to home. I loved ADPI and knew that I wanted to re-affiliate at Georgia Southern, but I only knew a few girls who were members of Epsilon Pi. As time was drawing close to my new beginning, I felt the nerves of starting over. I was scared to walk into a new chapter of 200+ girls that I had never met before. “What if they don’t like me? What if I just don’t fit in?” Thoughts like these rolled through my mind until the day I found my girls.

Shannon and Natalie,

“God knew I needed the two of you”

My heart is so full. Since our first conversation, Epsilon Pi has felt like home. I don’t know how I’ve gone 19 years without you two. You brought so much joy and happiness into my life when I needed it most. This last year has been one of the best, and I am so thankful for the countless memories we’ve already made. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and laughed until we cried together. You two are the definition of a forever friend. No matter where life takes us, I know that we will always find our way back to each other. I owe it all to sweet Alpha Delt for bringing me to you. Thank you for taking the “new girl” under your wing. God knew I needed the two of you.

I love you,

Aubrey Ray Sheffield

a letter to my little sisters

To my two people,

Some people are lucky enough to be blessed with one person who will always be there for them: who becomes a part of your family, and you become a part of theirs. A person that you can always count on for anything, and everything. A person that will be there for you through thick and thin. I am even more blessed to have TWO people like that.

As the youngest of four I have always wanted a younger sibling. Someone to dress up like a barbie doll, someone to play pranks on, and someone to watch grow up, but most importantly to be that someone they could always count on, look to for advice, and lean on in hard times.

I prayed for you before we met, not knowing who you'd be. I asked the Lord to send a friend. One chosen just for me. I asked that they'd be Godly, with wisdom of His ways. A friend to help and guide me in the troubles of these days. So often in life, we need someone to listen while we talk. Someone who will not condemn or judge, but encourage us as we walk. The narrow road we choose to follow may sometimes make us stumble, but to have a friend to catch our fall, teaches us to be humble. When I asked the Lord to send a friend, though many came and went, He gave much more than I ever asked, for you are the friend He sent.

And now I have the two of you!

Harriett and Michaela, I promise to be the kind of BIG sister you can always count on, lean on, and cry on. I promise to be a positive influence on your lives, to try to always be the best possible role model, I promise to always encourage a shopping spree and any chance to travel and make memories we’ll remember when we’re old and gray. I promise to hold your hand when you need me to and I promise to love and support you in everything you do. I will never leave you.

You two have my heart forever.

All my love’

Allison

Dear PNM pt. 2

I remember preparing for recruitment week and moving into my dorm like it was yesterday. Leaving home for the first time, I had so many thoughts and emotions rolling through my head. Nervous, scared, and excited, I had no idea what to expect. Here I am now, starting my Senior year and last year in ADPi. Three years later, my emotions are a little different this time. I have chill bumps on my arms as I write this blog post, thinking about how much ADPi has given me. I would have never imagined that I’d be in the place I am now! I can’t even contain the excitement I have for sharing what our chapter is all about with so many new girls. 

When I walked into ADPi for the first time, I could see and feel so much love around the room. Three years of time spent in this chapter, I can now say for myself that this sisterhood is genuine and real. Over 100 ADPi’s are pouring their hearts into this week, preparing for you all to come. The saying, “No sleep til bid day” is not an exaggeration! Nonetheless, the bonds that are created among our chapter during spirit week are so unexplainable- I can definitely say that the girls in this sisterhood make new friends and grow even closer with old ones during this time of the year. This positive energy definitely continues into recruitment week. We are SO excited to meet new faces and want to make recruitment a special experience for you. Spirit week and recruitment are definitely some of my favorite ADPi memories. 

Take this process one day at a time. Be yourself and be honest with yourself. This may be one of the biggest decisions you’ve had to make so far in your life, so do this for you! At the end of the day, your best friends are still your best friends no matter what sorority you are in. You will make some amazing friends in your sorority, and you will also make friends in other sororities! Follow your heart, and go where you think you fit in best! It will all work out the way it is supposed to. I could not imagine my life without these girls, and I know that Alpha Delta Pi is something that will always hold a special place in my heart. Going Greek is a decision that you will not regret. 

Xoxo, 

Ashton Curry 

Formal Recruitment Chair 

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