There's a first time for everything

And there's a time to get back to blogging, correct?

I apologize that its been awhile between posts. Recruitment happened - and anyone with even small connection to Greek Life knows what that means. I believe I worked nearly 40 hours in the span of 3 days.. thank goodness my fellow Sister of the Suitcase Morgan was here to keep me sane. Couldn't have gotten through the weekend without you, sister!

Now that I'm settling in to a more normal routine here in CT, I've had the opportunity to reflect on all that has been accomplished in the full month that I've been here. Theta Rho has experienced many firsts as a recently installed chapter; and I've experienced a number of firsts personally, as well!

Here's a few of the highlights:
1. First time living on my own
oh the Extended Stay... I'll admit, I'm growing pretty fond of it!

2. First time to the Merritt Canteen

Merritt is to SHU as to Memo's is to UW. Four words: fried mac & cheese bites.

3. First Dunkin' Donuts coffee

 They say America runs on Dunkin' - I say half of America runs on Dunkin', the other half has a Starbs IV drip. But maybe that's just the Seattlite in me.

 



4. First time stocking a full fridge entirely on my own
I actually really like grocery shopping. I always knew I was domestic.

5. First time in Rhode Island


 

6. First time in the Atlantic Ocean

7. First time on an Ivy League campus

Since being on the East Coast I have been on both Yale and Brown's campuses. Still waiting for all of that smartness to rub off on me...

8. First Edible Arrangement (but hopefully not the last - hint hint future husband)

 



9. First time going to spin class
but certainly not the last! Spoiler alert - I'm addicted.

10. First Alex & Ani purchase. And second, and third...

 

I know there are many more 'firsts' in store this semester - most notably, come this Friday it will be my first time being on the East Coast with my mom! That's right, Columbus Day weekend the Wolfe women are taking on New England and then NYC :) More (and more regular) updates to follow. Promise!

True Life: I'm a sorority consultant

Today, while breezing through the mall by myself on a mission for mascara (girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do), I was stopped by a woman and asked if I was interested in working at Abercrombie & Fitch.

"Uhh.. no, I'm not. But thank you, I really appreciate that" I replied. She nodded and continued on her way, and why she stopped me outside of Charlotte Russe I'm still not sure but I'll take it as a compliment... I guess. Regardless I chuckled to myself as I walked away, because for a moment I thought that I should have included that while I appreciate the offer, I am already employed. But then she might ask what it is I do and well.. that's a doosey.

When I was first told I would be the resident consultant for the Theta Rho chapter at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut I called up the one sister who I knew could answer my questions, silly and varying as they may be - miss Eryn Shannon, Theta Rho's O.G. colony consultant. She was a wealth of information and advice (and still continues to be - thanks girl) but the one question I couldn't seem to wrap my head around was simply: what do I DO all day?

I've found that the answer has been simple really, and the days do go by pretty fast. I won't lie and say that being in Connecticut some 1000+ miles from my friends and family is easy, but I've been more than occupied since I got here and I thought I would share a little bit of my day to day happenings with you all - because well, why not.

9:30 am - wake up. Unless it's two days ago, when I was awoken exactly 2 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off by the fire alarm. Groggily trying to determine WHY my alarm was suddenly so loud, I realized that there was also flashing lights to accompany the awful sound and perhaps I should collect my things and get out of the room, just in case it was to suddenly become ablaze. The things I made sure to grab before I stumbled into the hall to learn it was only a test of the equipment? My iPhone(s), iPad, and rainbows. #priorities.

9:30 - 11:45 am - breakfast, news, and get ready for the day.

11:45 am - hop in my little red Hyundai and make my morning commute to campus.

12:00 - 12:10 pm - search for parking. I've learned that the plights of parking are not only limited to the UW Greek community.

12:15 - 7:00 pm - post up in Hawley Lounge for officer meetings, emailing, committee and/ or team meetings, and work. This is the part of my day that seems the most normal and office-like - if you could call sharing an office with 2 pool tables, 6 TVs and the resident Dungeons and Dragons club normal.

7:00 - 12:00 pm - campus/ chapter activities. The thing I have come to find about SHU is that it is typical for students to have class until 10:00 at night (and I thought 6 o'clock ECFS classes were bad), therefore most campus activities don't begin until 10:10pm. I was warned that I'd have to get used to a late schedule and well... I'm adjusting. 


All jokes aside, I also wanted to share the overwhelming feeling I've had lately that despite my fears, concerns, and uncertainties, I am exactly where I am supposed to be doing exactly what I should be doing. As an addendum to my Sunday schedule yesterday, I had a craving for some Jesus-time and looked up the address to a Fairfield church. Now, as I still do often... I got lost on the way. I will try to defend myself and say that Siri was telling me that the place was located on the side of the freeway, but we all know that I barely know which was is up here in CT so it didn't make much difference anyway. Frustrated and running out of time to make the service, I took the next exit which happened to be to Sacred Heart and turned down a campus side street to get my bearings. And there, backwards and alone, I realized - I had somehow found my way to the church. With two minutes to spare I headed inside and found myself a seat only to learn that the theme of the message was to be 'Roots'. How appropriate for a recent East Coast transplant such as myself, I thought. As the pastor spoke about his own life, growing up in Fairbanks Alaska as the son of two alcoholic parents, and his journey in serving the Lord he shared that while he first set off to college at the University of Miami he later transferred to attend seminary a little closer to home. And where was that place, you might wonder? Seattle.

After the service I made it a point to go introduce myself to the pastor and his wife, both previous Seattleites, and explain that I was a recent UW grad plopped in the middle of Fairfield for work. The way the man shook my hand, and really listened to what I had to say... it was amazing. I knew God had gotten me to that church on time for a reason. Wait... isn't that a song?

Today after my quick mall trip and offer of a pre-teen's dream job, I was rushing to make it back to the Extended Stay in time for a conference call. Once again though, I got myself lost going the wrong way on Highway 15 and ended up going 5 miles in the opposite direction... so I pulled off at the next available exit, determined that I would have to hop on the call from the first parking lot I could find, and turned in to an empty Methodist Church. 30 minutes on the phone turned in to 3 hours, and before I knew it I'd been working from this new remote office location longer than I'd been home most of the day! At least at this point the muggy, rainy weather had somewhat passed and as the sun got ready to go down I got out of the car to stretch and call home.

I paced the length of a small garden probably 10 times while debriefing the day with my mom. I laughed about the craziness of this job that I do, but shared my appreciation for all that I'm learning from it. Ever-supportive, mom agreed. As I got ready to hang up, head home, and finally call it a night a large rock marking the entrance to the garden caught my eye:

 

Well played Jesus. Well. Played.

 

 

Tomorrow I leave for Big Sky Country to spend my September days off with extended family! I can't wait for catching up, relaxation, and fun. And for what I lack in sleep while getting there... I know I'll make up for in family bonding ;) Adios!

I'm gonna raise my sail

Blog title: Sailboat - Ben Rector

One week in Connecticut down, folks!

 

 

 

I started this post sitting in the LaGuardia Airport in NY, waiting for the winds to carry me back out West for my first trip home since this crazy LC adventure began. And boy, was I excited.

Week 1 in my new home was filled with ups and downs. I had some sincere moments of triumph (grocery shopping, navigating a new state, and dealing with car issues all by myself? I'd call that a win) and already experienced some failure. Let me catch you up where my last post left off...

I got dropped off at the teeeeeeny tiny airport in Muscle Shoals, AL by my awesome Zeta Eta roomie, Kathryn. We hugged and said our goodbyes, and while in my heart I was sad to leave these wonderful sisters I was excited to get to Connecticut and settle in as Theta Rho's resident consultant in my new East coast life.

After a peaceful flight I landed in White Plains, NY it in a quaint little airport. I picked up my luggage, marched myself over to the rental car counter, and got my keys. After tossing (read: heaving) my bags in the back, my bff Siri took me on a beautiful route through the back roads of NY. Who knew the Northeast was so green and beautiful?! I'm not too embarrassed to admit that I was definitely talking to myself along the drive, oohing and ahhing in marvel at the gorgeous colonial mansions I passed. My drive was smooth, and soon enough I was in Shelton, CT pulling in to the Extended Stay. I'll tell you - there was a lot of laughs already had about this whole 'Extended Stay' deal. Typically resident consultants are set up in apartments, so when my fellow sisters of the suitcase and I learned I'd be living the hotel life for 4 months we cracked some jokes. But, the good news is it's a lovely little place! It's been nice to have a studio all set up for me, and I've continued to add things here and there to make it feel more like home. And as friend reminded me - at least I don't have to make my own bed! Score.

Upon my arrival I jumped immediately in to Spirit Week and leading 8 hour workshops for women I hadn't even had the opportunity to learn the names of. Here's where the less glamorous parts of the job come in to play. Because sometimes

you're alone.

and uncertain.

 and just plain overwhelmed.

And I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't admit that I felt all of those things. But, following that, I also experienced one of the most successful workshops I have had the pleasure of leading! The women I get to work with (who's names I am now learning) are curious, engaged, eager to learn and completely head-over-heels in love with Alpha Delta Pi. And at times when I wonder what the heck I'm doing with my life, they remind me that our sisterhood is a gift, and one that I'm lucky to be able to share.

I had a great few days off at home to refresh and recharge (more on that later) and now I feel ready to tackle the semester before me. And after the ridiculous travel day I had yesterday, I'm fully confident I can tackle whatever Connecticut throws at me. On that note, a story for you all so you can fully grasp the plights of a recent college grad jet-setting the country by herself:

 

I landed back in LaGuardia around 6:30pm ET after a delay at O'Hare, only to realize that my rental car location was only open until 6. After walking the length of the taxi pickup three times, I shuttled over to the closest Enterprise and got in to a temporary rental for the evening until I could get myself in to something more permanent. Once in my sparkly blue Dodge Avenger (not as cute as it sounds), I remembered that in the midst of my rental panic I had forgotten to stop at an ATM in the airport to get cash for the toll bridge I knew I would have to cross in order to get back in to CT. So, I did what any twenty-something would do - I used my iPhone to map the nearest 7-11. After driving about 10 minutes away from LGA in a direction that only became more and more concerning, I found my 7-11 - in an area right outside of Queens. It was nearly 8 o'clock at this time, and the darkness and my desperation were only growing. So, I parked my car, grabbed my Vera printed wallet, and marched my very obviously out of place self in the store to get cash back on a SmartWater.

This is going to be a funny year.

 

"Welcome to the Bible Belt - we are the buckle."

Quote courtesy of Zeta Eta's fab and hilarious RVP. 

Starbucks is to Seattle as churches are to Florence, Alabama. I spent 8 days in this adorable little town with the Zeta Eta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at the University of North Alabama, and I swear these women stole my heart. I can tell you about the recruitment prep, the crafting and the workshops, but really the things I will remember most about this visit are the food, the Southern culture, and the sisters. 

First: the food.

Thank goodness I wasn't placed in Alabama for the whole semester, otherwise I am certain I would leave with extra weight in more than just my carry on, if you know what I mean. From the moment I set foot in the state I was eatin' good, and how could I say no to new opportunities? It's all part of the cultural experience. Or at least that's what I'll tell myself when I'm on the treadmill for the next week...

                     

Cracker Barrell: a Southern staple. I ordered the Chicken and vegetable plate, and received grilled chicken with mac & cheese, hashbrown casserole, and fresh fruit. Where I come from none of those sides constitute as vegetables, but hey what do I know?

We also visited Trowbridges, a long time diner and ice cream shop that was delicious and so cute!

     

Not pictured but definitely note worthy was Miami Ice shaved ice, Zaxby's, Casa de Mexicana, and lots and lots of chicken.

Next, my favorite: Southern culture.

      

  

Probably my favorite thing about the South is the accents. Playing the game of 'Wait... do I have an accent?' with sisters was quite comical, and decoding Southern slang proved to be hilarious. Here are some of my South to West Coast translations -

"y'all" = you guys

"hoot and a half" = hilarious

"buggy" = shopping cart

"Bless her heart" = Giiiiiiiirl

"can't swing a dead cat five miles" = yeah no, that one is actually beyond me.

Perhaps my favorite story from my stay was when all the women kept talking about a fraternity philanthropy event they were going to paint a sheet sign for. I head them talk for two days prior about Sigma Chi's Shrimp Bowl, until finally I took a second look at the sign they had been painting - turns out it was a Shrimp Boil. (Are you saying that in your head with a Southern accent? Yeah now you feel me.) In the South I quickly learned that you don't order an event t-shirt smaller than a large, chacos go with everything, you must specify if you would like your tea anything but sweet, and the only way something truly belongs to you is if it's monogrammed. I. loved. it.

Finally: the sisters.

                         

On a more serious note, I have to say that I feel so blessed to have been able to spend my first visit with this amazing group of women. They welcomed me with open arms, and proved that sisterhood does extended beyond our individual chapters. I instantly felt comfortable around them, and their enthusiam, sincereity, and loyalty made me proud to share their letters.

UNA was an amazing visit, and I think it's safe to say that I left a little piece of my heart in Florence, Alabama. But, such is the #ConsultantLife to be on to the next one! I arrived this evening in Fairfield Connecticut and tomorrow will begin my semester with the Theta Rho chapter at Sacred Heart University. Sneak preview - I love it here already. But more on that later, g'night y'all!

         

                                                                                Overlooking the lawn from the UNA Amphitheater. 

East Coast Anthem

          

My August travel - EO to University of North Alabama, UNA to SHU, SHU home and then back again!

I realized this evening this is my last night of summer. 8 out of 10 of the LCs took to the skies for their first visits Saturday morning, but Morgan and I don't leave to our respective chapters until tomorrow A.M. Spending the weekend at EO just the two of us has been interesting (I was convinced the midnight misdial from the pizza man meant certain death) but the time to relax was much appreciated, and it was great to spend time with Morgan since we'll be doing a fair amount of that while on the road in September!

That's really the reason why I'm writing (though I'm certain you'd love to hear about the cumulative 2309432984209 hours I spent in front of the TV this weekend) - I'd like to share my travel schedule for the semester with you all. The fact that I have a semester's worth of schedule is telling in itself, as ADPi consultants usually recieve our scheudles on a monthly basis. But I, drum roll please... will be the resident consultant at Sacred Heart University this fall semester!

Sacred Heart University, affectionately called SHU (pronounced 'shoe') as I've learned, is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. As a resident consultant I will be living nearby SHU, and assisting the women of the Theta Rho chapter in their first semester post-installation. I will be there with Theta Rho through many of their firsts, such as their first recruitment (when Morgan will be joining me, thank goodness for her back of house expertise), first initiation, first Lion Share Challenge philanthropy event, and so many more. I truly cannot wait to see these women grow and come in to their own as an established chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

So friends, looks like this West Coast girl is switching coasts and going Northeastern until December! If I even tried to pretend I knew what was in store I would be kidding myself, so I'll just say I am looking forward to a semester of personal firsts, as well. First time living on my own is probably the biggest - considering I'm the girl who put dish soap in the dishwasher and created enough suds to throw my own foam party, this should be interesting. Cross your fingers for me.

All kidding aside I am excited for this phase of my journey this year. Having the ability to put down roots, though temporary, is a blessing and I look forward to the relationships I will be able to create. I hope that I will have a lasting impact on the chapter Theta Rho will become, and I am certain they will have a lasting impact on me. The next six months are going to be a great time of learning - about people, about myself, about life and about this great organization that I have dedicated my year to. 

And finally, if you have any connections near Connecticut let me know... I'm gonna need some friends.

An open letter to my friends, family, and followers

Leadership Consultant training comes to a close this week! Looking back at the post I composed at the beginning(ish) of this journey, I can see how much I have learned already. And I haven't even hit the road!

The LCs have been blessed to be trained by the best of the best ADPi International Officers and volunteers, and I truly want to thank each and every one of you for the knowledge you imparted upon us. You taught us more than you, and even we right now probably, know. One trainer in particular got my wheels turning as we discussed the implications this line of work will have on us as individuals, rather than just how we will impact the chapters, and she suggested that we write a letter to the people in our lives setting expectations for what the year ahead will look like. And so, here I go:

To my amazingly solid family, exciting and successful friends, and supportive random acquaintances,

I am sorry in advance for my behavior this year. I am sorry for the birthdays, anniversaries, and exciting life moments I miss, the lack of text messages and Facebook likes I won't compose on your behalf, and the general Missing In Action status I will take on. I apologize for not calling when I should, and for not being the friend/ daughter/ sister/ confidant that I hope I have proven myself to be in the past. I am so sorry for all of these things, but I sincerely hope that you can understand, and continue loving me despite my mistakes this year.

I ask that you keep loving me because I know that while I might not be the picture of steadfast support in the coming months, I am going to need that support from you, bad. I am going to be crossing countless state lines, tackling huge projects, cheering, presenting, crafting and coaching like my life depends on it (or my job, at least), and essentially pouring my heart and soul in to college women across the country. Therefore, I am going to need someone to pour in to me every so often.

I try not to be selfish when I say this, more just aware of my needs and willing to ask for them to be met - numero uno on my list of hopeful personal growth at the end of this wild ride! So when I finally do call you at 1 AM Eastern Time (it'll only be 10pm for most of you reading this, that's reasonable right?) in tears because my weekly report won't format quite right, I hope that you will meet me in the world I'm in but remind me that life goes on outside sorority. But just barely. ;)

Finally, THANK YOU. Thank you to each and every one of you for empowering me to believe that I could take on this job. The more I learn about it the more I wonder how I really landed it, but the more empowered I am to prove myself to be the consultant/ sister/ employee/ friend I know I can be.

Please keep me updated on you! Send me pictures, a letter or two wold be great (I will have a mailing address, ask me for it), and even if I don't always respond let me know what exciting things are happening in your life. I promise I still care just as much as ever. And if all else fails... shoot me a Snapchat.

With love,

Kashia

Hit the ground running

Yesterday was our first real break since arriving in Atlanta, so I finally had the chance to throw in my headphones, turn up my Bowling For Soup Pandora playlist (try it - it's my jam), and hit the pavement.

Getting out of the house (aka Alpha Delta Pi Memorial Headquarters. Still not used to the fact that I'm living here) by myself for the first time was refreshing. I explored the historic Druid Hills neighborhood which is absolutely beautiful - exactly how I imaged Georgia would be with big screen porches, columns, and sprawling lawns. I realized while I was running that this will be something I should get used to doing - popping in my headphones and spending some quality time with my Nike's is going to be a necessity while on the road.

       

                                         Alpha Delta Pi Memorial Headquarters, aka home.

                                     

I've seriously hit the ground running here metaphorically as well, in terms of training. I'm locked and loaded with my LC swag (typing this post from my PiPad ask we speak) and It's been a whirlwind of ADPi policy and procedure. I've learned tons about the greater organization as well as my role in it - I won't bore you non-sistas with the details but know that this is a pretty cool organization and I'm dang proud to be apart of it. As if I didn't make that apparent enough, right? We also got a full tour of EO, and as all my Alpha Theta sisters know I was absolutely in awe of all of the artifacts in memory of Maxine Blake, fellow Alpha Theta and UW alumna and Grand President Emeritus of Alpha Delta Pi. Go Dawgs.

         

My PiPad, PiPhone, LC guard, official name tag, padfolio, and office supplies for the road. Not pictured - business cards and my very own ritual book. Nerd alert.

                           

                                          Just a few of the items in EO honoring Miss Blake.

Thankfully the LCs have had also had some (limited thus far) time to get out of the house as well. Rollin' in the Swaggin' Wagon and the Stow-'n-Go as we've affectionately named our two rental minivans, we've made a trip the ATL fast-food staple The Varsity, the local Publix (shopping for a family of 10 is no easy feat), Yeah! Burger and a few other fun spots.

         

Tomorrow we head to Macon, Georgia to take in even more ADPi history. I've also received my first visit schedule - come August 12 I'm headed to the Zeta Eta chapter at University of North Alabama! As a West Coast girl who's only connection to the Yellowhammer State is that Sweet Home Alabama is my favorite movie, you can bet I'm pretty excited. Hitting the ground running, one step at a time!