Serving Theta as an ELC: My Story

My Theta journey began in the fall of 2018 at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) where I joined the Beta Mu chapter. As a freshman at UNR, I did not think a sorority was the place for me. I watched while other freshman in my residence hall were giddy from recruitment and eager to find their new “home away from home.” I decided to learn more about Greek life my freshman year and realized my perception of it was based off preconceived notions, not the reality. My sophomore year, I signed up for recruitment and opened my bid revealing the three words “Kappa Alpha Theta” written across the top. Little did I know that day would change my college experience for the better and positively influence my life. My recruitment experience encouraged me to serve as chief recruiting officer my senior year, a time that was extremely challenging when the executive recruitment committee (ERB) and I were thrown a curve ball with the pandemic and ended up planning a virtual recruitment in the fall of 2020.

Throughout my time at Beta Mu, I was taught the importance of being a catalyst for positive change and leading by example. I was able to use my leadership experience to guide me through different aspects of my life. This, combined with my strong passion for education, inspired me to apply to be an educational leadership consultant (ELC).

As an ELC, I travel across the United States and Canada to facilitate chapter workshops on general leadership, professional development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. What I love about these workshops is that the information we share applies to any leadership experience, either while in college or post-graduation.

The traveling aspect was another big reason I was drawn to the job. As a newly graduated twenty-something, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to travel to new places, hopping from city to city with my laptop in one hand and a carry-on in the other. Visiting Boston was always my dream, and through this job I was able to visit MIT and experience Boston for the first time. I do all my traveling solo, which can feel lonely at times, but I feel like I am finding hidden pieces of myself through this role. In one of our workshops, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, and through this role I find myself becoming more and more comfortable and confident with who I am. Asking for a “table for one” is way less awkward now than it was a couple months ago!

One of the most rewarding aspects of this position is seeing how, as Thetas, we share the same values. It can be nerve-wracking meeting new people day after day, but time and time again I am reminded that we are all connected through Theta, and it instantly feels like home wherever I go. Bettie Locke once said (to Eta/Michigan, in 1930), “…your scholarship, zeal and loyalty will build up KAO (sic) to twice its present size and it will go down in its history what you have accomplished.” As an ELC, I can say this stands true.

ELC applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 year. Learn more about the role and how to apply on the ELC Program page on the Theta website. The deadline to apply is January 9, 2022.