Changing Seasons, Fresh Opportunities
Kay Elam, Sigma Delta (Huntingdon College), International Vice President
October is my favorite month of the year. The leaves boast vibrant colors, and the heat of summer changes to the crispness of fall. Delicious smells, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, often fill the air in the form of apple and pumpkin pies, hot drinks, or other seasonal treats.
October also marks four months since Council elected our new Executive Board at AOII’s International Convention. Our Executive Board serves as a Governance Board, responsible for strategic planning, forward-thinking, and shaping a vision for our organization. This is a major (and a somewhat daunting) task, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to influence the future of our beloved Fraternity.
As I settle into my new role as an International Vice President, I’ve reflected on both my personal, nearly 50-year AOII journey as well as the Fraternity’s almost 129-year existence. We have come a long way and achieved a lot, but our progress must continue as we embrace our sisterhood and represent our chapters to the world around us.
The future of our Fraternity relies on carefully chosen members. In our organization, our collegiate members select the women who will shape that future during our recruitment process, which a lot of our chapters have recently completed. After getting to know many potential new members, our sisters have thoughtfully selected and welcomed new faces into our fold—new faces who will bring unique qualities and perspectives to strengthen our chapters and enrich our community. At the same time, these soon-to-be-initiated members recognized the value of our sisterhood and chose AOII for their Greek experience.
As our members settle into the fall term, it’s a time for new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Moving forward, it’s important to remember that our strength comes from unity. Together, we can inspire each other to achieve greatness, support each other’s goals, and make a lasting impact on our campuses and beyond.
Looking ahead, our collegiate elections are approaching. This is a chance for members to step into leadership roles. Leadership is essential at every level of our organization, and I encourage my collegiate sisters to consider how their voices can influence our future. I hope they will take the opportunity to share their ideas and support each other. Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about inspiring others and fostering a spirit of fraternity, love, collaboration, and sisterhood among our members.
As we bond over shared experiences, let’s remember that we are more than just a sorority. We are a family—a family that celebrates each other’s successes and supports one another through challenges. Let’s continue to motivate and uplift each other as we navigate this exciting chapter of our lives. Let’s embrace October with enthusiasm and determination. Together, we can accomplish incredible things.