Reflecting on the Semester

By: Kathryn Sullivan

The 2020-2021 school year provided many milestones for college students across the nation. Our first time attending college with masks, COVID-19 testing & quarantining on campus, and who would’ve thought- mobile orders at the dining halls. Within our Dayton community we were able to navigate through multiple coronavirus outbreaks, E-learning, and not being able to go home as often. After a hybrid school year that challenged us all, the Iota Pi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha found new ways to connect with sisters near and far while maintaining love, the greatest of all things.

This semester as I took over the role as Chapter President, the executive council and I tried to foster new programming ideas with the virtual nature of this year of UD kept in mind. A new EC and PC took this chapter under its wing- not only attempting to create new events for our members but to enhance the membership experience while respecting the regulations on campus. Across the sisterhood, social, academic, and philanthropic fronts our chapter was able to exceed expectations with connecting our members with leaders on campus, leaders in the community, and leaders within our Iota Pi. We hosted multiple seminars that discussed mental health, diversity and inclusion, and academic achievement. These presentations sparked lifelong learning within the chapter more so than we have even had in previous years.

I would love to personally shoutout our new members from the Spring 2021 new member class. These women kept their patience, demonstrated love, and took the utmost stake in the chapter as if it were a normal semester. When we were faced with the unexpected yet exciting planning of Greek Week, our new members stepped up to the plate and showed us dedication and love to their sisters. Throughout our programming events, chapter meetings, and feedback forms our new member class continued to add value to Iota Pi. Each day I would see a few of our new members grabbing lunch, walking to class, or signing up to attend Panhellenic events together. It is the new members’ excitement and passion that drives me to fulfill my responsibilities each day. Despite this semester’s circumstances our new member class will continue take Iota Pi to greater heights in the future. As Fall 2021 approaches, I have full faith that Iota Pi will further advance not only bonds between sisters but bonds with the chapter.