Alpha Chi Omega - Purdue University

I 've been thinking about the word "connect" a lot lately—from how I connect with my colleagues to complete a project or with my friends to catch up between work, kids and other responsibilities, or how I work with my first grader to connect concepts she is learning with her education and life lessons. It's also a buzz word in our society for several reasons: connecting on social media, connecting in- person post COVID-19, connecting to share interests or develop our career. However, I think it is overused. When I stop and really think about the word and the value "connection" has in my life, it gives me a wake- up call. I'm reminded to pause, slow down for a moment and realize true connection takes time and commitment. It's not the quick "like" on Facebook or "follow" on Twitter. It's the moments between the beginning and end, the ones you don't really pay attention to but mean so much when you look in the rearview mirror. An ugly but true fact of life is that you never really know how long the moments in between will last or how many there will be. So, it's best to slow down and prioritize your connections. At some points in your life, you will have many (like what I feel now as a millennial career mom trying to do all the things), and in other times of your life, you won't have that many—both are okay as long as you value the connection. I love fall, and this fall was extra special for my Alpha Beta sisters. The chapter women hosted their first Founder's Day dinner at the house and the first initiation with guests since COVID-19, which allowed them to connect with alumnae. Our fraternity dedicated a new headquarters building, and a few of us connected with sisters from across the country with our shared values of wisdom, devotion and achievement. Plus, so many of our sisters are connecting at Purdue football games and tailgates, celebrating wins and losses (just like in life). As we wrap up fall and head into the holiday season, I hope you take a few moments to pause and reflect on your connections. Maybe you need to get rid of some and focus more on others. Selfishly, I hope you stay connected or become more connected to our Alpha Beta sisterhood and our sisters. This could be reconnecting with your pledge sisters, visiting the chapter house, getting involved in a local alumnae chapter, becoming a mentor, donating to Alpha Beta as we continue to support a strong chapter or sharing your news and memories with us. One of our five membership criteria is personal development, and a little alone time and reflection is a part of that too. Before the holidays consume you, I hope you find time to connect with yourself and find value in your connections—to live our Symphony. Loyally, Katie Thomas Glick '04 katie.mae.thomas@gmail.com Lyre Letter Alpha Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Purdue University FALL 2022 Katie Thomas Glick '04, Past National President and Former Alpha Beta Advisor Diane Blackwelder, Omicron Chapter '67, Angela Costley Harris '86 and Sarah Diaz Marra '06. A view of the new archives room at the new AXO Headquarters. It's worth a visit! Cherish Your Connections Cherish Your Connections And Live by Our Symphony And Live by Our Symphony The Symphony of AXΩ To see beauty even in the common things of life, to shed the light of love and friendship round me; to keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life; to strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness, of joy, of peace; to appreciate every little service rendered; to see and appreciate all that is noble in another, be her badge what it may; and to let my lyre send forth the chords of love, unselfishness, sincerity. This is to be my symphony.

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