Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

2 Sigma Kappa Capturing the Sisterhood within Sigma Kappa Carla Figura '11 Shares Her Success Story C arla Figura '11 first fell for Sigma Kappa when, during recruitment, she learned about the national sorority's generous support of the Alzheimer's Association. "When learned about Sigma Kappa's involvement, I had to know more," Carla recalls. "Alzheimer's has touched my family and is a cause I am very passionate about." After spending more time with her future sisters in recruitment, she knew she had found her home. Because of the love and support she found in Sigma Kappa, Carla was able to graduate a year early and jumpstart her pharmacy school education. Carla graduated from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in May and is currently training in her dream residency at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, Tenn. She pointed out that such a residency is optional in her field, but she hopes to complete further training and focus on often-stigmatized areas such as pain management and the national opioid crisis. "As a pharmacist, my goal is to provide comfort for patients while minimizing unnecessary therapies that don't add quality care," Carla said. "Providing adequate care while minimizing medication is an art, and one I hope to master. I have always known this is where I wanted to be, and now that I've put in the hard work, I live my dream every day!" Although Carla and her Beta Tau sisters had different career goals, they found camaraderie taking similar prerequisites and studying together. "I found my core group of friends who were a great influence academically and socially, encouraging me to take breaks when I was reaching burnout." Carla served as VP of scholarship, but her favorite memories of the house have been smaller moments that didn't seem important at the time. This ranged from all-night study dates in the library, to rushing to an exam with sisters at 6 a.m. in the freezing rain, to staying up watching movies while studying abroad in Rome together. "In the moment, they didn't seem like much. But looking back, I was blessed with three years of great times with even better girls around me." Since she was still in the area for pharmacy school, Carla was fortunate enough to spend time with Beta Tau following her undergraduate years. "When I lived in the house before, there were older sisters and alumnae who were always available to offer guidance and encouragement." She was happy to return the favor by chaperoning events as an alumna and took pride in watching little sisters hold executive office, as well as seeing sisters enjoying the new house. Carla also served as a mentor and role model for several younger sisters, two of whom have since entered pharmacy school. "Whether lending them an ear to vent, proofreading application essays, or giving advice for interviews, I have stayed involved with those sisters and am excited to see what they accomplish in their careers. Sigma Kappa is not just four years; it's for life." When Carla isn't working, she enjoys running, crafting, learning new languages, and trying out new coffee shops. As an alumna, she encourages undergraduate sisters to take advantage of their time in the house and with the sisterhood, both as friends and as a support group for their goals. "It always makes me happy when a sister tells me how proud they are because I'm as successful as I always wanted to be. We want to see you reach your goals, too! And we are here as a resource for you to do just that." Carla can be reached at carla.d.figura@gmail.com. It always makes me happy when a sister tells me how proud they are because I'm as successful as I always wanted to be. We want to see you reach your goals, too! Meet Our New House Director! B eta Tau is very happy and privileged to announce our new house director, Diane Valdez. Diane has been a house director for the past five years and has a son, Christopher, who lives in Tokyo. He is her pride and joy! She grew up traveling throughout her childhood and has lived in Delaware, California, South Korea, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Texas. Now, she proudly calls 1108 E. Panhellenic her home. She has traveled to 43 states and 33 countries in all, and it is on her bucket list to make it to all 50 states. Diane enjoys sunsets, traveling, nature, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and Disney. She has been to Disneyland, Disney World, and even Tokyo Disney. If you stop by the house, please pop by Diane's room and say hello! She can also be reached at SigmaKappaHD@gmail.com. Welcome home, Miss Diane! Welcome, Diane Valdez Beta Tau House Director

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