Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

W hen I went through recruitment, I knew Alpha Xi Delta was special. The feeling in the room where we first met was comforting. You could just tell that the girls truly cared about their philanthropy and morals as sisters. I knew deep down I wanted to be in this organization that would positively impact me for the rest of my life. These girls have changed my life forever and last year was only my first year. They have shown me who I want to be as an individual within each core value of Alpha Xi Delta. One of our values is leadership. There are many opportunities at USD to grow as a leader. Joining Alpha Xi Delta has furthered my intake on how to use these leadership skills in the workplace and in the community. We take leadership seriously within our chapter and we push each other to realize our full potential as individuals. We work collegiately side-by-side when things need to be finished and nobody is afraid to share ideas because we all respect everyone's beliefs. We whole-heartedly have an appreciation for one another, which makes our chapter grow stronger. My sisters have shown me one important thing no one has ever been able to show me before. Not that I am beautiful, not that I'm smart, not that I'm sweet. None of that. You've shown me something more meaningful than any of these things. That I am important. That I matter. You make me feel like the world is lucky to have me. The other day, while out with sisters, I came across a quote that gave me a better understanding of this sisterhood: "I have met many people through the ins and outs of my life, but you ladies, among all, will always be my favorite." This past year was difficult and I wouldn't have been able to make it without the lovely ladies of Alpha Xi. Thank you for seeing museums where I only saw hallways. You saw my potential where I couldn't see anything in myself. I know I'll always have a sister to fall on and I will always be there for them in return. Which brings me to our next core value: knowledge. I didn't realize when I first joined how important grades were to our sorority. The amount of times I have seen girls push each other academically is surreal. Last fall, I wasn't going to classes or doing my homework. I had completely given up. The women of Epsilon Chapter showed me what it takes. I worked hard to get my grades up before semester ended. Because of the amazing support Alpha Xi Delta has to offer, I went from straight D's to B's and confidently initiated this year. The last core value is our service to the community. I'm honored to say I am an Alpha Xi Delta because of how much work we put into giving back to the community and to Autism Speaks. Growing up, I was told that we were given two hands: one to help ourselves and one to help others. Our national chapters raised over $1.5 million towards Autism Speaks this year. The national fraternity has 130 college campuses. If you average out $1.5 million with 130 campuses, that's $11,538 raised per campus. That is unbelievable. I'm proud to know that the work we put into our philanthropy has an astonishing outcome. We, as a chapter, reflect on our core values with every decision we make as members. Together, we strive for furthering our excellence in our academics, drive for initiative in influential leadership responsibilities, positively functioning as an association to benefit the community of Vermillion and the foundation of Autism Speaks, and lastly, collaborating as sisters of the Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta to realize each other's full potential as sisters. Happy 115th anniversary, Alpha Xi Delta! Thank you for a lifetime of courage, graciousness, and peace. Yours in Alpha Xi, Miranda Winterringer '17 page 7 Alpha Xi Delta What Alpha Xi Delta Means to Me A Letter from Undergraduate Miranda Winterringer '17 www.usd.alphaxidelta.org l @AlphaxideltaUSD f Alpha Xi Delta at the University of South Dakota i Alphaxideltausd o www.axidepsilon-usd.tumblr.com p Axidepsilon House Registry www.giftster.com/gift/public/raur2 Find Us Online Jennifer Jensen '17, Miranda Winterringer '17, Kate Kirkebak '17, and Emily Badura '16.

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