Community Identification Project

I have interviewed two members of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arizona. I first interviewed my "big sister" Annie McGlothlin and secondly a sophomore named Alice Clyde. With my first interview Annie enlightened me about the founding of Kappa Kappa Gamma which I discussed in my previous blog post. In my succeeding interview with Alice she talked about Kappa specifically at the University of Arizona. We discussed the different community service projects Kappa takes part in as well as the ones that we put on, Rose McGill Fund, Reading is Fundamental, and Hoops for Hope. Rose McGill helps Kappa's who suddenly and unexpectedly needs financial help. Reading is Fundamental is a national philanthropy that works to build a literate nation by assisting young people to discover the joy of reading. Hoops for Hope is a basketball tournament where we usually raise between $8,000-$12,000 to give to a different organization in need, this year we are helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Also in this interview Alice mentioned our badge is the golden key, our flower is the stately fleur-de-lis, our colors are light blue and dark blue, and our mascot is the owl. These symbols all represent Kappa and all members where them with pride.
I am eager to partake in all the events Kappa has and I want to be as involved as I can. Next year I plan on living in the house and holding a leadership position. Kappa is a large part of my college experience and I want to make it the best I can. As in any situation the more effort you put into it, the more you get out of it. I know that I will be a proud and very involved member.
I can compare my experiences with Sonny Blues because Sonny knows that he wants to be a musician and I know that I want to be a very involved member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Although Sonny had to overcome several obstacles to finally get into his jazz band and perform, he did it! I know that I will be extremely busy with classes and school events but I believe in myself that I can make it to where I want to in college and eventually in life.

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Bid Day (August 22, 2010)

The community that I have chosen to identify myself with is the sorority I am a member of, Kappa Kappa Gamma, within the Gamma Zeta chapter at the University of Arizona.  I chose this community because I have recently become a new member and I will be initiated on October 16th, 2010 therefore I am currently learning the history of Greek life and of my specific sorority.  Kappa Kappa Gamma is a wonderful "organization of women who seek life bonds of friendship, mutual support, opportunities for growth, respect for intellectual development and an understanding of and an allegiance to positive ethical principles."  

Up until 1870, Greek fraternities were only available for men.  But that year two Greek fraternities were founded for women, one of those being Kappa Kappa Gamma.  There were six founders by the names of Mary Louise Bennett, Hannah Jeannette Boyd, Mary Moore Stewart, Susan Burley Walker, Martha Louisa Stevenson, and Anna Elizabeth Willits.  They wanted to cultivate intellectual stimulation as well as good friendships.  I feel that I can identify with these women, especially Anna Elizabeth Willits.  She received her bachelor's and master's degree as I hope to do.  She is remembered as winning many friends due to her personality and hospitality which I feel I can greatly relate to.  These women were motivated to create an organization of loyalty, sincerity, and friendship to all members.  

If I was not apart of this sorority my life would be very different right now.  I eat all my meals at the house, I spend my weekends with my sorority sisters spending time together and participating in community service projects.  We all relate very well having gone through the process of "rush" and choosing the house that fits our personality best.  I have met several people from classes and school functions but I feel that at the end of the day my sorority sisters will be the ones there for me.  Although I have recently become affiliated with Kappa Kappa Gamma, I already feel entirely welcome and at home with these girls and in the house.  We partake in several fun activities and have created an unbreakable bond amongst our pledge class of 2010.  I am proud to be apart of Kappa Kappa Gamma and am eager to learn more about its origin and foundation.