back to houston

I was excited to return to Gamma Sigma as it is always fun to see familiar faces.  The chapter was so sweet in welcoming me back after I had helped them with Formal Recruitment in the fall.  It was so great to see a lot of the new members I helped recruit in the fall already stepping up and taking leadership positions in the chapter!

During my stay, I was able to attend their chapter retreat in Galveston, TX!  They had rented a beach house and the vp: programming did a great job coming up with fun team building exercises and bonding opportunities. I was able to facilitate and activity based around Article II of our Delta Gamma Constitution which helps the chapter evaluate their progress on the four main missions of our Fraternity: to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility, and develop the best qualities of character.  I was so impressed with the chapter's self-awareness and willingness to create an action plan to improve.  When all members have had the ability to participate in creating goals to improve, they are much more likely to buy in and take action!

Gamma Sigma also has a fantastic Advisory Team that is always willing to meet over great food!  In the fall we went to an awesome Thai place and this time we went to the original Ninfa's, home of the beef burrito!  One of their younger advisers even took me back to the Thai restaurant another night to get the best Pad Thai I have EVER had!  DGs sure do know how to pick yummy food, collegians and alumnae alike!

A highlight of my visit was going with some of the members to the Light House, a facility that has classes and activities for the blind and visually impaired.  We were able to help with a clay making art class and they clients I met there were incredible.  One man said to me "This isn't a condition I have always had.  At one time I was able to see.  But I thought to myself I could react to this in two different ways, and I chose to embrace it, move on, and enjoy life!".  Tears formed in many of our eyes as we admired their strength.  This will be one of the highlights of my CDC year, being able to volunteer according to our Service for Sight mission.

Gamma Sigma was a great visit and I formed many special relationships with collegians and advisers!