This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Phi Mu Leadership Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.  In the very short four-day weekend I learned more about myself and gained more confidence than I ever imagined I would.  I also fell even more in love with Phi Mu and its mission.

My chapter finished recruitment several weeks ago.  As we all probably know, during recruitment season you begin to think about why you are in Phi Mu and a sorority in general, what keeps you here, and why do you love it so much?  For me, it’s the women.  My Phi Mu sisters pick me up when I’m down, they push me and challenge me to be my very best, they see qualities in me that I do not see in myself, and they love me unconditionally.  When my chapter selected me to be one of two representatives for the Leadership Institute I was so incredibly honored and humbled to know that my chapter saw something special in me.

While at the Leadership Institute I grew in my leadership skills and in my confidence in myself.  I now find myself walking into rooms with my head a little higher and having more confidence when I speak because I am more confident in myself and in my leadership abilities.  The Leadership Institute and the women that I met while there inspired me to not be afraid to put myself out there.  I recently applied and was selected to serve on my university’s Greek Leadership Board.  Only eight individuals from across my university’s Greek organizations were selected.  I may never have had the courage to apply for this position had it not been for the encouragement of my Phi Mu sisters on my campus and that I met at the Leadership Institute.   The relationships that I developed with the other attendees and facilitators I know will last a lifetime.  Months later, we are still messaging each other updates and words of encouragement in our group message.

Words truly cannot express how thankful I am to have had the opportunity of attend the Phi Mu Leadership Institute.  The lessons that I learned at the Leadership Institute have shaped the way that I approach the world.  I walked away from the Leadership Institute a better leader, Phi Mu, and woman; and for that, I will be forever thankful.  I am so excited to see where I and my fellow attendees go as a result of our incredible experiences at the Leadership Institute.

Guest Blog Contributor Bayley Sharp, Alpha Gamma, Samford University, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council. 

When I was first learning about Phi Mu Foundation as a Phi, I was immediately drawn to the amazing things they do! It was not until recently, however, that I truly understood the importance of Phi Mu Foundation. I am from Southwest Florida and Irma made landfall right on my hometown. Luckily there was no major damage to my own home. One of the first emails I got once the storm passed through was from Phi Mu Foundation asking if my family was safe and affected at all. This truly warmed my heart and brought me to tears knowing that the bond of the Phi Mu sisterhood was there for me at a scary and vulnerable time. I will never forget the impact that simple email made on my life. This is why I am donating today during 18 Hours & 52 Minutes of Giving! 

Guest Blog Contributor Morgan Massa is Philanthropy Chair at the Gamma Alpha Chapter at the College of William & Mary, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council.

When I first joined Phi Mu, I knew very little about the Phi Mu Foundation and could never have imagined the impact it would have on me. Learning about the Foundation during the Phi program, I was excited by the way its mission embodies the idea of “Sisters Helping Sisters” and supports our sisterhood throughout and beyond the collegiate experience. While participating in my first M3 campaign, I could feel the Foundation’s mission coming to life as I fundraised with my chapter and took this idea to heart when elected as the Philanthropy Chairwoman. Leading my chapter in our M3 Campaign gave me an incredible opportunity to foster passion for the Foundation while supporting our sisters nationwide.

Inspired by the impact of the Phi Mu Foundation, I decided take my involvement a step further and applied to be a Foundation Intern. I was overjoyed to have the chance to work at our Headquarters and support our sisters through the Caring Carnations campaign. While working at the 2016 National Convention, I truly felt the impact of the Foundation while watching sisters accept scholarship awards, adorn their nametags with Caring Carnation appliques, and attend break-out sessions to develop leadership and fundraising skills.

Upon meeting the Foundation Board of Trustees, I was impressed and inspired by their dedication to the philanthropic advancement of our sisterhood. The women who work at the Phi Mu Foundation and on our Board of Trustees work tirelessly to support our sisters in so many ways, from leadership training to academic scholarships and beyond. Now, as a Foundation Scholarship recipient, I am ever more grateful for the hard work and support of our sisters. I understand the personal effect that the Foundation has: because of my scholarship, I am able to pursue my education wholeheartedly and continue to be actively involved in my chapter. With each donation made, our sisters are provided opportunities to grow as students and leaders, and I can’t speak enough to the positive impact the Foundation has had on my life.

The Foundation exemplifies sisterhood through its mission to promote the lifetime development of Phi Mu women and connects all of our sisters in a compassionate, all-encompassing way. I could never have imagined the lasting impact the Foundation would have on me, and I’m excited to continue my involvement throughout the collegiate and alumnae experience!

Guest Blog Contributor Lexi Artman, Delta Chapter, Tulane University, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council, a Phi Mu Foundation Scholarship Recipient and a former Phi Mu Foundation Intern. 

During the four days of formal recruitment I had been asked approximately 20 times why I wanted to join a sorority! Every time I told the girls, the same rehearsed reasons. I told them that I wanted to make campus a little bit smaller, I told them how I wanted to enjoy community service and how I wanted to become very involved on campus, so that I would gain more experience and learn to be a leader.

Though those things were all true, there were many more sincere reasons why I wanted to join a sorority. I wanted to be around people who were like me, people who brought out the best in me. I was looking forward to the networking opportunities that come with being affiliated, having sisters all over the world who are willing to help me, and surrounding myself with women who had similar beliefs as I do. Most importantly, I wanted to find women that I felt comfortable being myself with.

As it turned out, that place for me didn’t exist for me on my campus until my second year. During the first weeks of the semester, enthusiastic Phi Mu Chapter Consultants manifested campus and advertised for a new, women’s fraternity coming to campus. After receiving tons of free cups, pens and cookies embroidered with Phi Mu’s letters, I decided to give it a try. I attended the extension process, and to my surprise, was greeted with genuine women who dug deep, and asked me why I really wanted to join Greek life. They listened thoughtfully and engaged in a sincere conversation with me. Upon leaving my interview, the decision to join Phi Mu was easy.

During our first semester on campus, our Chapter Consultants worked endlessly and selflessly to make every sister feel like she belonged, encouraged us to be our most authentic selves and taught how to thrive in a setting that matched our passions and values with those of the organization. As the semester progressed, so did our love for Phi Mu. Thanks to our Chapter Consultants, the members of Zeta Eta found truth within the creed of Phi Mu and within its values. We learned the importance of generating a respectable and vibrant reputation on campus, and begun to do so through acts of community service and supporting other student organizations. Our chapter consultants brought support and creativity to our school. We were able to realize our potential and were given the best Phi Mu experience possible. When I reflect on my time as a Phi Mu, I have found that many of my favorite memories would not have been possible without the continuous support of our Chapter Consultants.

I am motivated by the idea of the Phi Mu experience, because I can relate, firsthand, to the wonderful gift that this organization can provide. I’m thankful for my Phi Mu sisters, for my amazing consultant sisters (many of which remain in touch), and thankful to be a part of an organization that offers so much to our members. At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience– which for me wouldn’t have been possible without the continued encouragement of our Chapter Consultants. For this reason, I believe that it is important to invest in the future of Phi Mu so that further development as members and chapters is possible!

Guest blog contributor Haylee Schmirler, Zeta Eta, University of Minnesota, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council.