Delving into Dance Marathon
Writer, Grace C. / Editor and Graphic Designer, Savannah T. / Photographer, Katie F.
Students involved with Dance Marathon work tirelessly to be a positive agent of change and source of ongoing hope for a brighter tomorrow for the kids - according to their mission statement - fundraising for and participating in their annual event has become a passion for many Florida State students. To convey this passion, we have spoken with Zeta Tau Alpha’s Kenley N. about her involvement with and dedication to Dance Marathon within her own Chapter as well as the overarching Panhellenic community.
Kenley is in MC ‘18 in the Beta Gamma Chapter pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She grew up hearing stories about her mother’s Panhellenic experiences here at Florida State and knew that she would one day find a home within this community. As such, Kenley went through Formal Fall Recruitment in 2018 and the rest is history, “full of endless opportunities,” she states. “In the past three years, I have learned what it means to be a Sorority woman and how to relentlessly love a community of strong, supportive women.”
“Because of the unwavering support of this community, I have continuously pushed myself to set an example for others and do what I love most, service,” explains Kenley. After hearing the Zeta Tau Alpha creed - “To prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served” - Kenley was inspired and began taking on leadership roles in Zeta Tau Alpha and around campus. Within her Chapter, she has held committee Head and Co-Head positions for their Philanthropy, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, and currently serves as the Director of Involvement where she oversees members’ active involvement in outside external organizations.
“I believe in the power of being a well-rounded woman and giving back to the Florida State community,” a sentiment she expresses through her involvement with Dance Marathon. After founding Dance Marathon at her high school, she knew she wanted to continue giving 120% to this cause in college. Kenley has held internal team positions each year with DMFSU and, in her fifth year of involvement, is proud to be serving as their Membership Chair, encouraging Panhellenic, IFC, and independent student organizations to reach their fundraising and participation goals for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“As a Sorority woman, to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for others has been a dream experience,” she says “The accomplishments of this Panhellenic community amaze me time and time again.”
Her proudest moment yet was the opportunity to serve as the 2020 Zeta Tau Alpha Dance Marathon Delegate. She states, “Being able to lead my sisters to reach the highest fundraising and participation number in our history with Dance Marathon is something I will always hold close to my heart, alongside being named the 2020 Delegate of the Year.”
Holding leadership in both Zeta Tau Alpha and Dance Marathon has allowed Kenley to share a deeper passion for helping others with the woman who means the most to her. Zeta Tau Alpha and Dance Marathon allowed Kenley to discover her ‘why’, which drives her unconditional love for both organizations.
“My sisters showed grace, compassion, drive, and excitement to meet and support our Miracle Child, Lauren,” says Kenley. “It was truly inspiring to see how we, as a Chapter, can make a difference in someone’s life, which in turn made a difference in mine.”
In addition to her dedication to Dance Marathon and her own Chapter, Kenley is actively involved with Panhellenic. She aspired to become a Recruitment Counselor ever since she went through Recruitment herself. Kenley had the opportunity to bring in the future of our community this past Formal Recruitment. She wants to encourage women to find a passion for sisterhood and service in their own respective Chapters and around campus as well.
“Having seen the beauty and power of the Panhellenic community, I aim to continue building up our organization in pursuit of a better future which led me to apply for the Panhellenic Executive Board,” says Kenley.
Kenley is the optimal example of never taking an opportunity for granted as well as the power of asking questions and seeking answers. You never know what doors will open for you and, through Fraternity and Sorority Life at FSU and organizations like Dance Marathon, there are numerous tools for success. Kenley’s number one piece of advice comes from her mother, who used to say “You get out of things what you put into them,” meaning that you create your own reality. As a Zeta Tau Alpha woman, she has learned that “Love is the Greatest of All Things,” a sentiment that Kenley feels every single day from her sisterhood. “The women I have met through Zeta Tau Alpha and other Panhellenic Chapters, who I am lucky to call my friends, are the reason that I am the leader I am today. Our time spent at Florida State will be the best four years, so be present in every moment and always take that extra leap of faith in yourself and this community!” recounts Kenley.