The Backbone Of Our Chapter
Writer: Alejandra M. / Editor: Sara Sanfillipo / Editor and Graphic Designer: Savannah T. / Photographer: Olivia E.
“Touch a sister who has made you laugh. Touch a sister who has brightened your day. Touch a sister who has inspired you. Touch a sister who makes you love this sisterhood.”
These are the words that have touched the hearts of the Kappa Alpha Theta sisters when they participate in their bi-yearly fireside event. Around spring and after initiation, everyone comes together dressed in PJ’s and ample supply of cake to talk about anything that is important to them. Around the chapter house the women reflect on how sisters have supported one another, their favorite memories together and funny moments they share. Within the walls of the Theta chapter house, sisterhood means a lot more than shared DNA, it’s a bond of solidarity.
Fireside is a time where chapter women can come together and strip away all the masks society forces them to wear and creates a safe space where each sister can be unapologetically themselves. During this time the sisters have the opportunity to appreciate all the women in the chapter – the women who support each other, the women who push each other, and the women who strengthen one another. Sarah B., Theta's Director of Human Resources, has the privilege to lead the sisterhood events and organizes activities that leave memorable imprints.
Although each fireside is unique, the overall structure of the event is the same. Sarah creates small groups spearheaded by the executive board members and cabinet leaders to guide the conversations and provide emotional and moral support. Since fireside is a blackout-night for the entire chapter, groups are made up of all four member classes to give the new members the opportunity to bond with the older members and diversify the conversations. Sarah’s goal to create these small groups is to foster ostentatious love and pride for their large sisterhood while developing and maintaining the much fewer and meaningful relationships.
Due to the pandemic Theta couldn’t host a spring fireside so many of the women were looking forward to reconnecting during this year’s spirit-week fireside chat. What is significant about the pre-recruitment fireside is that it is loosely structured so each sister has the freedom to start open-ended conversations.
Unfortunately, coming back on campus this semester definitely felt different for the sisters as they tragically lost their beloved sister Daniela. Sarah clarified that the last time they were all together was at the funeral.
“Daniela’s smile was infectious; her natural radiance lit up any and every room that she walked into. She carried herself with grace and strength. She didn’t stress over the little things in life. She lived presently and was thankful for all she was given - something we as a chapter often remind ourselves of,” said Sarah. “Above everything, however, she cherished her friendships most of all. Daniela knew when to listen, but she also knew how to alleviate others’ pains or worries with her unique way of words. She epitomized everything it meant to be a Theta, but most especially, a sister.”
During a time of so much loss and the pandemic, the sisters at Theta have not failed to appreciate this chapter. Sisterhood is forever, it goes beyond the four years that we have in college.
“Unfortunately we are still suffering and grieving from the loss of our sister Daniela,” says Sarah, “But as empty as this house physically feels, we have been able to fill it up with a lot of love.”
Looking forward, Sarah's goal for this event is to decongest from the weekly hustle. Now that FSU has modified the in-person event restrictions, Theta hosted the fall semester fireside in two shifts between Oct. 21 and 22.
Since the start of the semester the chapter welcomed a new member class and unfortunately haven't been able to meet as an entire chapter. Unfortunately Panhellenic women only get a glimpse of the chapter during meals and social media, however fireside presents the opportunity to authentically meet the sisters. Sarah is adamant that everyone will have a newfound appreciation for the bond they share.
Peyton D, a junior who recently was a Rho Gamma for recruitment recalls the most recent fireside as, “a chance for our sisters to get to know each other on a deeper level. we are better able to understand our friends and even those who we have not talked to as much. By getting to participate in fireside, I have made my best friends and grown to love all of my sisters even more.”
As a leader in her chapter, Sarah always looks forward to this event because she has seen her sisters be their most vulnerable selves and share their stories and passions in a way that ties back to the Beta Nu chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. She has heard how each sister's experience has shaped them to be the smart, strong and capable empowered women of Theta.
One of her favorite memories of fireside as a new member was learning the history of Theta such as the crest, the motto and how Theta came to be. However, what will always resonate in Sarah’s heart is how fireside reminds her of why she is in her chapter. Serving as the director of human resources, the chapter has given her more than she could have imagined, in return she is privileged to give back to a chapter that has made her into the resilient woman she is today. It goes unsaid, Sarah is overwhelmed with gratitude to Theta for putting such wonderful women in her life.
As her time as the director of human resources comes to an end, one of the most rewarding experiences of Sarah’s leadership position is hosting an event that reminds the chapter how much love they have for one another.