Watching Over Our Sisterhood
Writer: Grace C. / Editors: Savannah T. and Ariana W. / Photographer: Bella D. / Photos editor: Brooke F. / Graphic Designer: Savannah T.
College is hard. As our academic obligations, social lives, professional opportunities, and health continue to evolve, especially in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all in need of a strong support system. The Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi here at Florida State has done just that. Their Watchcare System allows their Chapter the opportunity to support their members in whatever way they may need. To gain a better understanding of the program and the ways it has and continues to positively impact their sisterhood, Philia spoke with Jordan P., Alpha Phi’s Vice President of Health, Wellness & Accountability, and Heather W., their Director of Watchcare.
The Watchcare System is an international program, allowing each and every Chapter of Alpha Phi to encourage the growth of a thriving support system between sisters across the globe. Established by their founders, this program encourages members to be there for one another during good times and bad; aiding them in academic, professional, and personal success. In principle, Watchcare is the optimal execution of their foundation’s mission statement, “Alpha Phi is a sisterhood of outstanding women supporting one another in lifelong achievement.”
Heather, who is extremely passionate about mental health and well-being, oversees the system and asserts that Alpha Phi’s Watchcare System is an essential aspect of their sisterhood. “It is a way to make our members feel comfortable, safe and loved by our amazing organization. If a sister knows of another sister going through a hard time, they can anonymously submit their name and situation to watchcare.” She goes on to state that “Watchcare is anonymous so anything submitted to us is not shared with anyone else. With this information, I reach out to the sister and make sure that she is doing okay and offer her support and anything else she needs.” Jordan reiterates that the system allows Alpha Phi to show members in need extra love and support; an ideal that allows them to connect with sisters on a more personal level.
Jordan and Heather are exceedingly passionate about Watchcare due to their own experiences with the program. As the Vice President of Health, Wellness & Accountability, Jordan shares that she has been “able to help members in a very confidential way and without them having to directly talk about their struggles...Whether someone has experienced a death in the family or is going through personal struggles at school, we are here as a support system and to show our sisters love!”
Heather adds that her experiences with the Watchcare system have been indescribably fulfilling. “As Watchcare director, my experiences helping my sisters have helped me feel even more connected to them. It has taught me the importance of being there for the people in your life because it truly can make a difference.” Some of the particularly positive experiences that they have had in their roles include sending flowers and comforting sisters in need of support.
As a program that aims to reach and support individual members for the betterment of their sisterhood, Alpha Phi’s Watchcare system has enacted so much positive change. “I have seen this system affect individual members because they feel loved and supported when Watchcare reaches out to check in on them. It affects the sisterhood because everyone knows Alpha Phi will be there for them no matter what hardships they are going through!” shares Heather.
Alpha Phi has ultimately incorporated Watchcare into their sisterhood and, as members of our respective Panhellenic organizations, we should all adopt a similar mindset. After all, looking after and checking up on our sisters is an integral part of being a Panhellenic woman; the greatest part of which is being able to experience the highs and lows of life - and college - together.