OMEGA!!!

The last four years of my life have been solely dedicated to one thing, my sorority. Lambda Delta Sigma is a sorority at the University of Utah's Institute and is made up of 17 chapters, my chapter is Omega. I can't tell you how much I have loved having this program in my life! It's an LDS sorority so it has been great being with girls who have the same beliefs and values. It has strengthened my own testimony of the church in so many ways, especially through the examples of my amazing sisters. I have my wonderful cousin Brittney to thank for getting me to Rush in the fall of 2007. She was always talking about how great Omega was and after two years of her trying to convince me to join, I finally decided to do it. I just never pictured myself to be a "sorority girl", I still don't know why I changed my mind but I'm glad I did. I rushed with my friend Bree and we had a great first year in Omega! Everyone was instantly my friend and I met so many great people who I am still friends with four years later.

My second year I was called to be Vice President of Omega. I was so nervous accepting this calling, I didn't know what I was getting into being an officer and I didn't really know the other officers very well. I am a very shy person until I get to know someone so I felt really outside of my comfort zone. But, luckily the Lord was on my side and helped me open up and I ended up having another great year! This was also our new advisor Laurie's first year in Omega. I had a great time getting to know and love her, she helped me feel comfortable that year and I am so grateful for her.

(2008-2009 Officers : Angie, Sam, Lexy, Sydney, Laurie, Chelsea, me, Becky, not pictured-Niki)

My third year I was asked to serve as the Pledge officer. I loved it! It was great getting to know the new girls and to be their "mentor" throughout the year. I am so grateful for that opportunity because, again, I learned a lot about myself and grew closer to my Savior through that service. I wasn't sure I could handle another year being an officer, it's a lot of dedication and hard work. But it was always worth it and I wouldn't have changed anything.

(2009-2010 Officers: Ashley, Angie, Kristen, Laurie, Lizzie, Brett, Alli, Cali, Sarah)

This last year, my fourth year as an Omega sister, is the closet to my heart. After much hesitation and worry on my part, my sweet and very patient advisor Laurie asked me to be the President of our chapter. I told her no three times, I was worn out as an officer. As much as I loved the program and loved the girls, I wasn't sure I had it in me to be an officer again...let alone be the President! Also, none of my close friends were active in Omega anymore. I felt a little alone and a little old to still be so involved, as lame as that sounds. But ultimately, my heart was in it and I just had a feeling I needed to do it. I put it all in the Lord's hands and was given my answer, I accepted and was set apart to be Omega's President for the 2010-2011 year. Best decision of my life! I'm a very shy person, as I said before, but I found myself acting with no fear this year. I was extremely outside my comfort zone most of the time and that made me learn so much about myself. I am so grateful for the opportunity and I'm very humbled by the blessings I have received. The girls this year have been amazing! I honestly love every single one of them and I hope they know that. I am a few years older than most of them but I have loved being their "big sister". It was challenging and I felt very intimidated with my responsibilities at times, but nothing has been more worth it. This year was extremely successful for Omega and I'm proud to have been a part of that.

2010-2011 Officers: Laurie, Cali, Scottie, Kristen, Emily, me, Sara & Lauren.

My amazing officers! I am so grateful for each and every one of them! This year would have been a disaster without them. They are all so dedicated and truly love Omega and the girls so much. Thank you for the hard work ladies! I would have been nothing as President without all of you! It was definitely our year to serve together, love you!

Allie, my "twin" sister who I love! I am so lucky to have spent this year in Omega with Allie. She has been very patient and has served as a wonderful "Assistant to the President". She has helped with my arriving early every Wednesday night, setting up, cleaning up, being the last to leave, waiting for LONG officer meetings to end and has been my therapist during all of my worries. I am a perfectionist which makes me extremely stressed and I turn into a crazy person, she has kept me sane...through both my personal drama and Omega drama. Thanks for all the reassuring and fun times Allie! I love you and I am so glad you decided to pledge Omega. We are now Omega sisters too! I hope Lambda Delta Sigma blesses your life as much as it has mine.

My amazing friend and advisor Laurie is finished with her calling now. She served as Omega's advisor for her three years and I can't believe it's over. We have shared many laughs and tears together. She has been my best friend through this experience and I will always look up to her. I know that Omega is what it is today because of her example. She is so sweet and loving. She sacrificed so much of her time and really put all her heart and soul into Omega. The girls will be forever blessed to have known her. Also, congratulations to Scottie on being called as Omega's President for next year! She will be so great! The girls love her, she is always making us laugh and she genuinely loves everyone. She will make next year the best ever!

If you didn't get it from this long post, I love Omega! I can't believe I am free from my officer responsibilities after three years. It feels so weird, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't relieved. I would never trade the last four years for anything, I learned sooo much and met my best friends. But I am excited to make decisions for myself now, Omega has always been my first priority but now I can do whatever I want. I guess I get to figure out exactly what it is I want now...wish me luck!