IN HONOR OF OUR SEVEN FOUNDERS, WE GET TO KNOW ONE ALPHA CHI OMEGA THROUGH SEVEN QUESTIONS.
137 years ago, seven visionary women transformed and linked the lives of more than 300,000 others across the country. Members of Alpha Chi Omega, while individual and unique, share one common bond which has made an uncommon impact on all of them.
Kinley Cook (Zeta Omega, Western Carolina University) shares with us how the sisterhood has embraced her for who she is since she joined. She says, “I went through recruitment as a 23-year-old transfer student and ‘atypical sorority girl,’ and yet Alpha Chi is the most accepted I have ever felt!”
1. What is your school, work and Alpha Chi Omega involvement?
I am a parks and recreation major and social justice minor at Western Carolina University. I am currently the park naturalist at Gorges State Park with dreams of one day becoming a park ranger! Within my chapter, I currently hold multiple non-exec positions, including assistant VP philanthropy. I also serve on my university’s Panhellenic Council as the VP of diversity, equity and inclusion!
2. How has Alpha Chi Omega left an uncommon impact on you?
When I transferred to Western Carolina, I was extremely nervous. At 23, I was older than a good portion of my peers in addition to only knowing three people at the school prior to attending. I was so nervous to go through recruitment as not only an older student who knew no one but also as an outdoorsy stereotype who never shaves her legs and plays in creeks for fun. However, Alpha Chi Omega saw and continues to see all these things as assets and embraces my personality and interests for all that they are. This sisterhood is the first place I have felt 100% safe, listened to and cared for. I know that I have a chapter of over 70 real, strong women who support me. Any time I bring up an issue, it is listened to and considered. I have met my lifelong friends and biggest support system through Alpha Chi!
3. Why did you choose to go through recruitment?
I chose to go through recruitment to push myself. I knew that despite being extremely social, forming relationships may be tricky. I was aware that signing up for recruitment would come as a surprise to a lot of the people who knew me, but I was excited to take the chance. I loved the recruitment process … so much so that I was a Panhellenic recruitment counselor this past fall!
4. Why did you choose Alpha Chi Omega?
I chose Alpha Chi Omega because as soon as I sat down during the first round of recruitment, I automatically knew two things. The first was that these girls were full of passion for service. It was evident through the way that they talked about DVA and the additional ways they were plugged in around our sweet little mountain town that assured me of that. The second thing I immediately knew was that these were girls who could become my best friends. And boy, have they! Without Alpha Chi, I would not have met my biggest confidantes and cheerleaders. I count my lucky stars every day that Alpha Chi Omega chose me in the same way I chose it.
5. Can you recall a time when Alpha Chi Omega helped grow your confidence?
My Alpha Chi Omega sisters listen to me. At first, this shocked me – never had a group of people been so clearly interested in my life, my story and my opinions. However, the care Alpha Chi Omega showed me throughout recruitment and my new member process has carried over into my time as a lifetime member … and I don’t ever see it ceasing!
6. What has been a favorite Alpha Chi memory?
My initiation day will always be one of the most special days to me … I cried three times that day! Knowing that I was joining a sisterhood that wanted me and embraced me was so exciting … and my passion for Alpha Chi has only multiplied since!
7. What is the greatest life lesson you’ve learned that you want to share with sisters?
A little grace and a lot of empathy go a long way!