IN HONOR OF OUR SEVEN FOUNDERS, WE GET TO KNOW ONE ALPHA CHI OMEGA THROUGH SEVEN QUESTIONS.
Giving back is an essential part of Alpha Chi Omega’s membership experience. Sisters across the world dedicate themselves to service and continue to find new ways to seek the heights.
To recognize how Alpha Chi Omega members give back, we spoke with Caitlin Olsen (Epsilon Tau, Virginia Tech). Caitlin, who has a passion for service, shared, “When I’m not using my voice to advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse and fighting for women’s rights, I turn my attention to animal rescues in my local area.”
1. Tell us about yourself! What do you want others to know about you?
I am 23 and just finished my last course for undergrad. I officially have my bachelor’s in psychology and criminology with a minor in national security and foreign affairs! The next step in my academic career will be studying international security and intelligence and earning my master’s from George Mason University. While at Virginia Tech, I served as our chapter’s PACE chair and alumnae relations chair as well as a member of both the arts and crafts/banner and intellectual development committees. In my second year of being an Alpha Chi, I was nominated by our chapter president and voted as a finalist for Virginia Tech’s Paige N. Neubauer Emerging Sorority Leader of the Year Award.
2. What are you passionate about?
Always learning and being connected. I soak up random information like a sponge so I’m a great trivia partner. I have a “do it right the first time” mindset, whether it’s a new job, a game or a music festival; I do as much research and prep work ahead of time as I can. I’m an independent spirit and gravitate towards leadership roles, and I am always there to help or give advice. For me and my family, trying new things, learning and sharing experiences have always been more valuable than materialistic items.
3. How do you give back?
Being a recent undergrad student, when I can’t donate money, I donate my time. Last year I participated in Virginia Tech’s Big Event, the second-largest student-run day of service in the country. Before that I volunteered during Tech’s Greeks Giving Back event. I participated in both events with my sisters, which made it more fun and engaging. I am also a big supporter of using your social media platforms no matter your follower count. Using technology to our advantage to uplift our own voices, and the voices of others, helps us stay educated, informed and connected; and I try to do that as much as possible. I’ve volunteered with Rock the Vote, Planned Parenthood, Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, The Mass Shooting Database, as well as other local groups. I also support Trap, Neuter, Release and #AdoptDon’tShop, supporting animal rescues. I have five rescue animals myself — four cats and a dog!
4. What does being a real, strong woman mean to you?
You have a voice, don’t ever let someone take it away from you; ESPECIALLY because they may view a woman as less than. A real, strong woman is a fighter, a believer, a giver, a lover, a creator and so much more. Believe in your power, find it, harness it and use it to change the world for good, for yourself and womankind everywhere. If you identify as a woman, feel like a woman, cry and love like a woman, you are a real, strong woman who deserves love, happiness and a place on this Earth.
5. Why did you choose Alpha Chi Omega?
In the beginning of my college career, sorority life was not on my radar. Sororities weren’t something my friends and I normally chatted about when we dreamt about college life, but plans and people can change! During my freshman year at the University of South Carolina, my roommate was going through recruitment, and I was living vicariously through her. When she ran home to Alpha Chi Omega, I loved how comfortable she seemed with the women, plus domestic violence awareness was something I was passionate about. When I transferred to Virginia Tech (my dream school), I made myself promise to at least give recruitment a try. I felt the most loved when I was talking to the sisters of AXΩ, and I never felt like I had to tweak or hide any parts of myself.
6. What advice would you give to a sister wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be open to the scary stuff! It’s okay to like what you like and protect your peace, but don’t let outside influences dictate what new experiences you try. You have so much potential when you step foot on your campus. It’s okay to build yourself a support system through fraternity/sorority life, clubs, sports, etc. My college experience would not have been nearly as memorable if I didn’t have sisters all around, whether in class with me, getting late night pizza or going together to football games. No one can make you feel or do anything you don’t want to, but dye your hair, try sushi, get a piercing your mom may not approve of and go through sorority recruitment. The 30 seconds of fear have nothing on a lifetime of experiences and memories.
7. How has Alpha Chi Omega had an impact on your life?
AXΩ has given me lifelong friendships. Even though I can be comfortable in my own company, there is something special about having a group of amazing women all around you at any given time. AXΩ has made me more confident in my abilities as a leader, a scholar and an important part of my community. The chapter has taught me to be a driving force for change and what it means to be a real, strong woman in my daily life.