AXO Exec Province Retreat

Winter term can be a rough ten weeks. It always seems to be overcast and raining, the squirrels go into hibernation, and the school work seems never ending. Luckily for all you lovely ladies of Alpha Chi though that you have an excited, energetic, and motivated new exec board to bring some sunshine to your many rainy days ahead. This term is when all of us can finally dive into our positions and make amazing things happen for this house.

Exec boards at the Holiday Inn

This weekend in particular was a very important few days for the exec board. We were thrilled to host all of the Alpha Chi Omega chapters from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for the annual Alpha Chi Omega Province Exec Training. Kelli Currie, the Province Collegiate Chair for our province, flew into Eugene along with the Exec Boards and advisors of Oregon State, Willamette, Portland State, Washington State, and Boise State. The weekend was spent meeting and mingling with other Alpha Chis and learning about what it really means to be a member and a leader of Alpha Chi Omega. 

Exec Boards at Alpha Kappa

The weekend began on Friday night when most of the different chapters descended on Alpha Kappa for a dessert night. I was so excited to meet other Alpha Chis from around the Northwest, and I am proud to say that I will be stopping by the chapter at Boise State when I go home for Spring break. Each woman that walked through that door carried with her the essence of what it means to be an Alpha Chi. You know what I'm talking about. It's that indescribable sensation of leadership, poise, grace, and confidence. They were all so excited to be in Eugene and at our house. We even got to do a fun t-shirt exchange with them!

Whitney, Cristina, Kayla, and Caitlin showing
off their new t-shirts!

On Saturday, we all woke up bright and early (well not really bright because the sun wasn't even up yet) and headed over to the Holiday Inn to attend the conference where we learned more about our positions and what it means to be a leader in Alpha Chi. One of the best questions asked of us, in my opinion, was why we were sitting in that conference room as an executive member of our chapter. The surprising thing to me was that each member answered differently, yet each answer applied to each and every one of us. It made us think about the responsibilities we have as a leader in our chapter, and how it's crucial to not just talk the talk but to also walk the walk.

The "Why" board where
we shared why we were there.

We had time as an exec board of Alpha Kappa to make goals for this coming year, and I felt like we all became closer as sisters in discussing the mutual love and passion we share for our sorority. I can guarantee you all that you will see some amazing things coming from your exec board this year. We also got a chance to sit down with members of other chapters who have the same positions as us. As Pan-Hellenic delegate, I learned so much about what other chapters do to make sure that their Alpha Chi is represented on their PHC. I was able to brainstorm different ways that I can help Alpha Chi get involved in the campus community, and I was able to give some advice to another PHC delegate whose position was just created in their smaller chapter.

Cristina and Whitney brainstorming.

This weekend was such a success. It was so exciting for us to host all of the different chapters and welcome them to Eugene. They absolutely loved our house, but Barb and Charlie definitely managed to steal the show. The exec board all left the conference feeling more unified as a team, and we all gained valuable knowledge and leadership skills from Kelli and the other advisors who attended. We can't wait to implement some new ideas into our house, and I hope you all are as excited as were are for this amazing year ahead!

Your Alpha Kappa exec board!

LITB,

Chrissy Hardesty