Member of the Week: Meet Maddi Cox!

            Hey y’all! My name is Madeleine Cox but everyone calls me Maddi.  I am a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi and a member of the pledge class of 2012. I decided to pledge Chi Omega as a freshman for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to be surrounded by a group of girls that I knew would share my morals, and secondly, because I knew that it would make me a better person. There has never been a day that I have regretted this life-changing decision.

            Currently, I serve as Chi Omega’s recruitment chair. This position requires me to prepare the chapter to recruit new members.  In doing so, I have come to know and appreciate Chi Omega and it’s heritage much more deeply than before.  I have also been encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and grow in ways that I never dreamed possible.  This leadership position has definitely been a positive experience for me and has prepared me to handle life after college.

            On campus, I am also involved in areas outside of Greek life.  One of my favorite extracurricular activities on campus is participating as a USM Eagle Ambassador where I help in recruiting for the Southern Miss football team. This involves conducting campus tours, answering questions for prospective players and their parents, promoting USM and the football program, and working closely with the Office of Admissions for USM.  I am also a member of several academic honor societies and enjoy attending sporting events on campus with my friends.  Off campus, I enjoy trips to Conni Cones (so much so that they are about to name a new flavor after me) and spur of the moment trips to New Orleans with my friends.  I also work part-time at a local jewelry store. To potential new members, my biggest advice would be to get involved! Get involved in Greek Life, get involved on campus and get involved in the community.  In so doing, your life will be positively impacted as well as those around you.

            My favorite memory so far at USM is probably living in Wilber Hall my freshman year (yes, seriously). I know what you are all thinking…gross… but honestly, it was the best thing ever coming into college. Those community restrooms that everyone dreads are the perfect place to meet new people. You’d be surprised at the conversations that took place while brushing my teeth.  And, for those of you who are fortunate enough to live in Wilber, watch out for Pam.  She roams the halls at night. Scaaaary!

            If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be dedicated. I take a tremendous amount of pride in everything that I do.  It might take me a little longer to get something done, but when I am finished, I can rest assured knowing a put forth my best effort. As this year’s Recruitment Chair, I am dedicated to making our recruiting process one of the best!

            My favorite hobby would be just hanging out with friends and doing something totally random…like going to NOLA at midnight with a group of girls to get beignets. I cherish every chance I can with my sweet friends, because one day, we will actually have to grow up, get a big girl job, be a wife and tend to children, and those midnight trips to NOLA will be just a sweet memory.

            Weird Talents.  Well, where do I begin? Ha ha. My weirdest talent would be that I actually like to clean house.  I mean, I really like it. I would rather clean house than watch TV. As far as my idea of happiness, I would have to say it is dinner around the table with my family.  There is nothing better than an evening of creamed corn, black eyed peas, okra (my Nana’s is my favorite), sweet potatoes, cornbread and crazy Cox family conversation.  And, believe me when I say the conversation is crazy! But I really love this time with my family and don’t want it to end.

            Recruitment is all about finding your home away from home.  Your family away from family.  Your sisters away from sisters. I found my home in Chi Omega and know that you can find yours too. And, as always, Greek life TTT. 


Xoxo,  
Madeleine Cox & the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega

Member of the Week: Meet Jamie Jackson!

           

Hey everyone! My name is Jamie Jackson, and I will be a senior in the fall. I seriously can’t believe it’s already my last year! It’s crazy how time flies.  During the fall of 2011, I went through recruitment as a freshman, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t just a little nervous about it.  There I was, at a completely new school, where only about ten people from my graduating high school class had decided to go.  Although I was nervous, I knew one thing was for sure, I was ready to find a home away from home!  After a week of meeting some of the friendliest, most outgoing people, hearing about numerous philanthropic causes, watching the talent of so many girls displayed in high-energy skits, and making connections with people I had met just a few days before, I ran home to Chi Omega!

            During my freshmen year, I served as one of Chi Omega’s cheerleading captains, where we created a cheer competition routine with stunts and tumbling to be performed at Tri Delta Triple Play, one of the many philanthropy events on campus! As a former high school cheerleader and a current Southern Miss cheerleader at the time, this positon was right up my alley! It was so much fun being able to create a routine and relive the old high school cheerleading days with all my sisters! I absolutely loved it!  During the end of my sophomore year, I served as Vice-President of Chi Omega.  Because being Vice-President requires you to make sure everyone is succeeding in their classes and making good grades, it allowed me to give back to the chapter in way that I was truly passionate about.  Working hard and doing well in school is something I’ve cared about all through grade school and high school, so being able to help people reach their academic goals was something I really enjoyed.  It was definitely one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had while being a member of Chi Omega.

            At the end of my junior year, I was excited to be chosen to serve as the President of our chapter! While I was a little nervous at first, and wondering how I would balance school and the duties of presidency, it has seriously been an experience I would not trade for anything.  Just three years ago, I would have never thought that my naturally shy self would be capable of being in this position and leading our chapter, but through Chi Omega I have gained more confidence in myself which has helped me during my time as President! 

            Crazily enough Chi Omega is not the only thing that has kept me busy throughout my time at Southern Miss.  I was also a member of the co-ed cheerleading squad, and I am currently in the Honors College, Eagle Connection, Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-professional honor society, and Southern Style!  Being a part of these organizations has allowed me to grow closer to people who are not only in Chi Omega, but other Greek organizations as well, and that I am truly thankful for.  Whenever the going gets tough with school, I can always count on these organizations and the friendships I’ve made through them, to take my mind off of school and turn my day around! 

            When I think about one word that describes me, it’s actually more of a phrase…  Type-A.  I love being organized and staying on top of everything that I have to get done.  I hate to admit it, but I have an unhealthy obsession with my Erin Condren planner, and I don’t think I would be able to survive a week…okay maybe not even a day without that thing.  To-do lists tend to run my life, until my friends pull me back to reality and tell me that it really will all be okay!  Thank goodness for them!  Getting ready for social events in the house and Olive Garden dates after a long week are two things that make me happy.  I really enjoy spending time with my family, trying new things, reading Glamour magazine (typical I know), and running.  Oh, and I have a new found love for airports.  I can’t explain it really.  I think it’s because if you’re at the airport, that means your most likely traveling somewhere, and the excitement of going to a new place, no matter how far away, will get me every time.  Rant over. 

Goodness gracious.  All of this reflecting has gotten me emotional! All I can say is that being a part of Greek Life and being involved in college have made the last couple of years ones I’ll never forget, and definitely ones I would experience over if given the chance.  Here’s to a great last year at my home away from home!

Xoxo,

Jamie Jackson & the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega

Member of the Week: Meet Chloe Sanders!

Hello! My name is Chloe Sanders, and I will be a sophomore at Southern Miss this fall. I enjoy traveling, and actually just got back from an amazing trip to Haiti where I was immersed in their beautiful culture and given many opportunities to serve the Lord by serving His children. My idea of happiness is being surrounded by the ones I love with my hand in a bag of peanut M&M's. I like being on the water, skiing, tubing, wake boarding, kayaking, anything and love work just as much as I love play.  I am freakishly good at food babies and get my nails done way too often. 

 I am a member of the 2013 pledge class of Chi Omega, and I've also had the honor of being elected chaplain and recruitment team assistant. Chaplain is a position that one can do as much or as little as they want with, and regretfully I have not done as much as I would've liked so far. But I'm currently in the process of changing that! I am planning on starting a bible study this semester (maybe even a little bit this summer) through which we study God's Word, share each others' burdens and praises, and lift each other up while lifting the Lord up! My prayer is that this will be just another way for our sisterhood as well as our personal relationships with Christ to grow stronger. Get ready girls!

On campus, I am involved in Luckyday Scholarship Foundation, Campus Crusades, and the Mathematics department. These activities along with many more are what made my first year at Southern a success. Getting involved with organizations that line up with your values is so important to find joy and peace during those times when school and life are overwhelming! And Chi Omega and Greek Life just add to that support group! I can always have confidence that someone is there for me.

Some of my favorite memories from this past year include various philanthropy events for all of the fraternities and sororities on campus. From dance competitions to carnivals and crawfish boils, you can rest assured that you won't get bored being involved with Greek Life! Southern Miss Greek Life is very strong, and I feel like we do a great job of supporting what each one stands for and believes in by attending their events! The opportunities are endless on this campus and through Chi Omega! I am so thankful for each one God has given me, and can't wait to see what He has in store for this year!

Xoxo, 

Chloe Sanders & The Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega

Member of the Week: Meet Sadie Nielsen!

        Hi! My name is Sadie Nielsen and I will be starting my junior year at Southern Miss this fall! In

2012, I pledged Chi Omega along with 53 other “sisters” as well as my biological sister, Sarah Nielsen, from PC’09. Who knew you could actually be bonded to a sibling in more than one way?! Since my sister is 3 years older than I am, we were separated for a couple of years when she left for college; however, joining her as a “baby hootie” my freshman year made up for the lost times! From wish granting with Make a Wish, Monday night meetings, social functions, and sisterhood events, I would not change one single thing! As freshman year came to an end, I did not think life as a Chi Omega could possibly be any better. I was so wrong!

         In the Spring, I was chosen to be T-Shirt Chair for Epsilon Delta. Oversized t-shirts, aka every college girl’s daily necessity, are probably the most treasured item during this time in your life.  Designing and organizing t-shirts can be very tedious and time consuming (especially when you are not artistic…). I cannot begin to tell you how many girls have given such helping hands at any given second. No matter what I needed or when I asked, someone was always willing to help in whatever way! (S/O to you guys!!! Looking forward to this semester J) Also, I was nominated as Chi Omega Sophomore of the Year. For starters, I was beyond ecstatic to receive this award. My sister received it her sophomore year, too! (Another bond right???) But, this award meant so much more to me than being voted out of my pledge class. It made me realize the importance that Chi Omega plays in my life (cliché or nah?).

As a Biology major applying for pharmacy school, one word to describe me is balanced. This organization has taught me that my academic goals are attainable as well as being in a sorority. From study dates to coffee breaks, my friends are always encouraging! Chi Omega promotes campus involvement, which pushed me into joining numerous honor societies. I truly feel that Chi Omega has helped me become the best version of myself that I could possibly be and I am so thankful for that!

         Altogether, my experience with the Greek Life at USM has been solid. This system is perfected in such a way that you will find your “home away from away” and meet incredible people along the way! One of my favorite things about Greek Life is the unity. All of the sororities and fraternities act in such a way to give back to the community through their philanthropy events. It can sometimes be challenging to stay active within the community as a college student, but with the help of Greek Life, it is easier and very rewarding!

Xoxo,

Sadie Nielsen & the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega

Member of the Week: Meet Anna Gilg!

        Hey there!! My name is Anna Gilg, and I am a junior! I pledged Chi Omega my freshman year (making me part of pledge class 2012), and it was by far the BEST decision I've ever made! I came to Southern Miss not knowing many people, which is the main reason I went through recruitment. I know I made the right choice when I ran into open arms at the Chi O house on bid day! In Chi Omega, I found a group of ladies that would come to be my closest friends - ones I can laugh with, cry with, and who embrace me for who I am! Cheesy right? Well it's true so you better believe it! 

        As far as my involvement within Chi Omega, I currently serve as the Vice President (scholarship chair). This keeps me on my toes as I feel that I should strive to do my best in school since that is what I'm asking of the rest of the members. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone and become better friends with many of my sisters. I know that I am growing as a result of serving on the executive council! 

        I am a part of the USM Honors College, which requires students to take multiple hours each semester of honors classes. Although these classes are very difficult and consume a lot of my time, I know it is good to be challenged. Just have to remember, hard work always pays off!

        I absolutely love Southern Miss! I would have to say that my favorite tradition is painting the Eagle Walk as a freshman during GEWW. It made me feel special that I was already leaving my mark even before classes started. I also love tailgating with all my friends before games! I enjoy dressing up in my black and gold attire and socializing. In my opinion, it's definitely one of the best parts of the entire fall semester.

        If I had to describe myself in one word it would be BUSY! Busy studying, busy going to various events, busy socializing, busy being OCD, and of course busy waiting for the next meal! 

Fun fact; I'm pretty positive that I could live on pickles for the rest of my life if I had to. It's by far the best food ever made and the fact that they have almost zero calories is a bonus! 

        All in all, I know that I chose the right university and the perfect sorority for me. Looking at the bigger picture, that's not all that matters. At USM, all the sororities and fraternities in the Greek system come together as one to support each others' philanthropies and make one another better! I couldn't be more thankful and proud to be a part of Greek Life at Southern Miss! 

Xoxo,

Anna Gilg & the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega

Member of the Week: Meet Sarah Diard!

Hi! My name is Sarah Diard! I am a senior biology major (pre-pharmacy) and a member of PC’11. I am currently serving as the Make-A-Wish Liaison for our chapter. My job is to connect our chapter to the local children and their families who are having their wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through our alliance with Make-A-Wish, we are given the chance to meet children who have been affected by a life-threatening illness and celebrate their wishes with them and their families. It is such an incredible experience to celebrate life with these children who are so strong!

            I am also involved other organizations outside of Greek Life as well. This past year, I was a Resident Assistant (RA) and worked primarily with transfer students and students with disabilities. This year, I will be the RA in the Chi Omega house! Currently, I am a Summer Conference Assistant and GEWW Crew Leader. I am also a member of the Catholic Student Association (CSA) and NRRH, which is an honor society for residence life. Off campus, I am a volunteer at Aldersgate Mission, which is an after school program for kids in the downtown Hattiesburg area. I have enjoyed participating in these organizations! They have shaped me into the person I am today. I joined Chi O my freshman year and it has played a vital role in connecting me to these organizations. Chi O has given me a home and encouraged me to reach my full potential.

            My favorite memory on campus is from last year when I was in Small Group Communications class. We had an assignment where we had to identify a problem on campus and solve it. Our problem: finals week stress. Our solution: bringing puppies to campus! We got permission to bring puppies from Southern Pines Animal Shelter to campus and let students come and play with them in our event “Paws for a Study Break.” It was so much fun!

            Some fun facts about me would be that if I had to describe myself in word I would say that I am sincere. My favorite hobby is most definitely Zumba. Strangely enough, my weirdest talent is Tetris. (I am surprisingly good at fast-paced puzzles and Tetris is my favorite!) I also love food! Right now I have to say that my favorite food is homemade garlic cheese biscuits!

          To end, my idea of happiness is living my life for others. I am happiest when I am using my time and talents to help other people. I especially love working with young children. My goal is to live my life investing in my family, friends, and the community. Then I know I will be happy!

Xoxo,

Sarah Diard & the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Chi Omega