A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Reader,

My experience at Tufts University has not only been shaped but improved thanks to my participation in Greek Life. At Theta, I have found a community and network of girls that inspire me, and push me to truly become a better version of myself. I could rave about it for pages, but for your sake (and mine), I will limit myself to the Theta Core Values, and how I personally identify with them in this experience.

Scholarship:
The first sentence that comes to mind when I think of this value is, "Scholarship is our highest aim." While joining a sorority has greatly expanded my social circle in college, the academic impact is what makes this community stand out. Each and every Theta sister is completely committed to excelling academically at Tufts and beyond. From forming study groups to taking classes and studying at the Theta house together, our sisters are always there to keep each other accountable and romanticize college. Being a Theta means having older sisters advise what courses to take to fulfill the major requirements, acting as pillars of guidance that some of us may be otherwise lacking. Some of my favorite classes that I've taken at Tufts have been with my sisters — working through homework together and saving each other a seat in class is the true essence of what college feels like. Regardless of what your major is, this group of girls encourages one another to focus and achieve our fullest potential at all times.

Service:
Through Theta, I was also able to find my favorite off-campus service organization called Strong Women Strong Girls (SWSG). One of my fellow Theta sisters and close friends, Hannah Rappaport, introduced me to her club where we mentor young girls by connecting them with female role models who inspire confidence, resilience, and leadership. Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, the program helps girls build a foundation for success, encouraging them to dream big, overcome challenges, and become strong women who lift each other up. In other words, SWSG is a smaller Theta. Weeks later, I found myself writing my application to join and eager about the opportunity to be an older sister to these girls. Had it not been for our connection through Theta, I don't think I would have ever found this service opportunity that came to bring me some of my happiest memories. 

Leadership:
Theta fosters leadership in all its forms, whether it be formally through participation in the Executive Board or more casually in other committees. A few years ago, I never would have imagined myself as the President of an organization, let alone a sorority. Myself and so many of our sisters come out of our shells and discover that leadership is something we are actually incredibly passionate about. It was the open and supportive community here at Theta that put me on the path toward becoming President and allowed me to realize a goal I didn't even know I had.

Personal Excellence:
This core value is slightly harder to describe. To me, it means working as hard as you can to become the best version of yourself. Theta encourages openness, kindness, curiosity, leadership, academic integrity, honesty, and so much more. We foster new connections and meet girls from majors completely different than our own, and yet so inspiring and exciting. Witnessing individuality and diversity is fascinating while also noting the commonalities that we each have with one another. We have all found love and comfort in this community, and been pushed by that love for each other to always strive for more on all fronts.

Friendship:
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is friendship — perhaps the easiest to talk about. Some of the closest friends I have on campus have come from the Theta community, and are people that I would not have been able to meet without it. I could go on listing names and individual memories for hours and hours, But I don't think that's the best idea at this point. We create bonds because of the open and unified culture that we have here at Theta. Each sister is encouraged to be authentic and different because that very individuality is what excites us and leads to the strong bonds that bind us. yes, we are sorority sisters, but more importantly, we are friends. This community really is one big happy sisterhood

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Like I said at the start of this letter, I could go on and on for ages about why joining Kappa Alpha Theta has changed my life for the better. I have learned, changed, and grown, all while surrounded by girls my age who share my ambition and drive. Through them, I have learned so much about myself as a person and created friendships that will last far beyond my final days at Tufts. I am truly grateful for everything this community has brought me, and welcome my future memories and growth through this sisterhood with open arms.

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TLAM (Theta Love and Mine),
Victoria Rivera
Eta Psi President