Midwest sisters buddy up at the recent Midwest Retreat

-Emily Mennenga

From Facebook Friends to Great Friends, Midwest Retreat was an extraordinary experience.  Being a senior in Delta Xi Phi, I was extremely excited that I would finally be able to attend the Midwest Retreat.  The retreat was held at Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign over the first weekend in March.  This made me that much more excited because not only am I from the Urbana-Champaign area and I got to see my family for the first time this semester, but we got to take it back to place where it all started; where the 15 BEAUTIFUL Founding Mothers of Delta Xi Phi decided it was time for a change.

When the time finally came for the retreat, I admit I was a little reluctant and even kind of nervous.  I’m friends with all of these girls on Facebook but I’ve only met a couple face to face.  I thought “What if they don’t like me? What if we talk about how Eta is ran and it’s all wrong?” Friday night when we arrived at Ari Mann’s house (an active of Alpha Chapter) I immediately felt at home.  I was almost laughing at myself for being nervous, why should I when these ladies joined the same [sorority] that I did. They are after all my sisters. I was happy to see tons of familiar faces from convention but even more excited to see that there were girls I hadn’t met, and some that I wasn’t even Facebook Friends with.  Ari says that “My favorite part was the first night. Getting to know and talk to everyone.” 

Once most of everyone was there, the lovely ladies from National Board, Theresa and Cassie, separated us into Buddies.  At first I was hoping to be placed with someone I was already pretty good friends with as I knew we had a lot to gossip about.  I was placed with Sarah Scisson from Phi (S/O to TEAM DOUBLE TEAM. Boom!) and immediately connected with her.  She’s the Avani to my Na’ima. She’s my buddy for life.  Others expressed the same reactions to their buddies.  Brittany Waryjas says that receiving her buddy was her favorite part about the retreat.  I believe that having a buddy gave us the opportunity to know more about a sister from a different chapter and be able to cross those divides that lots of Greek Organizations have.  We were able to learn the strengths and weaknesses of our chapters and how to build from them and see how other chapters have been successful. 

Going into this retreat, I thought that older members like myself would be doing a lot of the talking.  We had the most experience, the most knowledge about Delta Xi Phi and having a retreat like this would make a good experience for the newer members to learn and grow.  But that wasn’t the case which I was happy about.  Even being an older member I still have so much to learn not only about Delta Xi Phi but about myself.  I think that’s what a lot of people take for granted when they join such an amazing organization.  We lose the idea of what it means to be a sister, which everyone has their own definition.  To me, being a sister of Delta Xi Phi is about educating yourself and others about your culture and other cultures around you. It’s about being accepting and open minded.  We know that you don’t have to believe in everything that every member does, but you have to accept that that’s what they believe even if you think it’s wrong.  Ritual is a big part of being a sister as well.  It really shows you where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. 

The workshops were a perfect way to talk about the different parts of being a sister.  Theresa had a very interesting topic called  Intersectionality.  It’s something I had never thought about, but it is an issue within today’s society.  We discussed the social inequalities that are caused by lumping different aspects of a person that that specific person identifies with. We talked about the idea of being colorblind and how this can affects children and young adults of all ages.  The workshop that the Alpha Chapter sisters put together, led by Ari Mann, really helped continue this communication. We talked about sisterhood and how to strengthen the ties that we’ve built with the sisters in our chapters and sisters nationwide. We learned more about our buddies and the other sisters at the retreat as we developed better communication with each other. This worked perfectly into our third workshop, led by Cassie Giocosa, about Feminism as it created a comforting atmosphere to have this discussion in.  I loved the comments some people made about how not all feminism is necessarily good feminism. Sisters shared their positive and negative experiences with the ideas that encompass feminism.  We discussed the different types of feminism, sexuality and I added some more letters to my LGBT Alphabet.   For most, this topic was something that is very “hush hush,” but having this discussion with my sisters was empowering and I feel like we were all pretty comfortable asking questions and sharing stories because we knew our sisters wouldn’t judge.  

Being a sister of Delta Xi Phi is more than showing up to chapter and mandated events.  It’s about WANTING to be there not only for those events but for each other.  I joined Delta Xi Phi because I had no one at Marquette. I found my family in Delta Xi Phi and I’ve never been happier in my life.  At Midwest Retreat we strolled, we laughed, we learned and we grew closer together.  This being probably my first and last retreat as an active of Delta Xi Phi, I can say that I wouldn’t trade the time I spent with my sisters for anything in the world.

"Wacky Workout": Delta Soror gets her martial arts on

-Aileen Apuli

On February 2012 I joined “Freddie’s Modern Kung Fu” (FMK) at Rogers Park, Chicago. Since then I’ve built a foundation of healthy living that I wish to carry on in 2013. [I attend] a 2hr class every Saturday & Sunday morning – [sometimes] I’m up as early as 7am! If I had the time I’d go more often, but working [at a full-time job] there just isn’t enough time in the day. I’m motivated best when I’m in a class that has structure and a group of people. I love coming to a class [with people] whom I consider family. Positive energy is hard to find when we live in a society where media, alcohol, and competition destroy you. 

What sets us apart is how well known we are worldwide on YouTube. It’s almost like we’re in a reality show. I have supporters find me on Facebook and express their appreciation of what we do. We can upload videos as a group/ individually and [they’ll] hit on average 100 views overnight. We also have committed students outside the country that train with us online.  It’s amazing to have a support base from people who have yet to meet us/not part of the school, but look up to our mission in expressing real martial arts to our generation.

I came for a trial session and it definitely wasn’t what I expected. FMK is a non-competitive school, and it wasn’t just martial arts, there was cardio, weight lifting, meditation, and flexibility training…everything that you would get at a gym, and more!  As sore as I was the next day, I knew I wanted to come back again! I also appreciated the small classroom size (less than 10), you get personal attention that can’t be found at other martial arts schools. 

 [Two months after beginning FMK, I discovered that my greatest strength was my tremendous flexibility.] I have the ability to go into a full front and middle split. With that ability I’ve progressed in being able to control and balance my body to make high kicks. I’ve also lost up to 10lbs. Although, like most women my weakness is my upper body, but within a year I’ve improved from lifting 8lb dumbbells to bench pressing at least half my weight!  I still have much to work on, but I’m definitely stronger than I was a year ago. My focus for 2013 is to work on my upper body strength!

Because of FMK I'm at a place where I feel great about my body.  Although I go to class every weekend, that‘s still not enough. My challenge is to be able to train on my own at home at least every other day. I believe nutrition is just as important next to working out, which has played a beneficial role in my progress. I watch my portions and have completely cut off any type of junk/ fast food. There’s no need to starve, diet or resort to the use of supplements to stay healthy. It’s all a matter of making healthier choices, and in the right portions. It’s like they say, you are what you eat.  

I’m one out of three women that are in the school and it was a transition being out numbered every time I would be the only girl in class. I grew up with mainly female friends, I’m in a sorority, and my employment has always consisted majority women. That’s not to say I don’t get along with men, I’ve just always connected more with women. So it was a change, but never uncomfortable.

I believe it takes a strong minded woman to join the school. The men here are in great shape, and women easily get intimidated because that’s not where they’re at physically. Despite the school being [mostly] guys, I never let that get in the way of wanting to be involved. It’s the same concept that you would get at the gym, walking in and having the men judge you. There’s a lot of male ego, and it’s difficult to stay on track when you have no structure or motivation of positive people; but at FMK that’s not the case. When you get to know us, everyone in the school are humble people, there’s no competition to be the “best.” Man or woman you need to see training as your own personal benefit, so it’s about focusing on you. Just as important as it is to stay fit. It all means nothing if you don’t use it to your advantage. You may have strong legs, but have no flexibility/balance to kick a man that tries to rob you. The same goes for weight lifting, you may have power, but no technique on how to throw /defend a punch. In the end you can be a fit person, but what does that all mean for you? It’s about survival, and if you think martial arts is meant for men, women are the ones that need to be trained just as significantly.  

If you’re interested in learning or following my journey with FMK you can find me on our YouTube channel under my Chinese name “Todai Ai,” not all the videos I’m in are under my name, but videos are uploaded daily.

-Todai Ai

“Zen Martial Arts is beyond fitness training, it is beyond self-defense training, it is beyond meditation, it is a combination of all three. Zen Martial Arts is not combat sport; we do not train for violent unhealhy forms of competition. We train for health, survival, and creative artistic expression. Zen Martial Arts is a lifelong commitment towards Tao “the Way.” The “Way” can be interpreted as the right or true path. At FMK we aim to build a family bond amongst all Todai’s “Disciples” of Zen Martial Arts. We do not train as enemies in competition; we train as brothers, and sisters who aim to enhance each other’s growth towards the balanced development of the body, mind, & spirit. “ –Sifu Freddie Lee

Wacky Workout Series: Seeking writers keeping up with their NY resolutions

Hopefully as January comes to an end, you are still working hard to make sure you are fulfilling those new year's resolutions that you seem to make (and break) every year.We are looking for those with uncommon solutions to their common resolutions to blog about their experience so far.

One of the most common resolutions people make each Jan 1st is to lose weight/become healthy which leads to an increase in gym memberships and really cute workout clothes in stores (totally bought myself some). While this is no surprise to, well, anyone, we want to hear about those who are doing something different besides pounding the pavement, or rather, the treadmill.

So let us know by commenting on this post or leaving a comment on our Facebook page about what you're doing differently. Are you doing Zumba, Flirty girl fitness, or anything else? Let us know! You can either write your own post about it or have one of our Connections writers blog it for you.

We also want to know what else you're doing to keep up with your other resolutions - besides working out. Do you have a unique resolution? Or are you doing something different to make sure you don't break your resolution? Comment on the post or on Facebook and we'll post it too! Don't be shy!

Keep an eye out for our upcoming resolution posts. I'm even going to blog about my own wacky workouts - roller derby.

-Izzie

Would you "Pie a Xi Phi?!"

Last month sisters at DXP's Chi Associate Chapter held a fundraising event called "Pie a Xi Phi!" that raised money for the chapter and Delta Xi Phi's national philanthropy, the American Cancer Society. 

Initially Chi's Beta line held the fundraiser during their process., and it was so popular that sisters decided to bring it back! For $1 anyone could 'pie' a Delta Xi Phi Lady with whip cream.

"People are always so confused when we ask them to pie us in the face, but once we told them what it was for they would laugh and either donate some cash or spare change, or pick up a pie," says sister Cheryl Sampson.


Despite the cold and rain, Lauren Brescia stated the sisters raised over $100! They even earned a lot of smiles from students on campus. A few couples even asked to pie each other! Luckily the chapter came prepared with towels, shampoo, and body spray "so no one needed to smell like whip cream all day," says Gabrielle Bruno.

Chapters looking for fundraisers may want to look into this idea. It's cost-effective and fun! Katie Pickard says, "Pie a Xi Phi is such an easy way to raise money, and it's super cheap! We already had plates so all we had to do was buy some whip cream." 


This event helped Chi sisters fundraise as the chapter decided $10 of each sisters' dues would go toward the American Cancer Society. Chi also participated in Relay for Life and a local breast cancer walk for philanthropy and community service efforts this term.

For more information on our Chi Associate Chapter and upcoming events, please visit their website: https://sites.google.com/site/dxpchi/home


(photo credit given to Chi sister Cheryl Sampson)

Support Relay for Life!

Check out our Pi Associate Chapter supporting Relay for Life at SUNY Old Westbury! 

This flier is posted as a sister's Facebook profile picture...which is a great advertising strategy!

You can participate in Relay for Life too - check out the American Cancer Society Relay Events website. You can learn more about Relay, how to get involved, and find events near you!

http://www.relayforlife.org/

Spotlight on Mu Associate Chapter!

Monthly Chapter Spotlight: Mu Associate Chapter!

By: Izzie Karpierz

The ladies at the Mu Associate Chapter may be small in number, but they are a force to be reckoned with. The sisters at the University of California – Davis have had quite a busy year fulfilling each of Delta Xi Phi’s five pillars and have many successes to show for it.

Among their successes within this past year, the Mu sisters received for philanthropy and community service in the UC Davis Sorority and Fraternity Excellence program. As part of their commitment to DXP’s national philanthropy, the sisters participated in Relay for Life and surpassed their goal raising $370 for the American Cancer Society.

Besides their community service work, the sisters also strive for excellence in all of the DXP pillars. The sisters held the highest average GPA of all the Greek organizations on campus for two quarters in a row in 2010. Mu has participated and organized many multicultural and academic events such as a Greek Resume Workshop on building resumes. They have become more visible on campus thanks to all of their successes.

"Delta Xi Phi is rather small on our campus. Our average number of members is around 5 but that does not prevent us from being known...,” says Castillejo, “We work hard to network with other organizations and even branch out and get to know non-Greek organizations. Our visibility has increased because we put in the effort to attend other organization’s events, participate in Greek Week, are part of a council and, more recently, have become involved with the UC Davis’ Cross Cultural Center in putting together this year’s “La Raza Cultural Days” (LRCD).

“Mu has been working hard to achieve success as an Associate Chapter and although we are a small group on campus I think that we have done a lot of things that larger organizations have not. We always strive to promote our pillars and enjoy doing so.”

Keep up the great work, Mu!

Happy 1 Month, 1 Day Anniversary to our Omega Associate Chapter!

Happy 1 Month, 1 Day Anniversary to our 

Omega Associate Chapter!

We are thrilled to celebrate this 'monthaversary' of Delta Xi Phi's newest chapter, the Omega Associate Chapter, at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Apologies for not officially posting about Omega's founding on May 5, 2012.

After a year's work of expansion efforts, four amazing women were initiated as the Alpha Line, "NOSHSLU," on May 5, 2012 at 8:57pm. Omega is Delta Xi Phi's 23rd chapter across 15 states. Congratulations to our newest sisters:

#1 - Kaitlin “Pasia” DeFoor 

#2 - Kelsey “Zóloto” Hall

#3 - Monica “Aydan” Longoria 

#4 - Elizabeth (Lizz) “Ashinda” Milne

We would also like to extend a well overdue thank you to those involved in Omega's founding, including Lea Madry (National Executive Vice President & National Expansion Chair), Abi Williams (Kappa founding sister and Omega Associate Chapter's faculty advisor), Erien Watson (South Regional Advisor), National Board members who attended the final/initiation (Brittany Savko and Theresa Thompson), the many Gamma sisters who were there to welcome their new south region sisters, and sorors across the country who made our newly crossed members feel supported & loved!

UP NEXT: ALPHA ALPHA ASSOCIATE CHAPTER!