She Doesn't Know the Word Impossible.

One visit down and I am already loving my second one as well! Epsilon Pi did wonderful during their short recruitment workshop this past weekend. After the workshop was over we waited for the incoming freshmen to come back from their retreat--better known as Duck Camp. See, Tarleton State has two mascots. They are the Texans, but then there is a story about a man who came all the way to TSU fromTennessee and brought his pet duck. So obviously, two mascots were needed now.

Anyway, they did a great job passing out water and popsicles to freshmen and their parents while helping promote Greek life with all the other sororities and fraternities at this tailgate.

Epsilon Pi's tent at the Tailgate.

During the tailgate, while I was talking with two of their advisers this little thing came up behind me. This would be another TSU tradition.

These people are chosen and dress up in costumes similar to what you see for football and basketball games as well as other school events. No one is supposed to know who they are, not even their roommates! This happens to be a Phi Mu Alumna. Don't know her name but I guess I'll believe her.

Now, I know some consultants love to collect something from each school while they visit. Some like t-shirts or post cards. But here's the thing. I have no room in either of my suitcases. I already sent a box of things home from the local USPS in Stephenville and there is a good possibility that will happen here in CoMO before my two weeks is up. But I wanted something to remember each school by so this is what I decided to do:

The ULTRA on Tarleton State's campus

Take a picture with my WKU Red Towel at a campus landmark at each school!

This way I can remember each school in a way that's different and doesn't cost anything and it's a little WKU tradition you will find in the Alumni magazine.

 First up TSU! This would be the ULTRA. This statue's point faces North, that way students and visitors can always gage their direction if they get lost.

Right now, I'm at Mizzou during Work Week and I will stay for formal recruitment. I am loving fellow consultant Cindy's chapter! They are doing a great job and working really hard. I will try to share pictures soon because the campus and Phi Mu house are beautiful. WKU--if you still need ideas to renovate DUC, you need to check out Mizzou's student center.



Title from Her Eyes by Pat Monahan

In the Capital of Cowboys & UFOs.

I arrived at my first school today! The Dallas/Ft. Worth airport might be my new favorite to land into. Or it might just be the convenience of getting off the plane and walking approximately 100 yards to get my checked bag that was already on the conveyor belt. Anyway, Stephenville is about an hour and a half outside of DFW. The membership director and VP of Committees took me to Outback to lunch which was really sweet. There's something about listening to country music in Texas that just seems super authentic. If you haven't figure out, my thoughts are probably going to be really random during recruitment.





MB & Ledman at training.

I met with the Greek Advisor at Tarleton State after I dropped off my bags and he was great. He is really supportive of Phi Mu and had great insight into the campus culture as well as new ideas that I hope to take to other schools. The workshop doesn't actually start tomorrow but I went ahead and met with the president and membership director to figure everything out and I think we're in for a great workshop!

8 suitcases, 4 carry-ons, 5 people. We got this.



Random Fact: Apparently the big high school in Stephenville plays football at Tarleton State's field and they fill the stadium every game. I probably should have started watching Friday Night Lights to really appreciate Texas high school football. At least I already wrote UofL's football schedule in my planner for the fall (with my red fine point Sharpie, obviously).

Central Time is throwing me off again, so I will leave you with a couple pictures from our photo shoot at HQ. I'm missing my other CCs already but I know they are going to do a great job helping Phi Mu chapters across the country during recruitment this fall!

#phimucc

From: Printspace Etsy Shop

First things first-

 I.love.this.job.

 It's amazing. The other consultants are incredible and hilarious. My bosses are the best. (Even if one of them used to intimidate Megan a lot...) I cannot believe that I get to work for such a wonderful organization.

Second, if I don't want my posts to be ridiculously long I am going to need to post more than once a week. I will try--promise. For the past week we have been learning everything about membership, recruitment workshop ideas, the Phi program, and I could go on and on about all the great Phi Mu related things I've learned. In a nutshell, I have learned so much in a week and I have more to learn, but I am loving every minute of it.

The Megan Oilar Pose

We've bonded over 6AM gym sessions at the Dolce. Perfected the Megan Oilar picture pose during the consultant photo shoot. Drank more Diet Coke than even I would care to admit. Learned to do the Tomahawk at a Braves game. All this, with a ton of Phi Mu knowledge as well--don't forget that.

Every Phi Mu chapter across the country should be getting a visit from one of these 10 AMAZING consultants in the next academic year. You are going to be lucky  to have whoever touches down at the nearest airport to your college campus and comes to spread a little more Phi Mu love.

Here's what everyone seems to want to know- my first little travel schedule. I am so excited to start visits for recruitment workshops and then during formal recruitment. Less than one week and I leave Peachtree City and HQ for Texas!

Epsilon Pi

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX

Chi

University of Missouri

Columbia, MO

Nu

Shorter University

Rome, GA

Eta Zeta

CSU-Fresno

Fresno, CA

Alpha Gamma

Samford University

,Birmingham, AL

Lambda Beta

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Rho Iota

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY 

Rho Eta

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Also check out our little spot on the national website.

I will try to add photos soon,  but that means I should probably start taking more. I promise to take more photos on the one consultant phone that isn't an I-phone. (Get with it Sprint please)

Ready for Takeoff

Finally, finally, finally it’s time to leave for Peachtree City and start the job I’ve been waiting nearly six months for! Could this girl be more excited? Probably not. I talk about this job on the daily, with anyone who will listen or pretend to listen. 

 Phi Mu Headquarters

What in the world will I be doing? Here's the answer from phimu.org -

Phi Mu chapter consultants serve as liaisons between collegiate chapters and colonies and National Headquarters. This year, ten enthusiastic chapter consultants are bringing support, problem-solving skills and creativity to chapters across the country. Each consultant works directly with chapter members, officers and advisers and will provide feedback on chapter operations, identify areas of potential improvement and address specific situations as they arise.

With Delta Tau's column at HQ during Chapter Consultant Interviews

In my own words in one run-on thought: I have the opportunity of a lifetime to travel across the country inspiring/encouraging, teaching & helping Phi Mu sisters. As much as they are probably expecting me to teach and assist them, I know these chapters are going to teach me so much as well about myself and greater appreciation and love for Phi Mu. Isn't it great how that works out? This job is so much more than I can type out at 1:30 AM...12 hours before takeoff.

To put it simply, I cannot wait to travel Phi Mu America and to see my Consultant sisters tomorrow (or really today). But, I'm pretty sure everyone in my life has known that since February.

I'll be back for you soon Louisville. For now though, I'm ready for the Peach State and wherever this job takes me after training.