Daily Dose of Cheese

They said if you find a job you love you never work a day in your life. Since July 24th, I haven't worked.

OK, I really have been working and going not stop, but I have loved every minute.  

When in Rome...Georgia

After spending two weeks in Missouri, my visit to Shorter seemed well, short. (yes, I just laughed to myself a little at my unintentional pun--SINS) I hopped off the plane and the sweetes adviser ever Ms. Kathy picked me up from the Atlanta airport. Somehow or another we got on or off the wrong way on 85 to Rome and ended up by Georgia Tech’s campus.

 Recruitment was going on so of course we had to stop by the Phi Mu house to see what was going on. I really wanted to take a picture outside the house but there’s really no appropriate way to say to a Pi Chi “Hi! Do you care if I take a photo outside this house before y’all start the timers and 100 plus Phi Mu’s starting chanting their door song really really loud?” 

So instead we pulled into the parking lot at the athletic fields right across the street and creeped watched. Ms. Kathy’s daughter is a Phi Mu at Georgia Tech but was disaffiliated as a Pi Chi this year. We kept trying to spot her but no luck. Hard to tell a tall brunette in a sea of PNMs and Pi Chis.

Theta Zeta Chapter House at Georgia Tech-Lahump is inside somewhere I bet

Turns out, Phi Mu CC Lauren H. was probably in the house during all this and I’m just thankful we didn’t cause any commotion or she would have given me grief. Probably about as much as the time I attempted a U Turn in the Mini Van when we “left” Megan at HQ during training.

Anyway, after our little side adventure we made it to Rome and I headed straight to recruitment practice. Shorter University recently updated their name from Shorter College and they are updating the campus right along with it. 

Every campus seems to have a designated quad--except for my own.

Recruitment was during the school year so I had the mornings to catch up on reports and prepare for workshop at night while the women were hopefully sitting in class expanding their knowledge. I was so lucky to meet Christy Todd- a former CC, National Academic Excellence chair for Phi Mu and Membership Adviser for Nu. She was so great to have to perfect little things on the skit. In case you somehow were under the wrong impression let me clarify that my theater experience is limited to a pioneer women skit in the 4^th grade talent show that I would like to forget. I know the chapter was so thankful for Christy’s presence but I don’t she realizes how much I learned from her from just watching. It amazes me how inspiring someone can be in such a short time.

Yes, I asked for this photo. It's the second oldest CFA, it's practically a historical landmark.

Shorter’s campus does not have Greek housing so there are 3 rooms on campus that the 3 sororities alternate using for recruitment. The first round is a philanthropy/open house round where they do a craft to benefit the chapter’s philanthropy. Phi Mu’s craft was to color paper bags that included supplies like stickers and markers for a child at a CMN Hospital to decorate a door hanger! I have loved experiencing philanthropy night because it’s not something WKU does right now.

Philanthropy Night

Mary Young (National Membership Director) arrived right before those parties started and I once again, learned so so much from just watching and listening. I love to learn new ways to present conversation workshops. I have some new ideas for those next few chapters I’m visiting—watch out J We spent the next day scouring Michael’s and Walmart for anything pink, lion or ladybug to decorate the room for skit/sisterhood night. 

The chapter brought a ton of great stuff—but whoever said a room during recruitment looked too Phi Mu-y? That’s what I thought, it just can’t. The cashier at Michael’s probably thought we went a little overboard but that’s OK—she just wouldn’t understand.

Phi Mu’s skit night theme was “Phi Mu-Where all your dreams come true”. The scene was a college dorm room and the MD who is a theater major wrote a hilarious skit. Oh, skit night you have my heart. 3 skit parties seemed like a breeze after 12 at Chi. Craziness.

 A T-shirt Wall takes lots of coordination & planning- don't be fooled.

It was my duty as CC to taste test the Starbursts prior to the parties to make sure they were OK for PNMs to eat. They were sufficient.

I left before Preference and Bid Day but Mary Young let me know Nu made quota plus 2! I may get more excited than the chapter when they make quota. I still don’t know how I managed to take zero photos with the chapter at Nu.  I guess we were all just working so hard and making quota plus quota additions. I’ll take that over my silly little photos any day.

One more Red Towel photo? Oh, but of course!

The gates on the Quad stay closed all year except for Convocation and Graduation. The entire freshmen class walks through the gates while all the other students line the sidewalks to welcome them. The president of the university gives a speech as well. After graduation every May, the seniors walk out the other side of the gates in their caps & gowns to symbolize the closing of the gates of their collegiate years.

Rose & White, Really Grand.

I'm learning that there are people other than Mike & Paula reading this because y'all are getting antsy without updates. My apologies. I will try to move quickly because I've got two more visit to catch y'all up on, but just know I am loving these chapters and recruitment.

After spending two weeks at Chi (Mizzou) for recruitment and workshop my last visit to Shorter University seemed super short. Sweet Nu sisters, y'all are next!

First off, I absolutely LOVED Mizzou as a college campus. Good thing I didn't want to go out of state because

a) there campus is gorgeous

 b) another great journalism & broadcasting school

 c) cute little college town like Bowling Green only a smidge larger

 

I arrived in Columbia during work week and the entire visit they were so excited for recruitment and kept up wonderful attitudes. That can be hard for two full weeks but they were amazing! With over 1,600 women going through recruitment you better believe they had everything organized and scheduled down to the last detail.

Panhellenic hosts a mock recruitment where each sorority sends 55 of their members to a few of the other sororities on campus to act as Potential New Members (PNMs). The chapters get to run through their first night of recruitment including door songs and walk outs in real time and with women they don't know. This is such a great idea and it really made the women who had just joined Phi Mu last year feel more comfortable talking with people they didn't know and it's great for Panhellenic unity.

Mock Recruitment during Work Week

At Mizzou, the first 2 nights of recruitment are open house and we are given a Panhellenic t-shirt design that we can coordinate with whatever bottoms and shoes we would like. Let me just say, those  J. Crew hot pink shorts were a hit! They looked cute and we're comfortable with our floral print Sperry's! The J. Crew shorts were a popular choice among a couple other sororites too.

Before Open House Rounds--they got the bop down.

The next round of recruitment was Skit Night. Here's a little secret. This is always my favorite night. Chi's skit directors Jillian & Merrill Kaye did a wonderful job with this year's new theme of TV Guide. And our Sad Dog commercial was definately the best :)

Skit Night--Snaps to Megan for always making amazing banners!

Quickest outfit coordination ever, right girls?

Skit Dancers

House Tour Day was something new for me. But I loved that they could showcase off nearly every room in the house, the renovated study lounge and bathrooms. After each PNM saw the house they came down to watch a video about Phi Mu's national philanthropy - Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. We received a lot of feedback that it was their favorite, so of course that made me extremely proud of them.

The final night of recruitment was preference. This is such a special night because it's a lot more subdued and serious than the other nights of recruitment. It's a time for the collegians to reflect on how Phi Mu has shaped their life, how they had a more fulfilling college experience because of Phi Mu and how they know in the future Phi Mu will always be there. I loved how Chi did preference and the Love, Honor, Truth testimonies. Those three seniors put a lot of hard work into their speeches and it was so worth it.

With the amazing President, Abigail on Preference Day

My exact words were along the lines of: "I took a picture with weird people at my last visit." Thanks for passing by on your bikes pimped out with 80s esque stereos.

Then comes the day that we work to all week-- BID DAY.  How it works at Mizzou is that they will get a call from their Pi Chi on Sunday morning letting them know whether or not they recieved a Bid. If so they will meet at the Columns at a designated time with the rest of the PNMs. While they nervously wait to see who their new sisters are, the chapters are decorating their houses for Bid Day with various themes. I wish I would have taken photos of the other houses but two of my favorite themes were-

• Alpha Delta Pi "ADPi is back with some brand new additions"--They had really cute long black tanks with big block lettering. Super cute.
• Alpha Chi Omega "Pretty Little Lyres"--Based off the hit ABC Family show and their sorority's mascot--the lyre.

Phi Mu's theme was a tropical theme of "Phi Mu in Paradise". Perfect after a long week of recruitment and the decorations were wonderful. Of course I joined a group of Phi Mus and their Bid Day Buddies to go see The Help, written by Alpha Zeta alumna Kathryn Stockett. LOVED the movie almost as much as the book which usually isn't the case. Go see it right now. GO.

Seniors and Executive Board waiting for the Phis at the Quad

Chi Chapter on Bid Day with their 83 Phis!

CC Cindy's sister and me after she pledged Phi Mu. So excited to share this day with her!

I am so thankful for how well Chi treated me for two whole weeks at 503 Kentucky Blvd. They worked extremely hard and had the best attitudes. They made sure I always had diet coke and thanks to VP Katie I now have a supply of straws to travel with :) They met quota, plus they received a quota addition! Keep up the great work and I know you all will do AMAZING at your Centennial Homecoming in a couple months.

And here's the Red Towel picture for the visit. Thanks to Erin for continuously backing up to get all 6 columns in there. It was the least she could do after she creeped on my Facebook and figured out my middle name was Erin. Just kidding sweet girl! You have to look really close but I know you can find me.

I am still at Fresno State right now, finishing up last minute preparations for Preference Day. Then Bid Day is tomorrow at 5 so I think the Membership Director is taking me on a campus tour (you know how  I love those!) and I get to expereince In N Out Burger for the first time.

Missing the southern life a little because this girl just isn't one to say dude, sick or hella.

Let's be real.

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.