how to fight against oppression, strengthening our capacities to hold space for all of the identities and cultures that are part of our chapter, and show compassion and love for those that need it most.
When I received awards for outstanding campus leadership, deans list, awards of appreciation- I always had a sister there to help me celebrate. When I got diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, a time I was most down, I had my sisters (from across the nation) at my side offering me support and fundraising for me. I had sisters from different chapters giving me encouragement, love, and rides to the radiation facility when my family was unable to help me out. After years of wearing my many hats, helping sisters when they needed it, and being kind, my karma came back strong.
My message to you is to never give up on your journey with KDChi. I remember a sister and I were in the library feeling defeated and complaining about the process and mentioned "this isn't going to get me into grad school, what's the point." Flash forward 2 years later, and KDChi was one of the biggest factors into why I got into grad school and my job as an FSL advisor. It hasn't been an easy road but I have been privileged enough to know I could stand up for myself. I use my privilege and stand up for those who are also in need of feeling like they matter and belong in our sisterhood.
KDChi will always be a part of my life I am most proud of. As the incoming District 3 Chair, I hope to share my experiences with the chapters and inspire sisters to adapt to the changes and never give up on why they joined KDChi in the first place. Leading with integrity, united through service is easy to role off the tongue but tough to actually live it. I'm proud to say that this slogan has become a part of my life through trial and error. No relationship is easy, but my relationship with KDChi has had all the ups and all the downs and I will always rep it with all the pride and all the honor.
By Jessica Sierra
KDChi has to be the group that I am most proud of. Having started and been part of the Alpha Phi chapter is one of the greatest honors of my young life. Let me tell you why.
As a first generation college student and commuter, I felt alone on my campus. I didn't know anyone, no one looked like me or talked like me in my classes and I wanted out. Lucky me, my now best friend told me about Ladies in Pink, the group that would go on to be the Alpha Phi chapter of Kappa Delta Chi. I met the women and was immediately driven to be around like minded people who wanted to succeed academically, and be leaders in my community. When I was asked if I wanted to help charter KDChi on to California State University - Monterrey Bay (CSUMB my response was "I'm down". Little did I know back then that this would be one of the best decisions I'd make in my undergraduate career and help me in making the choice to stay at the university.
KDChi has given me everything I needed. I was given a safe space to be who I was, without judgment, a space to receive feedback- both good and bad, to grow professionally, and most importantly develop strong friendships. These friendships are what I value most and have helped me get through all of my life's struggles and successes. This organization has given me the ability to learn the true meaning of leadership and opportunities to use my voice in various campus committees, groups, and national conversations.
The power of being vulnerable with a group of women whom you've just met is the biggest opportunity to show who you are to people who will help you be your best self. My sisters taught me to speak my truth and stand up for what I believe in and challenged me when I had more to learn. Together we learned (and) are still learning)
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