A Word From Madam President:

The idea of being in a sorority never came to me growing up. Many of my family members did not attend college and even those who did, none of them had an interest in Greek life. So why would I? You hear about sororities in movies and TV shows, but do we ever really know what they are? I had the basic idea coming into college of what a sorority may look like… But now, four years later and serving as President, Delta Zeta has given me opportunities and friendships that nothing else ever could and given me the experience of a lifetime.

I have always loved the idea of a sisterhood, although I realize now that I never truly never what it was before Delta Zeta. I thought I knew what it was in dance team or even in some of my jobs. I thought that I would be content coming to college, not looking for a large organization to join. I thought that even if I joined a sorority, I would never be someone who threw themselves into it. I thought, I thought, I thought. And yet, I find myself surrounded by the best people I have ever met, creating the best friendships anyone could dream of, finding opportunities from every direction for every different life path I have considered and most importantly, being apart of the most authentic, gracious, loving and empowering sisterhood.

I knew from the very beginning that Delta Zeta was going to be a home for me. The way that Delta Zeta’s carried themselves, their values and their passions left a mark on me on the very first day of recruitment my freshman year. Nothing changed when I joined, other than I got to now share these passions with people who had the same values as me. The dedication and love for our philanthropic causes is like no other, never hesitating to push boundaries and exceed expectations to be as gracious to Speech and Hearing as we can. The bonds and connections we have with not only our own Delta Zeta chapter, but other Delta Zeta chapters internationally. Our desire to be lifelong learners, to empower one another and those around us so much so that our presence is felt beyond our members, being a place and feeling of belonging, to inspire and impact each other’s lives, giving graciously to each other and our Greek community.

Something every human experiences is growth. In every sense of the word, I owe my growth to Delta Zeta. Challenging me every day the last four years to be the best version of myself. Pushing me out of my comfort zone. Congratulating me in my victories and uplifting me in my failures. Allowing me to blossom not only in my journey as a college student and sorority member, but also as a leader, a friend and most importantly, a sister. I have had both the worst days of my life and the best days of my life during my time in Delta Zeta and no matter which day it was, my sisters were there to be a shoulder to cry on or to make me laugh until I cried. Nearly everything I have become in my collegiate life can be attributed to Delta Zeta. I don’t have notable memories from my college experience that lack my Delta Zetas. I know that I wouldn’t have a home without my sorority sisters. Home is where the heart is… And mine is with Delta Zeta.

All the love that is ever steadfast,

Carlee Sparks