Sister Spotlight: Kaitlin Laxer

Hi everyone! Today our post is written by senior Kaitlin Laxer, who is not only a valued sister but also our chapter president! 

Kaitlin is a French major with a Chemistry minor, and has previously served as the Academic Chair for our chapter. She is active in the french club, an organization called Operation Smile in which she served as the Community Service chair in its founding year, and is additionally a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. 

Her post today is about her current summer internship, working at Laxer, Long, and Savage Dental and Orthodontic practice. Kaitlin hopes to attend dental school after graduating from the University of South Carolina to pursue her dream! 

Kaitlin consistently leads our chapter with grace and responsibility. Thank you Kaitlin for everything you do! Being chapter President is a very time consuming and hardworking role, and we are so lucky to have such a committed and especially loved president. 

I have always looked up to my mom as my mentor and admired her work as a pediatric dentist. A few summers ago, when I was deciding what I wanted to do as my future career, I started shadowing and working for my mom at her joint dental/orthodontic practice, Laxer Long & Savage (“LL&S”). I instantly fell in love with the pediatric patients, the practice, and dentistry as a whole, and I knew it was where I wanted to take my future.

I began my internship working in sterilization where I would sort through instruments, clean them, and set up clean kits for operative procedures. It was a very methodical process- something that a creature of habit like me loved! I soon moved into the clinic where I started working with patients alongside my mom. Here I learned to operate the dental computer software which enabled me to schedule new patient appointments, submit notes, read through insurance plans, do checkouts, bring patients back, write up treatment plans for any operative work needed, and discuss matters with parents. I really enjoyed working in the clinic because I was hands on with the patients, and there was always an opportunity for me to learn something new. The bustling of a pediatric dental office is always exciting!

Finally, my mom taught me how to assist during operative procedures in the clinic. She would explain various procedures to me, like extractions, fillings, root canals, and so on, as she was doing them, and I was able to assist her as needed. This was just the exposure that I needed to solidify my decision in pursuing dentistry. Additional volunteer opportunities that I was fortunate enough to partake in only further reassured me in my lifelong goal.

I couldn’t think of a better place to spend my summers than LL&S. I always knew growing up that whatever path I chose, it would involve kids and something medical, and I am incredibly lucky to have found something that incorporates both in one amazing practice. I am also grateful to have such a wonderful mentor in my mother who is open to teaching me new things every single day and is constantly encouraging me in my decision. I think it’s important that everyone finds that one someone who inspires and challenges us to pursue our dreams and goals, and I am lucky that I had to look no further than my own mother. Working with her has been an inspiration, and I love that I am able to pursue my passion and learn from the best woman I know in the business. I am very much looking forward to (hopefully!) going to dental school during the next few years and coming back to work with my mom for years to come!

Sister Spotlight: Rachelle Ciulla

My name is Rachelle Ciulla and I am a member of the Fall 2011 pledge class of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Tri Delta. Although Tri Delta is one of the biggest aspects of my college life, I’m also very devoted to my co-ed acapella group, Cockappella. This year we had lots of exciting progress within the group. We took on some talented new members, finished the recording of our first album to be released sometime this upcoming fall, and competed in the ICCA Quarterfinals for the very first time.   

Rachelle pictured with some other members of Cockapella

Something that wasn’t so new was the annual spring concert that Cockappella puts on at the end of every year…except this time there were a few unexpected occurrences for better or for worse. The concert was booked as usual, for a lecture hall in Gambrell. The fabulous Cocktails, the all female acappella group on campus, were booked to open. We members dared to feel more prepared than usual for our final concert of the year. Upon arrival at Gambrell, I spotted a few of my sisters, already waiting in the lobby. I walk into the lecture hall and it was not at all what we expected- desks crowding the already too small room. We were in a panic. It became a rush to find a new room for our concert that could fit our growing crowd, with many of my Tri Delta sisters included. When we finally found an available room, it began to fill and we tried to calm our nerves. The Cocktails went on, featuring two of Tri Delta’s own, (Name Removed for Pi Chi) and Hope Ironmonger. They were phenomenal as usual, and it was nice to be able to watch two of my sisters doing something that they are both so talented in, and something that we share.

Rachelle performing in Cockapella's Spring Concert

Cockappella then took the stage, and when I got a chance to look at the crowd I was shocked to see the whole back section of the auditorium taken up almost entirely by my sisters! The show continued, and we had a great time. It felt more than amazing to know that I had so many of my sisters in the audience supporting me. Going through the line-up, when it was my turn to introduce myself I received thunderous applause from my Tri Delta’s. All of the members of Cockappella took notice, and once again were impressed by the turnout of my sisters for a Cockappella event. At a previous percent night, there were tons of my sisters who showed up to help Cockappella raise money to support our growing expenses. 

It is times like these that make me so proud to be a sister of Tri Delta. All week long I had sisters telling me what a great job we had done. It meant the world to me to have my sisters there at a stressful time showing their support, and for them to be a part of another portion of my college life that means so much. To me, that is what sisterhood is all about, and I am proud to have sisters who are loving and supportive. 

Thank you Rachelle for writing today's post! We are proud to support you and to call you a sister. Thanks as always for reading, Delta Love!

Sister Spotlight: Abby and Casi Grady

Today's post is written by Senior Abby Grady, on behalf of her and her sister Casi. Abby and Casi are not only sisters in Alpha Lambda but also biological sisters. Casi, who graduated from USC last May recently received some exciting news. Read on to find out more, congratulations Casi from all of Alpha Lambda! We love you!

Hey Everyone! I am so excited to share with you an exciting thing that has been happening the past few weeks. Last weekend I had the opportunity to drive with my sister and Alpha Lambda alumna, Casi, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Casi was one of the twelve percent of applicants accepted as a corps member for the Teach for America program. While there, we explored her new city, and even got to visit our sisters at the tridelt house at Louisiana State University.

Baton Rouge Sunset!

LSU Tridelt house

With an exercise science degree Casi had no initial intentions of becoming a teacher. Her love for children started as a gymnastics coach in high school and grew even deeper with her passion for St. Jude when she became a TriDelta. This August she will become an elementary school teacher where I know she will be an amazing role model as well as positive influence in her student’s lives. 

Through this whole experience so far the best part for me has been watching Casi and her TriDelta sisters truly live out their perpetual bond of friendship. Although they all live in different parts of the country, they are constantly planning their next get together even if that means flying across the country to do so. 

As biological sisters I didn’t think it was possible for us to become closer but becoming TriDelta sisters has given us so many memories and friendships I know we will cherish forever. I am so thankful to have been able to share two years here at USC with her but I cannot wait to see what the next two years in Baton Rouge have in store for her.
I could not be more proud to call Casi my sister, and I am even luckier to be able to call her my TriDelta sister.

If you are interested in learning more about the amazing Teach for America program please visit their website http://www.teachforamerica.org/.

Zoe Gore Perrin Scholarship Recipient

Every year, our national office awards seven women with a prestigious scholarship, entitled the Zoe Gore Perrin Scholarship, out of the almost 14,000 collegiate members of Delta Delta Delta. This year, we are extremely excited to say that one of our women here at the Alpha Lambda chapter has been chosen! Congratulations to Lili Kinman! You are such a valued member of this chapter, and deserve this honor without a doubt. We're so proud of you Lili!

This scholarship, which goes directly towards the student's tuition, was created in honor of a sister Zoe Gore Perrin. During World War II, Tri Deltas focused their support towards the relief of multiple countries, and established the General War Service in addition to their international work. After the war was over, Delta Delta Delta renamed it's philanthropy mission as "Tri Delta Service Projects", with which Zoe was extremely involved and dedicated. This award is named after her and given to women in the sisterhood whom embody the value of self-sacrifice, and going above and beyond to serve their own community and sisterhood. 

Lili, a sister who certainly lives out these qualities every day, is a rising junior majoring in PR and has consistently contributed so much to our chapter. She additionally studies Vocal Performance in the South Carolina School of Music. She previously served as our Song and Ritual Chair, and is currently the Alpha Lambda Chaplain. When asked about her experience as Chaplain Lili responded, 

"I try my best to engage the chapter's Christians and non-Christians in loving, accountable and supportive conversation. In a weekly small-group gathering, I lead sisters in a topic study, specific to Christian women, on gaining confidence to shine their light throughout Greek Village, which comes from the love and grace that Jesus Christ has given us through his sacrifice. As Chaplain I've mostly enjoyed getting to know numerous girls whom I wouldn't have if I wasn't in this position. It has placed me in a vulnerable state laying my life out on the table so that all of the sisters feel comfortable approaching me with anything. I've learned so much about many of the sisters' families, faith backgrounds, childhoods, boyfriends, etc., and I feel so blessed to be so trusted and loved. My main priority for serving the chapter in this position has been to create a grace-filled, loving, and welcoming environment everywhere I go, rather than restricting that lifestyle to just our weekly meetings. Meeting with girls at coffee shops or farmer's markets, and simply catching up on life and just listening to all of the great things they are involved with brings me so much joy and appreciation for the individual members we have in our Alpha Lambda chapter."

In addition to all that Lili does in our own home, she consistenly represents us well outside of Tridelta, with all of her involvement in many activities on campus and beyond. Lili is a member of the university chorus, works in the office of the provost, is on the Greek Impact Leadership Team, as well as will serve as a University 101 Peer Leader this upcoming fall. Below Lili is pictured with sisters as they represent Tri Delta in an outdoor philanthropy event for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. 

Lili additionally heads up the PR for the opera program at USC and shines outside of campus activities too with her involvement in the choir at Baptist Church, and her membership at Midtown Church of Columbia. (We would also like to congratulate Lili on her upcoming baptism in November!) Below Lili is pictured on bid day with sisters and our previous Chaplain. 

"I am nothing but grateful for recieving this Tri Delta scholarship. My membership in this sorority has truly paved an unforgettable college experience thus far and I owe everything to this organization and the sisters I have met. I feel so blessed to represent our Alpha Lambda chapter by accepting this award, but I truly hope that rather than shining a light on me, it encourages other sisters to put forth their efforts to serving the community in any way they can because self-sacrificing love is always returned!" 

Clearly, we also owe much to Lili. Thank you for all that you give every day. No one is more deserving of this honor! 

Top fundraising chapter at USC!

Here at the Alpha Lambda chapter today we received some very exciting news. Delta Delta Delta has been named the top philanthropic fundraising sorority this semester at the University of South Carolina! 

This means that we raised more money than any other chapter at the University, a grand total of $78,842 JUST from one semester, all going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! We are so proud to be a part of the USC greek community, one that focuses so much of their energy to giving back to philanthropic organizations. Thank you to everyone who supported us this semester! Tri Delta nationally has made it our goal to raise fifteen million dollars in five years for St. Jude, and we are well on our way. Congratulations ladies!

Ray Greenly Scholarship Recipient

Today we would all like to congratulate our sister Laura Grove for being this year's recipient of the Ray Greenly scholarship! This scholarship, given to a student at the University of South Carolina, is a great honor as its recipients are chosen by our very own faculty and staff here at USC.We are so proud of you! Read on below to learn more about Laura and how she started her very own business as a college student. 

Hey everyone! My name is Laura Grove and I started my own jewelry and accessories company as a freshman at USC. From the moment I joined Tri Delta, I was beyond excited to wear my letters everywhere I went. A few weeks later, I went to AmericasMart, a huge wholesaling company in my hometown of Atlanta, since my mom had special passes for us to go (typically only retail buyers may enter). I noticed that there were so many items to be monogrammed, as well as cute jewelry and accessories. I started buying items for wholesale price and selling them to my sisters in order to help pay for my sorority dues and various other college related expenses. I then started having trunk shows at Tri Delt to promote my new company, Laura Grove Design. I contacted the USC IT center to create a website and also made my own business cards. I later got an official buyers license for AmericasMart and also got a license to sell Greek products. Through the creation of this business, I learned that hard work and determination can lead to great success regardless of your age or financial position! I also learned the importance of creating a career in something that you love, even if it involves some creativity to get there. 

I could not have started this business without the help of my Tri Delt sorority sisters, and was even welcomed by juniors and seniors when I presented my company to them as a freshman, showing how supportive Tri Delta has been for me. I feel honored knowing that my 3 years of hard work for my business has been noticed through the acceptance of this scholarship, and hope to have continued success in the future.

Check out this video of Laura from the University of South Carolina website being interviewed about her company! 

Interested in Laura Grove Designs? Visit lauragrovedesign.com to see her products or her facebook page at facebook.com/LauraGroveDesign.