Zeta Tau Alpha-University of Missouri St. Louis

As a third year member of the Theta Kappa chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, I look back over my experience in the chapter, and can't even put into words what going Greek has done for me. I decided to go through recruitment my first semester at UMSL, and what a great decision that was! Being in a sorority has not only enriched my college experience, but it has helped me become the person I am today.
 
When I decided to go through fall recruitment, the thing I desired most was sisterhood, and that is exactly what going Greek has given me. I know that at any time I have fifty sisters that will be there when I need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to pick me up, or someone to laugh with until my sides hurt. The women I have met over these past three years have not only inspired me to do my best, but have also become the best friends I could ever ask for.
 
Going through recruitment, one aspect of Zeta that really appealed to me was philanthropy. The national philanthropy of Zeta Tau Alpha is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, a cause that hits home with many members of our chapter, including myself. Our chapter is constantly hosting events to educate the community and raise awareness about this terrible disease. This year, the Theta Kappa chapter raised over $16,000 for our philanthropy at our second annual "Just Stand Up" Cheer Classic. This is a cheerleading competition for local high school cheerleading teams to compete against each other while helping us raise money for a cure! Even though we have only held two of these events, they have proven a huge success thus far, and we hope they only continue to grow in the future! We also host THINK PINK week on UMSL's campus every semester, collect pink Yoplait lids, and volunteer at St. Louis' Race For A Cure.
 
Zeta Tau Alpha has also offered me more leadership opportunities than I ever imagined. I was very active and involved in high school, and that is how I wanted to live out my college years as well. Coming into the chapter, I never dreamed of all the amazing opportunities Zeta would offer me. Right away, I was able to apply for my chapter's Executive Committee and Programming Committee, which allowed me to attend campus wide leadership development seminars, region wide officer training weekends, nation wide conventions, and many more! Being in ZTA has taught me how to better manage my time and be a more successful leader.
 
Between all of the sisterhood, leadership and philanthropy events, we squeeze in time to focus on our studies. After all, that is why we are all here in the first place. I am proud to say that Zeta Tau Alpha has the highest chapter GPA on UMSL's campus, and also has the highest individual GPA. This is an honor we have worked to uphold for the past 9 semesters, and strive to continue to uphold in the future.
 
I cannot imagine what my life would be like today if it weren't for Zeta Tau Alpha. The sisterhood, philanthropy, leadership, and academic aspects are all factors that have helped shape my college experience, and mold me into the person I have become. I cannot express how privileged I feel to be the President of this chapter of outstanding women. I am truly honored to say that I am a Zeta.
 
Sincerely,
Rachel Renna
President
Theta Kappa chapter - Zeta Tau Alpha