This week's Why Alpha Chi spotlight features Ali Patel, a Fall 2004 initiate of the Theta Tau chapter.
I chose Alpha Chi Omega because that is where I felt home away from home. I immediately bonded with my soon to be Big Sister and also met others who are still my best friends. The sorority became a place where you could be yourself and grow into the person you wanted to be.
Meghan McGrady was my roommate when she joined Alpha Chi Omega in the Fall of 2005. She was a special sister and being a part of Alpha Chi Omega allowed her to shine. She took joy in being the sorority’s historian and became a mentor to three younger sisters. Meghan had her quirks (she loved vampires before Twlight became popular), but she had a great heart and loved every minute of being an Alpha Chi. Her sudden illness came as a shock, and her death brought many of us together to celebrate just how devoted to Alpha Chi Omega she was. She is missed every single day, but her memory lives on at every Tealing Rutgers event.
In the years since graduating, Alpha Chi Omega still holds a special place in my heart. As an advisor to Theta Tau, I had the opportunity to attend leadership trainings as well as attend the National Convention in 2012 in St. Louis. Through these meetings I had the opportunity to bond with Alpha Chi’s from across the country who share my same values of service, friendship, and leadership. I believe in Alpha Chi Omega’s message of being Real. Strong. Women. And I am proud to be one of them!
