Pausing To Give Thanks

by Carole Jurenko Jones, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama), 2019-2021 NPC Chairman

Between the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions about racial injustice, natural disasters and struggling economy, it’s easy to get stressed out and have feelings of anxiety. And, as Thanksgiving approaches in the United States, the worry of how to celebrate this year or the disappointment that you may be spending the holiday away from family and friends due to travel restrictions or safety concerns, just adds to the stress we are already feeling about the year 2020.

However, as we pause to give thanks for our many blessings, we are also given the opportunity to take a deeper look and recognize all the things that we may take for granted in our day-to-day lives – the family we love, the friends we cherish and the blessings we have received.

During this season of Thanksgiving, I hope you will join me in reflecting on the things I am most grateful for as we continue to advance the sorority experience:

• All of us, collegians and alumnae, being open to change and adapting as we faced a pandemic (something none of us has ever experienced before).
• The flexibility and commitment our RFM specialists, College Panhellenic area advisors, other volunteers and staff showed as they took on the frontline role of working with campuses as recruitment contingencies were planned and implemented.
• The successes our College Panhellenics found as virtual or hybrid recruitments were safely implemented.
• Outstanding programming our College Panhellenic officers and chapter leaders successfully hosted virtually.
• Successful marketing campaigns on both the national and local levels promoting the value of the sorority experience regardless of how that experience is delivered.
• The fraternity/sorority advisors who have supported our members throughout probably the toughest academic term they have ever experienced.
• Our NPC partners who work to provide a meaningful and rewarding sorority experience for our members.
• The undying support we give each other as we continue to have difficult and meaningful conversations as we work together in creating a welcoming, inclusive Panhellenic community that our current and future members deserve.
• Learning to be more flexible, to focus on the positive, to slow down and to be a better listener.
• Our friends and families who support our fraternal efforts.

My thanks to each of you for your commitment to ensuring the values and ideals of sorority are preserved. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with abundance and love. May the good things in life be yours not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year.