El Girasol ~ Summer 2013 Edition

Volume XIII Issue V Summer 2013

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

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Table of Contents In Every Issue Letter from the Editor

Meet the Contributors

3 4

Letter from the AA President

6

Staying Connected to AA

7

Beta Cookin’: Salads and Smoothies

20

Sunshine Corner

35

Beta Mommies Updates

36

Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

36

Author Unknown

Beta Brides

Beta Celebrations

37

Sorority Highlights Welcome Neophytes

9

Instagram Photo Challenge

10

Region IV Highlight

16

NALFO Crystal Gala

22

OPBS’s Project Ujima Betas In Higher Education Alpha Gamma Raises $1,000 For VDay

24 28 34

Feature Articles And Then There Were Two Creative Flow Looking for a 9.3 Writing: My (Not-So) Secret Obsession Dissertation Excerpt: Proving Them Wrong

12 18 19 26 30

Beta Resources Summertime Fun in New York City Important Anti-Violence Resources Beta Yellow Pages Chapters and Colonies

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Contact us!

We love to hear your feedback, tell us your thoughts, comments, concerns, kudos, shoutouts or submit an article!

Email

OPBSI.El.Girasol@Gmail.com

14 40 41 42

SubScribe to El Girasol

http://issuu.com/OPBSI_ElGirasol

Letter from the Editor During the summer people tend to be more willing to try new things and tap into their creative side—perhaps it’s the free time or maybe it’s the weather-regardless of why, we’d like to you take this summer to be creative.

Whether its writing, visiting a new place, learning a new dance or going to the movies—think creatively!

Selina Hernandez Alpha Beta, Fall 1999 Alpha Beta Chapter President

The summer is filled with free things to do in and outside of NY. Check your local city or state’s chamber of commerce website and see what you can do this summer to live creatively. Have you had a picnic dinner yet? Gone wine tasting? How about sailing? Do you want to try a new style in your home but feel it’s filled with clutter? Box up stuff you haven’t used lately, give back and donate to a local charity so you can feel good about giving and then transform your living space in a new way! Instead of talking about all the things you want to do this summer get up and do it! You only have about two months, make it count!

Tip: Don’t let money be a factor this summer or when “staycationing”. Visit sites like Goldstar Events that offer 50% discounts to events in multiple cities.

It’s free to join: https://www.goldstar.com/

Selina Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 3

Summer 2013

Editor in Chief Selina Hernandez

Copy Editor Marielys Garcia

Managing Editor Amanda Crane

Design Editor Desiree Henry

Meet Some of our Contributing Writers...

Cher treacy

Yvette Lopez-Colgan

Sherlene Ayala

Delta Chapter, Spring 1992

Theta Chapter, Spring 1998

Sigma Chapter, Fall 2001

Education BA, Binghamton University MA, Columbia University

Education BA, Political Science/English, Stony Brook University JD, Cornell Law School

Education BA, Journalism, SUNY Plattsburgh MS, Counselor Education & Student Affairs, SUNY Plattsburgh

Notable Accomplishments Mother of two with a bonus child Passing the NY Bar Exam

Degree In Progree PhD, Montclair State University

Current Occupation Teacher and Coach Blind Brook, Rye UFSD Volunteer Activities Think Pink month coordinator, BBHS Favorite Show The Following Notable Accomplishments One of 20 Most Influential Betas Dean, Rutgers Chartering Line (Spring 2002), Alpha Beta Chatering Line (Summer 1994) and Delta Chapter (Spring 1994)

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Currently Reading Lots of Parenting Magazines The Strangler Biggest Risk Quitting my job and deciding to stay home full time with the kids Fun Fact I have been swimming with sharks and white water rafted down the Nile River

Notable Accomplishments 2012, Hilton/College Board Student Scholar for the NCORE Scholarship 2003, OPBSI Sister of the Year 2002-2006, Soul Steppin Diva Currently Reading The Majority in the Minority: Expanding the Impact of Latino/a faculty, administrators and students in Higher Education Favorite Movie Clue

Want to CONTRIBUTE TO El Girasol?

El Girasol staff is always looking for Writers and Designers.

Email us at OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com to find out how you can become a part of the Girsol team!

Giovanna Acosta

~ Melissa Pena

Delta Chapter, Fall 2005

Theta Chapter, Spring 2009

Education MA, Industrial/Organizational Psycologoy, Binghamton University

Education BA, Psychology/Sociology, Stony Brook University

Current Occupation Case Management Associate Metroplus Healthplan

Current Occupation AmeriCorps/HealthCorps Volunteer Birth Doula

Volunteer Activities Mentor for YEAR UP

Currently Reading “And the Mountains Echoed”

by Khaled Hosseini

Notable Accomplishments One of my writing pieces was recently published in Yahoo!

Best Advice she ever received “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Currently Reading Freakonomics

What Makes You Feel Empowered?

A New Day

Best Advice Always keep learning

Favorite Movie The Shawshank Redemption and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Alumnae Association Mission Statement: Omega Phi Beta’s Alumnae Association serves as the representing body of all non-affiliated alumnae of the sorority. Our mission is to engage our alumnae in the mission, vision, and goals of the sorority, create a sense of community, and support our alumnae in all areas of their lives.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a NALFO organization member, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Seventeen women of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered by women, particularly women of color, in the academic, professional and political arenas.

The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors.

For further information visit: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org

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Letter from the Alumnae Association

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

After years of studying, paper writing, internships, and exam taking you’ve finally reached the moment you had been working towardsreceiving your degree. For those who have already found a job, or will be in a post-graduate program, I hope that it is the beginning of a successful career; for those who are still searching, do not get discouraged and keep persevering, your network will prove to be invaluable in this process.

Graduating was the first, of many, goals you have set for yourself and I wish you nothing but continued success as you work towards realizing the other goals you have made, and will make in the future.

Amanda Crane Iota, Spring 2000 Alumnae Association President

Although I’m sure you’re being inundated with advice from others, here are the golden nuggets I have learned thus far (and applies to anyone, not just recent graduates): The saying “Your network determines your net worth” really is true- most opportunities you will find will come from your network. Just remember a network is also about what you can give back to others as well!

It’s ok if you do not know what you want to do with your life right now, just keep trying until you find that career that exhilarates you and makes you feel like you’re not really working. (So far I’ve explored three different careers!)

Whenever you can- travel! There are plenty of deals out there so you should be able to find an affordable option, both domestic and international. These experiences will not only be fun, but will give you a different perspective.

I’ve found myself keeping up with major events in the areas that I have traveled to which has also helped me professionally and when networking.

Always prepare yourself for the next level position. This means dressing for the job you want (not what you have), volunteering when possible (both at work and outside), and never second guessing yourself! If you lowball yourself and only go for what you think you can do, you will NEVER push yourself to the limits and achieve even greater things.

Find balance between your personal, professional, and spiritual life (if applicable). Whenever your time is heavily skewed towards one aspect of your life, the others will suffer and impact your well being. It’s hard to do but force yourself to find time to do something just for you.

Summertime is here so carpe diem and enjoy everything this season, and all the others, have to offer so that you can live the full and meaningful life you were meant to live. Soleil.

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Amanda

Staying Connected

to

AA

Once you become an alumna, you are removed from your chapter’s alias and only receive OPBSI emails if you elect to sign up for any of the following communication tools.

Do you Tweet?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

Share Photos on Instagram?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

AA Newsletter AA collects the emails of alumnae and adds it to their distribution list.

Get LinkedIn with OPBSI! Job postings, virtual networking, and professional development opportunities. Join the Omega Phi Beta LinkedIn Group today!

This is a closed group for sorors only.

Monthly Buzz Stay connected with OPBSI National updates via the Monthly Buzz.

Sorors at 24th National Convention March 2013 From Left to Right: Carolina Ramirez (Theta) Cindy Lopez (Alpha Beta, Chapter Image Award Recipient) Rebecca Roberts (Alpha, Sister of the Year Recipient) Linda Merenguelli (Kappa/BOT)

Beta Hummer The Beta Hummer is a biweekly events newsletter that is published electronically on the 15th and 30th of each month.

It’s main purpose is to keep the sisterhood informed of National and Local Events. The publication will also include links to our LinkedIn group for job postings and any announcements sent by individual sisters such as apartment hunt inquiries.

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Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.

Photo by Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

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Tom Peters

Welcome Neophytes

We want to warmly welcome all of our new Sunflowers Crossed into our Radiant organization during Spring 2013

Alpha Chapter Karen Guzman Mery Del Rosario Leslie Alvarez Kelia Vargas

Eta Chapter Jasmine Phan Denisse Garcia

Mu Chapter

Stephanie Hernandez

Xi Chapter

Mariely Guzman Hayley Estrella Lissette Velasquez Gabrielle Sarda Jaime Lee Polanco Emmalis Torres Anell Colon

Omicron Chapter Maria “Angie� Diaz Jaime Bergstrom Angie Chavarria Sarah Scriven

Phi Chapter

Betasaida Dimas

Psi Chapter

Lindsey Gay Asucena Lopez Krizza Jimenez Nikuary Roman

Sigma Chapter Rosangelli Ramirez Nicole Navoa Thalia Brito Yarelis Leonardo

Tau Chapter

Stephanie Rodriguez Adrian Hatche

Upsilon Chapter Susan Rivera

that

Beta Lambda Chapter Laida Alvarez

Beta Nu Chapter Ashley Olivo Rosario De La Garza Noeli Sanchez

Alpha Beta Chapter Lisa Guitierrez Valerie Polonco

Alpha Gamma Chapter Juanita Islas Angela Esquival

Colony at Rhode Island College Carolina Rosario

Beta Delta Chapter Mayra Pesantez Kellyanne Perez Melanie Londono Samara Delgado Alhaedge Perez

Beta Eta Chapter Jamila Montalvo Diandra Booth

Colony at Columbia University Mariany Polanco Stephanie Rodriguez

Colony at Purdue University Nathaly Samper Devin Rosado Sherryl Miller

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I n s tagram #OPBSI P ho to C h a l lenge This past Founder’s Day Beta Alpha Chapter asked sisters to participate in an OPBSI Founders Day Countdown Photo Challenge. There were over 1,200 photos shared! Check out some of the photos that were posted...

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Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 11

...And then there were two!

(Adjusting to life as a mom of a second child… or third)

By: Yvette Lopez Colgan, Theta, Spring 1998

When I met my husband I had no idea the amount of baggage he came with. On our first date he dropped the bomb and told me not only did he have two cats (I am a dog person), he was a single dad of a four-year-old daughter. I thought it was a deal breaker, but much to my surprise, they both won me over and 3 years later we were married. I was immediately thrust into marriage AND motherhood in one fell swoop! It wasn’t easy but I embraced it.

Since my husband and I never had the chance to be alone as a married couple we secretly discussed not having any children of our own, so later in life, when we were still relatively young, we could travel and be free! Well, before our 1st anniversary I found out I was pregnant and I can honestly say we were surprised but we grew to love that little peanut inside of me.

When my first daughter, Sienna, was born, I experienced the worst pain of my life. The entire labor happened in less than 3 hours, which was great but that meant I didn’t have time for the epidural I had so hoped for and I felt every last thing! Needless to say, after that experience, I was positive that I would never have another child…EVER! My husband’s sad eyes silently pleaded for a son (tear), but I was adamant. Despite

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the unexpected way she came into our lives and the excruciatingly painful delivery, Sienna was a joy.

I was blessed to be able to quit my job after maternity leave and stay home full-time.

Sienna slept through the night in her own crib by 2 months, she was speaking by 4 months, and was potty trained by 20 months!

She seemed to have this being a baby thing handled, completely.

I was shocked by how fast she learned and how independent and confident she was.

Her stepsister was her idol but alas they are almost 10 years apart so it was like she was an only

child. Sienna often asked me for someone to play with and begged for a little sister. My husband and I often debated the issue and I knew I secretly wanted to give Sienna the gift of a sibling but my husband argued it was a bad time financially.

You think we would have learned our lesson the first time (and my husband the first and second time) but it seems we were both asleep during sex ed Class because despite our best efforts (well not really mine :wink wink::) we got pregnant again right before Sienna’s 3rd birthday. I was overjoyed but I carried the

secret around for 2 weeks before telling my husband because I was afraid he would run for the hills.

Much to my surprise, he was so excited. It seems we both didn’t know what we really wanted until we got it. We were convinced it would be another little girl. My family is almost entirely women and my husband assumed he was being “punished” with all girls for his “mischievous” youth! Alas at our 20 week sonogram, there it was…A PENIS! We were shocked!

We were not prepared for a boy. Where would we put him in our three bedroom house? My husband immediately signed up for the gym, he was determined to get into shape for his son! Then on October 10, 2012, not so little Jaxton, “Jax” (8lbs. 4 oz. and 22 in.) came into our family even more quickly than his sister did (1 hour and 15 min.). In my mind I figured having a second child would be a breeze. It’s like riding a bike, right? I already knew how to do everything so how hard could it be? Boy was I in for a shocker. Not only had I forgotten everything in those three and a half years, now everyone expected me to know what I was doing.

The nurses, the doctors, my mom all assumed I knew how to change A BOY, bathe A BOY, feed A BOY and I didn’t. They glossed over instructions and threw this little baby boy at me! I was wide-eyed and scared…what do I do? Unlike the first time when I was ignorant of the challenges, this time I was worried about EVERYTHING! Is he colic, will his circumcised pee pee

get infected, how do I even clean that, will he be autistic? So many worries and then I brought him home. I envisioned my darling three-year-old cuddling with my little one, acting like a tiny mother, helping me and protecting her brother. What a delusion! Instead my sweet little girl seemed like a hyperactive ogre who was all arms and legs and elbows. Compared to the new baby, she seemed huge and heavy all of a sudden. She did want to help but her help always hurt the baby and she seemed to think she knew more than me (which she probably did).

Of course there was also the matter of her wanting a baby sister; Jax was not what she ordered. This was not the calm, peaceful love fest I had envisioned. Of course life continued as usual so at only 1 week old I was dragging my little guy to and from school, to Spanish class, to dance class and soccer, play rehearsal and softball games and all he did was sleep. With Sienna we were safely at home for over a month, establishing sleep schedules and feeding schedules and bedtime routines but with Jaxton he was out and about right away and there were NO schedules. He napped in his car seat, nursed anywhere and woke up every two hours all night long.

I was a sleep deprived hot mess.

He was so different from Sienna.

Sienna didn’t have so much as a runny nose for nine months, Jax was sick by 7 weeks because of his germy big sister hanging all over him and didn’t get better until he was 5 months it seemed.

They just kept passing it back and forth. Jax had to share a room with Sienna, so needless to say he is still not sleep trained and has no bedtime routine. I feel like I’m constantly juggling all of the kids’ needs and let’s not forget there is also a teenager in the house which counts for two kids!

When I tell people I have a 13 year-old their first reaction is “oh, you have a built- in babysitter”…I wish! My stepdaughter is very busy with her own life and I still need to shuttle her around to all her activities. She doesn’t cook or clean and let’s not mention the hormonal mood swings and attitude…she does help but I do not have a live in nanny nor would I want her to be that.

I was the one who chose to have children, not her. Having a second little child was a huge adjustment.

Each kid brings their own personality and needs into the family, so it really is like starting all over again. They are learning patience and sharing and conflict resolution very early in life. Hopefully, these lessons from their siblings will bring them success in the real world. Until then, being a mom is the hardest job I have ever had, and being a mom of two (really three) is even harder, but it sure does reap the sweetest rewards.

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S u m m ert i me F un

in

N ew Y ork C i ty

This summer don’t miss out on some of New York’s best traditions...free outdoor movie screenings!

Have a glimpse at the summer schedule below and enjoy a movie under the stars almost any night of the week. Unless otherwise noted, all take place outside and start at sundown, typically around 8:30pm. So grab a blanket, bring some snacks and enjoy cinema in the open air (and check back frequently for updates).

HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival July 15: Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte July 22: The African Queen July 29: A Foreign Affair August 5: Norma Rae August 12: The Women August 19: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Coney Island Flicks on the Beach July 15: The Hunger Games July 22: Wreck it Ralph July 29: Men in Black III August 5: The Avengers August 12: Fame Rooftop Films at Bronx Terminal Market July 16: Despicable Me July 23: Wreck-It Ralph July 30: The Goonies

Photo by Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

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Hudson River Park’s RiverFlicks for Grown-ups at Pier 63 July 17: Looper July 24: Argo July 31: Moonrise Kingdom August 7: The Avengers August 14: Pitch Perfect August 21: The Hunger Games Syfy Movies with a View at Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park July 18: Enter the Dragon July 25: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory August 1: 8 Mile August 8: Roman Holiday August 15: Rocky August 22: Vertigo August 29: Audience Pick

Intrepid Summer Movie Series June 21: National Treasure June 28: Jaws July 26: Star Trek: The Motion Picture August 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone August 15: Top Gun August 23: The Karate Kid (1984) Hudson River Park’s RiverFlicks for Kids at Pier 46 July 12: The Pirates! Band of Misfits July 19: ParaNorman July 26: Who Framed Roger Rabbit August 2: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted August 9: Rise of the Guardians August 16: Beetlejuice August 23: The Adventures of Tintin For a full listing and updates, check out: www.nycgo.com

Here are some links to other free events and activites you try out this summer in New York!

Check your local listings for events and activities in your hometown!

With the kids http://www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/things-to-do/freethings-to-do-with-kids-in-new-york For ages ranging from 5-17 CityParks has free sports camps throughout the boroughs: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/sports/ Free Live Music every Sunday at Harlem Meer: http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/familycommunity/meer-performance-festival.html

Laughter In the Park - Comedy in NYC Parks http://www.nylaughs.org/online/home.html For additional information on free Dance, music, sports and other activities for all ages visit: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

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Region IV Highlight

Message from your Regional Director

By: Claribel Crews, Regional Director, Colony at Rhode Island College, Spring 2003

Beta Kappa Graduates: Yesenia Llanos, Naixtza Riveria and Dennise Garcia

Region 4 is blessed with 7 new graduates this year! Three sisters from Beta Kappa, three sisters from Beta Nu and one sister from Pi. I am grateful to have met each of these sisters! Graduating from college is a BIG accomplishment. It is one of the only things that cannot be taken away from you.

Graduation season is bittersweet for many!

The institutions lost some pivotal leaders, the graduates have loans to pay back, people say goodbye to start a new chapter in their lives and this big piece of paper is supposed to help you conquer the world.

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Beta Nu Graduates: Nieves Morillo, Alixandra PeĂąa and Noeli Sanchez

My hopes for you: I hope that you enjoy life!

I hope that you don’t take anything for granted!

I hope that you continue to succeed!

I hope you remember your roots!

I hope that you give back to your communities!

I hope you have learned from your mistakes and continue to grow!

I hope that you are passionate about what you choose to do!

For the last 4 years I have dedicated my life and my heart to these unique, powerful and resilient students. I have been challenged in every sense of the word. I have had long nights of no sleep; worried of their whereabouts, I have shed many tears, smiled and laughed uncontrollably and I’ve had unforgettable moments. I work at a non-traditional high school as an advisor/ teacher.

The Met was created for students who want a hands on experience in high school. The have internships twice a week and the other days, I teach English and History! Math and Science classes are taken elsewhere, Community College of RI or other programs/partnerships.

Our relationship began in 9th grade (4 years ago) and we continued to build for four years.

Yes! We stayed together as one advisory/class for four years.

I am ever so proud to say that they will be graduating in June! I am looking forward to the relationship we continue to build after they graduate!

My HOPE: I have hope that I did something right as a teacher for these kids!

I hope that I have taught them to be independent young adults.

I hope they have learned from my and their mistakes.

I hope that I have given them the opportunity to be themselves.

I hope that they are ready to face the real world.

I hope that they are safe after they leave high school and begin their next chapter of life.

I hope that I have shown them love and they will show it to someone else.

I hope that I will be a teacher they will never forget.

My biggest hope is that they are successful and that they recognize that I believe in each and every one of them!

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Creative

FLOW By: Giovanna Acosta, Delta, Fall 2005 A creative mind is a happy mind. Researchers have found that among other things, creativity increases job satisfaction, creates more positive emotions and augments the overall well being of a person. Therefore it should come as no surprise that people that are creative are happier than those that are not.

To attest to it, think about our very own intake process. No matter how tough it was, I’m sure most of us can look back at the creative aspects of it- coming up with greetings, making knick knacks for our deans and acting out funny skits for example, with fondness. That is because creativity often comes from a positive place: love, curiosity, etc.

All in all, people highly enjoy the process of being creative. Our history is full of artists, philosophers and mad geniuses whose ideas were so groundbreaking that they seem novel even today. However, lately it seems that the world has lost that creative edge.

We live in a time where anything mainstream pretty much looks and sounds the same: the women standing next to you as you wait to cross the street are all wearing the same style of shoe; the song playing on the radio sounds exactly like the last one you just heard. You look around the subway platform and notice that everyone owns the same cellphone. From music to fashion to the gadgets we use, it is as if there are no new ideas anymore. And the shocking part is, that most of us are fine with that. Many of us have become complacent with living our lives without creativity. Researchers have even coined a term for it: creative bias.

Creative bias refers to the fact that people want to be creative, yet reject creative ideas when they have them. Sound familiar? It should, because we have all been guilty of this at one time or another. How many times

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have you thought about trying a new activity, for instance, yet brushed it off because you thought it would be implausible? Or how often have you wanted to try a new hairstyle, even, but decided against it because you thought it would look ridiculous? We put so much restraint on our own thoughts, that we disregard any possibility of originality. It is as if we are afraid of the stigma that comes from thinking outside the box.

However, as much as we may try to suppress it, creativity has a need to be expressed. We are all creative. Creativity is as much a part of being human as breathing is. The real challenge is in learning to apply creativity to our everyday lives.

Creativity is said to come from the right hemisphere, the same side of the brain that is associated with images, emotions, color, music, expression and intuition. That is why musicians, artists and writers are often described as creative. Even so, you do not have to be the next Frida nor even have a page on Etsy to be considered creative. Creativity is not just about making collages and writing sonnets, it’s about creating ideas! PsychologyToday defines creativity as the ability to generate new ideas, new connections between ideas and new ways to solve problems. In order to do this you have to open your mind to a new way of thinking.

So next time you have a kooky idea- embrace it! Allow yourself to take a different cognitive approach to a given situation. Take inspiration from your environment, the people around you. Let go of the mental hurdles you place on yourself and let the prospect of creativity sharpen your skills and abilities. Let it boost your resilience and satisfaction with life. Quiet the negative thoughts and let your creative mind flow!

Looking

for

9.3

(The Search for the almost perfect Soulmate)

By: Melissa Peña, Theta, Spring 2009

Okay, I’ll share my love spectrum theory with you.

I didn’t set out to find a way to define love and partners and relationships. It just sort of happened one day, while under the effects of love.

“Do you believe in a soulmate?,” random questions my friends and I ask ourselves. Not, like, spend an entire evening on, but, have passing conversations about. It usually leads to a story about someone who most definitely was not our soulmate.

But, sometimes, we have the grimace of a long lost love on our lips, something that could have progressed to that insane word, the closest we’ve ever felt to that. And, even less often, is the sad look in our eyes due to a soulmate who fell between the cracks, because sometimes we let other things interfere with our soul.

The way I see it, our soulmate is a 10 on this scale.

That is, the most compatible you are with a person, the most love, the most respect, commonalities, etc. But, because we are human and crave human

attention, we HAVE to, for the sake of survival, settle with someone. We can’t just drop our social responsibilities and search for this “soulmate”.

We settle for the 8.7, the 7.3, 9.6, 6.8. People that we like a fair amount, enough to spend the rest of our lives with, or until divorce, that is. But, let’s be honest those 9.6 are a LOT happier.

Who would choose the 6.8 if they had better choices or were not afraid of finding that 10?

We settle for the 7s and the 8s because we are afraid if we let that go we won’t find anything better anyways.

I think I’d be good with a 9.3.

C’mon, cut me some slack!

We live in AMERICA! I live in New York City, to be exact.

Who has time to find their soulmate, for goodness sakes?

I need benefits, I need health insurance, I need vacations (no, I REALLY do). If I drop everything to work on finding that 10, I’ll never get to eat at Pure Food and Wine again (only the best high-end vegan restaurant in town!). So, with lament, I’m looking for a 9.3. Wherever you are 10, I love you.

Be a Beta, Be a Scholar - The OPBSI Book Rental!

Stay academically inclined while saving up to 80% on book rentals. Rent your textbooks for school or start a book club with this great offer. Spread the word to friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and teachers.

Anyone is able to take advantage of this great deal.

Rent your favorite books while helping your organization raise money.

For more information visit http://opbsi.bookrenterstore.com

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 19

B eta Cookin’

Salads and Smoothies Summertime is finally here! We thought it would be great to share some deliciously sweet, healthy and colorful meals that are equally refreshing. Remember you can swap out some ingredients!

Be Creative! Try them out and let us know your thoughts, send your comments to opbsi.el.girasol@gmail.com.

Triple Berry Salad Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 5 min Ingredients: ALMONDS: 3 Tablespoons granulated white sugar 1/2 cup slivered almonds DRESSING: 3 Tablespoons strawberry jam 1 Tablespoon chopped Italian parsley 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt dash of freshly ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil SALAD: 1 pound mixed baby greens 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped 2 whole green onions, finely chopped 1 1/2 cups blackberries 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries 1 1/2 cups blueberries 3/4 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles

Directions: 1. Prepare the almonds: In a small skillet, heat the sugar over medium heat until it begins to melt. Add the almonds to the pan and toss rapidly until the sugar coats all of the almonds and the almonds are lightly browned. Pour them out onto a glass dish and separate almonds with a fork. Cool until hardened and break into pieces.

2. In a small bowl (or a shaker jar), combine all of the dressing ingredients except for the olive oil. Add the olive oil in a slow stream, whisking as you add the oil until the dressing thickens.

3. In a large bowl, place the greens, avocado, green onions, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Toss them with the dressing. Add almonds and gorgonzola crumbles. Toss lightly and serve.

Tips:Use whatever kinds of berries you’d like, and feel free to switch out the gorgonzola crumbles for goat cheese or feta cheese too.

Source: RecipeGirl.com

Mixed Berry Smoothie Ingredients:

The Directions – there’s only one step!

1 cup Frozen Berry Medley (I use the one from Trader Joe’s that has Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries), but you can also just use frozen Strawberries, frozen Blueberries, etc. – pretty much any combination of berries that you like.

Puree the berries and soy milk in a blender. You can also use a hand blender if you have one at home.

Add Agave or Stevia to taste (once the smoothie has been prepared)

1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla SoyMilk: you can use any brand you like, but just make sure it’s unsweetened – and has only 0-1g sugar and 100 calories for 1 cup. For a creamier smoothie with more protein, use 1 cup soy milk.

Note: If you don’t like Soy Milk, you can use 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (40 calories for 1 cup), or even regular 1% organic milk (100 calories for 1 cup). Using regular organic 1% milk makes this drink even sweeter and tastes just like a milkshake!

Stevia or Agave sweetener, to taste (optional)

Source: http://pickyeaterblog.com

20 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Smoothie Tips

Keep these seven tips in mind for the perfect summer smoothie: Buy a blender with multiple speeds, preferably one with a glass canister that allows you to see what’s going on inside. The best blenders let you blend smoothly and also pulse in quick shots.

Always smell fruit before you buy it. If it doesn’t smell like anything, chances are it won’t taste like anything either.

To make a cool, smooth drink that’s not watered down by ice, partially freeze fruit before you blend it. Arrange berries, peach slices or peeled bananas on a cookie sheet and freeze 1½ hours, until they’re partially frozen (not rock hard).

Put the fresh fruit in the blender before you add any ice or partially frozen fruit. This

may sound odd, but you want the fruit to puree first, so the ice has something to blend into. Ice on the bottom results in needlessly spinning blades.

Partially melted ice makes a creamier smoothie. Take slightly more ice than the recipe calls for out of the freezer, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, then drain the water and use whatever ice you need.

Frozen nonfat yogurt, sherbet and sorbet make terrific additions to dessert smoothies, but they need to be softened slightly for the creamiest drink. Let stand for 10 minutes at room temperature before using.

Decorate your drinks with non-food toppers such as paper umbrellas, plastic monkeys and tall straws, rather than potentially fattening garnishes.

Source: WeightWatchers.com

Green Smoothie

Drink this green smoothie recipe every morning as part of your breakfast: it will rejuvenate and energize you for the day. You can enjoy it for breakfast or with a green salad and some protein at lunch – make it a green meal!

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Yield: 3 servings Calories per serving: 100 Fat per serving: 3.5g Nutritional Info Per Serving: 100 Calories, 3.5g Fat, 18g Carbs, 4.6g Fiber, 1.9g Protein

Ingredients 4 leaves of kale (1-2 cups chopped) 1 small apple 1 small pear 1 Tbsp almond butter (all natural, nothing added) Unsweetened almond milk (4 oz) Water (enough to make the drink smooth) Ice – optional, for serving

Directions

Put all of the ingredients in a blender – blend until smooth. Drink and enjoy.

Source: http://pickyeaterblog.com

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 21

NALFO

C rystal G ala

M ay 17 - 19, 2013 - A s to r ia , N e w Y o r k By: Ericka Silva, NALFO Representative, Alpha Beta, Summer 2009 This weekend marked the 15th anniversary of the inception of NALFO. Since 1998, The National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) has sought to foster positive inter-fraternal relations, communication, and development of Latino Fraternal organizations through mutual respect, leadership, honesty, professionalism and education.

It is in celebration of all that our 20 member organizations have accomplished as a unified body that we host NALFO’s 15th Anniversary Crystal Gala Weekend on May 16-19, 2013 in New York City.The weekend began with the business portion on Friday afternoon in Astoria, New York.

All NALFO board members presented on their several projects throughout the year and updates for the year to come. The business portion of the meeting continued on Saturday morning where elections occurred.

Saturday evening culminated in the highly anticipated Crystal Gala and presentation of the annual NALFO awards. OPBSI was the recipient of two awards.

Philanthropic Excellence Undergraduate Chapter Beta Mu Chapter at University of California, Berkeley In recognition of an Undergraduate Chapter which has successfully integrated philanthropy as part of their annual programming and events. Beta Mu Chapter is exemplary as far as programming and philanthropy are concerned.

Some of their 2012 highlights include: Cal CommUNITY BBQ Invisible War Film Screening, Serve & Donate Community Service with Berkeley Food & Housing Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Reach Out! Domestic Violence Awareness Stairway to Success Professional Development 
 Making Time For Health: Golden Keys to Success Berkeley Food and Pantry Community Service ABC Study Jam Ni Una Mas: Ray of Hope Not only does this chapter keep philanthropy at the forefront of their programming endeavors but Beta Mu creates a safe space

22 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

for their respective communities to be able to openly share, communicate and learn about our philanthropy.

Congratulations Beta Mu Chapter!

You did a good job!

Here are your 2013-2015 NALFO board members elected during the business meeting: Chair: Dennis Gonzalez Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity Vice Chair: Jose Marroquin Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Director of Finance: Michael Pinto Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. Mid West Regional Vice Chair Ericka Silva Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Western Regional Vice Chair Juan Carlos Perez Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity Mid-Atlantic Vice Chair Jacinda Romero Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha

National Philanthropic Organization of the Year Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Note: this award was shared with Lambda Theta Nu Sorority)

In recognition of an organization who has demonstrated excellence in the following categories: Promoting of Community Service and philanthropic endeavors at the National Level, Participation of Community Service outside of their respective organizations, Proven

success of national community service programming, Participation showed true unity and collective partnership at the walk. of NALFO philanthropic events.

Here are some OPBSI 2012 highlights: The weekend was truly remarkable.

Thank you to all the sisters that Domestic Violence Awareness Month attended the NALFO Gala. Also, a Statistics: 56 Events Hosted Across the tremendous thank you to all the Nation, 100+ hours of programming chapters and sisters that submitted and service, 7 Community Services, nominations for the annual NALFO 4 Walk A Mile In Her Shoes with awards this year. There were several Alternatives for Battered Women; ‘ties’ in the different categories Participation of 3 entities in NALFO showing that the judges had a Day of Service; Screening of the “The difficult time choosing among the Invisible War” across the nation; Ray amazing work that all organizations of Hope Walk to End Violence Against are doing. Do not get discouraged, as there is always next year to submit Women. your nomination!

This is an organizational award and one that we should all celebrate together as it is a testament of our work and dedication to Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women as a collective whole.

The night ended with some powerful and thought provoking words from our very own Monica Lee Miranda, one of the innovators that helped in the creation of NALFO. Sunday, Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated along with several other NALFO organizations walked in together in under NALFO unity at the annual AIDS walk in NYC. Despite the rain, our inter-fraternal community

It has been a pleasure serving as your NALFO delegate for the past two years. This experience has truly left a deep impression in my heart.

I look forward to representing our organization on the NALFO board for the next two years and making sure that the values and standards instilled in me by OPBSI are used to make a stronger and more united NALFO.

SAVE THE DATE:

NOVEMBER 9th, 2013 NALFO NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE!

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 23

OPBSI’ s P ro j e c t UJIMA

Betas Give Back - Adopt a Shelter Campaign By: Katherine Laureano, Director of Community Service, Eta, Spring 2007 “Giving back is always rewarding. Just knowing that we are helping those in need is gratifying”

- Darlene Classen, member of Alpha Theta Chapter

Throughout the month of April Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted “Ujima: Betas Give Back- Adopt a Shelter Campaign”, where seventeen participating entities collected nonmonetary goods for a shelter in their area. Participants included entities in New York, Florida, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland.

topic of domestic violence and collected items as a pledge against its detrimental effects. Chapters like Epsilon at Long Island University, Nu at Cornell University and Ithaca College, and Beta Lambda in University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, placed boxes in their campuses and actively collected during fairs and campus wide events.

The campaign was hosted during the month of April in observance of National Community Service Month.

The purpose of the campaign was to spread awareness and encourage others to join OPBSI in the fight Members of Alpha Theta Chapter at their donation site

towards the eradication of violence against women. Thus, several entities worked in collaboration with other organizations to make a collective impact in their community.

Members of Beta Lambda Chapter at a University fair

24 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

While the campaign required its participants to set out boxes for collection of items, they were also encouraged to creatively build the campaign to further meet their collection needs. Entities like our Beta Eta chapter collaborated with Alpha Omicron Pi at the University of South Florida in an event entitled “What I deserve in a Relationship?”.

They focused on the overarching

Items collected by Alpha Beta Chapter

Our Alpha Beta alumnae chapter in New York City hosted several social events at local establishments to collect items. Despite each entities different method of collection, they all did an extraordinary job in collecting a wide range of items that would benefit their respective adopted shelter. Items collected included clothing for men and women, baby clothes, purses, bedding items, coats,

shoes, toiletries, diapers, and food.

The campaign’s success is measured beyond the number of items collected. As stated by Daisy Kaur, a member of Beta Lambda chapter, “It was a pleasure to be able to help womyn who are victims of any type

of violence. By doing this campaign, we realized how many other people on campus really support this cause.

Without their support, this campaign would have not been a success.”

In collaborating with others and assuming collective responsibility,

Member of Alpha Epislon meeting with representatives of the Sojourner House.

“I enjoyed the opportunity of others; my co-workers and students being able to pitch in”- Julissa Polanco

we’re spreading awareness of the dangers of domestic violence, thus serving as a symbol of hope for its survivors. We look forward to having our communities support us in future endeavors of the kind.

Members of Beta Eta Chapter with members of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority

Below is a list of the participating entities: Delta Chapter Binghamton, NY Served SOS Shelter Epsilon Chapter Long Island, NY Served the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Zeta Chapter Oswego, NY Served the Service to Aid Families Eta Chapter Rochester, NY Served the Center for Youth Nu Chapter Ithaca, NY Served the The Advocacy Center

Upsilon Chapter Newark, NJ Served Making it Possible to End Homelessness Phi Chapter Los Angeles, CA Served the Downtown Women’s Center Alpha Beta Chapter New York, NY: Served Sanctuary for Families Alpha Theta Orlando, FL Served the Harbor House of Central Florida

Alpha Epsilon Boston, MA Served the Sojourner House

Beta Mu Chapter Berkeley, CA Served A Safe Place

Beta Eta Chapter Tampa, FL Served The Spring

Beta Nu Chapter Providence, RI Served The Sojourner House

Beta Kappa Chapter New Haven, CT Served the Birmingham Group Health Services

Chicago Alumnae Colony Chicago, IL Served the Rainbow House

Beta Lambda Chapter Raleigh, NC Served the Domestic and Sexual Assault Shelter

Alumnae Member, Cindy Silva Monroe, NC Served The Turning Point

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 25

writing

My (Not-So) Secret Obsession

By: Cher Treacy, Delta, Spring 1992 For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher.

I used to play school with my friends and always took on the role of the teacher, creating activities and quizzes based on the things I, myself, was learning from my own teachers. From math problems to science experiments to recalling historical facts to writing assignments, I wanted to share it all. I was blessed to have teachers throughout my educational life who nourished and inspired this dream of mine.

After pursuing my MA and acquiring my provisional certification, I was hired as an English teacher in October 1995.

It takes a lot of creativity to be a good teacher. I say “good” because we have all come across teachers who are clearly there because of the steady paycheck, decent health benefits and summers off. (FYI…I have never had a summer in my entire career when I was not doing work for the next school year.) Yes, I have great passion for my subject, which I try to impart on my students each year, but the creativity comes into play when I am planning my lessons. Earlier this year, I was interviewed by one of my students for a feature article in our school newspaper. She asked, “Ms. T… how do you keep yourself inspired year after year?”

I was used to being asked who my inspirations were to becoming a teacher, and why I taught English, but I had never really thought of what it is that keeps my mind fresh.

To answer her question, I actually had to think for a few minutes…to block out everything that was frustrating me about this school year and bring myself to a time when I felt refreshed and excited. Then it hit me—it was when I was writing. You see, I am a teacher by trade, but a writer at heart. I write about whatever suits my mood or purpose at the time, and feel pretty comfortable with most genres. When I teach my students how to write, I often join them in the assignment. I share with them certain things

26 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

that I write, and show them my process—from brainstorming through final draft. Sometimes I leave myself completely vulnerable to their criticism, but I’d like to think that that shows them how I do not perceive myself (or my writing) to be perfect. Every writer can benefit from the revision process, especially when that process includes feedback from other writers.

Last year, I was approached by one of my most beloved former teachers, Manny Vavolizza, to join a writers’ group on Facebook. I had done part of my student teaching with Manny and we had kept in touch through the years. Knowing how I felt about writing, he thought I’d benefit from joining. The group allows for people to submit drafts of writing and receive feedback from others in the group. After becoming comfortable, I invited Founder Jane Vega and my chapter sister Lisa Ventura to join, as I knew of their passion for writing and had shared writing experiences with them. They, too, became inspired to submit work and give advice and praise to others. An idea soon spread throughout the group. Why not create an anthology of all of the great writing being shared? This was the birth of The Spectrum Obsession, a book whose profits, once published, will be donated to autism research, in honor of Manny’s daughter, who lives with autism.

Jane, Lisa and I have all submitted pieces for this amazing project and look forward to its release.

Unfortunately, production has stalled, as Manny has been hospitalized for over a month, battling bacterial meningitis. If you would like to take a look at what the three of us are a part of, check out the website www.thespectrumobsession.com.

But until then, here’s an excerpt from one of my submissions. While the names have been changed (except for mine), I am sure some of you will recognize the story and its characters. Some of you may even be in the full story. ENJOY!

An excerpt from Always a Bridesmaid…But That’s Just Fine!

Preparations The day is finally here. Sofia and Jake are GETTING MARRIED! I remember Sof calling me to tell me about their engagement and hearing the genuine happiness in her voice. And of course she added in, “Girl, you know one day you are going to find a man who will be able to properly appreciate the woman you are. Dudes just ain’t ready for ya!” It was this conversation that I had in mind as I enter the house at 6:15 to find Sofia calmly curling her hair in the mirror. She asks me if I’m all right and offers me some breakfast. Leave it to her to be worried about others when this is HER day. Can she tell that I am fighting off the “Oh my God I am still single” blahs? If she does, she does not specify and goes on about how she just wants everyone to have a really good time. I assure her that it is going to be perfect as I sit down in the makeup chair. While I am being transformed, Sofia begins her speech about the “single fellas” who will be at the wedding, but in my mind I already have it set that this day is about her, not me, and I am going to do everything I can to make it the best

day for her. I have brought one of my grandmother’s treasured purses to use for the day. When she was alive, my grandmother was a source of strength and calm for me. I continue to believe that she looks out for me and sticks her hand into situations where she knows I need her. And this day is no exception.

So yes, I want it to be the best day for her, but in order to do that I had to clear my brain of the stuff that was cluttering it up. Like my aunt’s wedding back in April and how my cousins were so hell-bent on marrying me off to my date for the evening. Whatever. I have to say that when I looked at myself in the mirror after getting my makeup done, I was amazed. I think I even half smiled as Sofia said I looked “sensational.”

Anyone who knows me knows I am very understated, so big makeup and fancy dresses make me feel princess-like I guess. This was a good thing, because the energy boost I got from the morning carried with me throughout the day. And I want to believe that helped bring about my good fortune later on… ©2009 Cher Treacy

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.

What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.

Alan Alda Photo by Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 27

betas in h ig h e r e d ucat ion “As a Higher Educaton Professional I bring hope by...”

Throughout our sisterhood we have sister making a difference everyday as higher education professionals. We asked some of them to share with us their inspiration and hope they bring to the students they interact with. Here is what they had to say...

Monica Miranda, Alpha Chapter, Fall 1993 Director of the Center for Student Involvement University of South Florida

“As a higher educational professional I bring hope by mentoring others daily to exemplify their values in their daily actions. I bring hope by inspiring, and being inspired by, others to promote social justice and a more inclusive world. I bring hope by creating access for committed learners to pursue their passions and live their dreams. I bring hope by persevering and rompiendo barreras to create paths for others to have opportunities they may not have had.”

Nicole Baker, Beta Chapter, Spring 2003

Development Specialist for the Educational Opportunity Fund Program, Ramapo College of New Jersey “As a higher education professional I bring hope by... providing guided opportunities for students to find a connection to their campus community. My goal is to help my students realize their passion and purpose in life. Sometimes we are the only cheerleaders in our students’ lives and I hope to provide that outlet to them as they prepare for their academic and professional careers. Being in higher education not only provides hope to students but it provides hope to us as professionals that we are helping the next generation of students to reach their highest potential.”

28 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Sherlene Ayala, Sigma Chapter, Fall 2001 Assistant Director for Leadership & Diversity Programs, New Jersey Institute of Technology

“Instilling a sense of identity development in the work that I do. My passion for social justice is seen when I have endless conversations with students to help them understand their role in our society and their role to help raise awareness about oppression, unjust systemic policies, privilege and power. So many students aimlessly walk through our campuses without understanding the power they truly have to change the environment, therefore it is my role to help them put meaning and words to their experiences, and encourage them to find their voice. You haven’t really had a college experience until you’ve participated in a protest.”

Desiree Henry, Theta Chapter, Fall 2000 Assistant Director, Alumni Relations St. John’s University

“As a higher education professional I bring hope by providing student the opportunity to network with alumni in the fields they are interested in to gain valuable insight to professions they may not have otherwise had. Networking is so important, especially in today’s envioronment so if I can give a student a chance to land an internship, make a connection or meet a mentor, I know that I have opened a door for them that could lead them to landing a job sooner or starting their careers on the right foot. Working in Alumni Relations, I have been able to meet wonderful alumni and bring them back to their home to share their experiences with the youth of today. My role also allows me to give alumni and friends the chance to support the insitution and keep it moving in a progressive and sustainable direction. I learn something new everyday and working in higher education, the lessons never stop.”

A r e yo u a s i s t e r c u r r e n t w o r k i n g o r i n t e r e s t e d i n t h e h i g h e r e d u c a t io n fi e l d ? N e t w o r k a n d co n n e c t w i t h s i s t e r s o n o u r F a c e boo k P a g e : C l ic k h e r e

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 29

B etas

in

H igher E ducat ion - E xc erpts

fro m the

Proving Them Wrong:

D issertat io n S t u dy

Academically Resilient First-Generat ion Lat inas In College

By Rosanna Reyes, Upsilon Chapter, Spring 2002 DEDICATION I dedicate my dissertation to every young first-generation Latina who is told she is not smart enough, that she should play it safe, that she should not aim too high…

I tell you this: You ARE smart enough, do NOT play it safe, and ALWAYS aim for the moon!

Choose the road less traveled and that will make all of the difference!

SHORT ABSTRACT This study examined the educational trajectories of academically resilient first-generation Latinas in college. More specifically, the study focused on the factors that led them to become academically successful. The researcher of this study conducted a narrative inquiry analysis of the K-16 educational trajectories of five academically resilient college students, which served as counter-narratives to the existing deficit laden research regarding Latina students within the American educational system.

The major findings of this study are that first-generation, academically resilient Latinas enhance their resiliency by the presence of various factors. For the most part their academic resiliency was increased by the presence of, and interaction with, the protective factors. Protective factors are the inherent strengths that the student possesses that allow her to mitigate the risk factors that may be present in her life. The protective factors

30 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

were comprised of dispositional, familial and environmental factors.

This included unwavering familial support, the intrinsic motivation to succeed, and ongoing support from teachers, administrators and peer networks.

to another country without me. I now understand that they felt that they were making a great sacrifice in order to provide me with a better future.

EDUCATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Education in my family has always been valued, yet being valued did not mean it was enforced. I am often reminded that, at five years of age, I refused to attend school.

I would cry and throw temper tantrums until I won the battle.

My first experience with schooling should have been in the Dominican Republic, but instead it was when I first arrived in the U.S. at the age of six. It was a complete culture clash.

First, to be attending school and secondly, to be in a country where I was now the outsider. I did not understand the language and was unhappy with the lack of friends.

My first two years of schooling were very tumultuous and I did not perform well academically. During the first two years of my schooling, I was placed in ‘bilingual’ classrooms.

Yet, the language barrier was not

It is one of the more comical points within my family that I, the little girl who once refused to go to school is now researching and writing about the educational experiences of students. I was born in the Dominican Republic, where the educational system is distinctively different from the American educational system.

Being born into a working class family in the Dominican Republic meant that education was generally seen as a luxury and not everyone was afforded the opportunity to attend school. My parents came to the United States, without me, when I was about one year old, and for four years my father’s brother and his wife raised me. Looking back, I recall not understanding why my parents would leave and move

Schooling the Early Years

the only factor that contributed to my poor academic performance.

I was very talkative in class and was often reprimanded by the teacher. I was often disruptive because of the lack of engagement and I recall feeling like the material was not challenging enough for me.

Needless to mention this meant that my mother was often called for many parent-teacher conferences.

After one of these visits, I remember having a conversation with my mother, and telling her that I wanted to be removed from the ‘bilingual’ program placed in a ‘regular’ class program. This was the turning point in my educational career, I became a different student, my grades were no longer mediocre, and I became an honor roll student.

My first year in a ‘regular’ class was not as positive as I would have liked. The excitement I felt was quickly deflated because not everyone felt the same excitement that I did, not everyone was as excited to learn as I was. That is when I realized that being the smart kid in the classroom was not cool, not cool at all! For the next two years, I struggled with finding my identity as a student. Despite this, I performed well in all of my classes and would eventually be placed in advanced standing by the sixth grade. This is when I reached a point of comfort, as a student. This can mostly be accredited to the fact that the majority of the students in my class were also very academically inclined and wanted to do well in school. Yet, surprisingly enough, the better I performed in school the less academically involved my parents became with my education. My parents expected that I do well in all of my classes.

Therefore, there was little need for conversations regarding grades and my scholastic experience.

For many years, I did not understand why my parents never helped me with my homework. I would later learn that both of my parents have less than a high school education. The lack of a strong educational foundation, coupled with a low proficiency in English pushed me to reach out to my peers and teachers for assistance with my schoolwork. My peer group was very strong: we were academically focused, driven, and heavily involved in academic clubs. The positive influence that we had on each other was extremely important to me. I depended on this support even more as the years progressed.

As I entered the last years of junior high school, I was becoming a much stronger student. By the time I reached the eighth grade I was at the top of my class and now had a group around me that echoed my sentiments towards education.

High School Years

By the time I entered high school I was well-established student, I was enrolled in advanced standing classes and was inducted into various honor societies. My involvement in the honor societies was primarily by default, because I was a top student and it was expected. I remember being inducted into the National Honor Society and not having any of my immediate friends with me, this was an unfamiliar feeling. I was used to having my same four to five friends in all of my classes and activities, and for the first time in my late teen years, I felt that I was moving up the educational ladder without them.

High school was an interesting time for me, from feeling like the schoolwork was extremely easy to experiencing the negative perceptions of some of my teachers. There was this one specific

teacher that I remember vividly, she always spoke about her days in our hometown and how it had fallen from its graces. We were always confused with these references, and then one day it became clear.

Our hometown was predominantly white during her younger years in the 70s. Yet, the 80s brought a new wave of emigrational patterns so that by the late 90s, while I attended high school, the town was predominantly Latino and Black.

This teacher who I admired for her witty approach to teaching and literature became a person I could no longer feel comfortable around, because I questioned her discernment of my peers and myself.

Although she was a great teacher, this was not a person I could see as a mentor, someone who would assist in my educational development.

Looking back at my early school days I do not recall having any formal mentors, or teachers that I felt pushed me to excel academically. I truly believe that my peer network was one of the main reasons I did well academically, we pushed each other, and we made sure that we always did our best. As I entered my last year in high school, I had to start thinking about my future. What college would I attend? I honestly did not place a lot of importance on the collegiate process or selection, but more so on where most of my circle of friends would be attending.

They were my support system and somehow I knew that it would be important to have them with me through college, as well.

When I started having conversations with my guidance counselor about colleges, she was not encouraging about the types of schools I should be applying for.

It was frustrating and baffling to be within the top fifth percentile of my class and not considered

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 31

“college material”, how was this possible? This was a turning point for me: I decided to not internalize what I had experienced with my guidance counselor. I applied to a total of about eight schools and was accepted to all of them. I ultimately chose my college because it was close to home, affordable, and most of my friends were also attending the same college. The idea of attending college was frightening, I had no prior knowledge of what to expect, since I didn’t know anyone who attended college. Regardless of my fears, I decided that I had no other choice but to take the leap. I would be the first one in my family to ever attend college and this idea alone motivated me.

College Years

I was fortunate to be accepted into a program for students who had very similar educational and economic backgrounds to my own. The Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) was founded in 1968 in response to the educational inequities that many underrepresented students were facing, at the time, in the state of New Jersey. This program assists students with the transition from high school to college by providing one on one academic and personal counselor, workshops and other resources. The critical component of this state-funded program is the mandatory five-week intensive summer program. During this program, I was enrolled in a writing and math class that allowed me to have an understanding of what a college class would be like.

This was a reality check for me: I realized that while I was a great student in high school, who I was not prepared for the caliber of work that would be required in college. I struggled to keep up with the work and at times felt discouraged. I began to rethink if college was really for me. I shared all of my struggles and fears with my academic counselor and he reassured me that what I

32 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

was feeling was actually normal, that many students struggled and that I would be fine. He was right, a lot of my peers were in fact facing the same struggles and again, as a group, we pulled through. The summer program prepared me for what was to come that fall; I was familiar with the academic, social and environment aspects of college.

The beginning of my college career was rather difficult, I decided to live with someone that I met during the summer program and ended up not getting along. This experience dampened my first year, I was not happy where I lived and found myself spending more time in other people’s rooms. I also struggled with my classes, those first two semesters and faced many personal issues that were reflected in my grades that year. I received my lowest GPA that year; I soon realized that I had to make some drastic changes.

I took some time to reflect on my first year and came to the conclusion that I needed to take ownership of my life and my college experience. I became very involved with the EOF program. I worked the summer after my freshman year, as a staff member, in the program. Being able to work during the summer with students that were experiencing the same struggles I had faced just a year ago, was an invaluable experience. I gained the confidence that I needed in order to help others, and in turn I ended up growing, as a person. I decided that I would become more involved on campus.

My second year in college marked another turning point for me. I became involved in the EOF student organization and in the Dominican student organization.

These organizations exposed me to a network of students, faculty and staff that allowed me to expand my network. I began to realize that it was crucial to have a supportive network of peers and administrators in order to succeed in the college

environment. As I became more involved, the better I performed academically. I began to enjoy college and realized that the more engaged I was in the university life, the better my grades.

By the end of my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to take my involvement to the next level. I started to look at other organizations that would expose me to new networks at the university level. I became involved with the umbrella organization for the Latino clubs on campus, this gave me the opportunity to network with new peers and I gained a new set of skills.

I was now, not only supported by my small group of friends, but also able to navigate within different circles.

At this time I began to look into Greek life on campus, but realized that I was not interested in any of the sororities that were on campus at the time. A group of us were looking into a particular sorority that was not currently on our campus, and we decided to formally begin the expansion process. This process would end up taking us about a year; in the spring of my junior year five of us were initiated into the sorority. We established the first chapter of the organization at my university and in the state. This involvement continues to be by far one of the most influential and rewarding experiences that I have encountered. I was now part of a large network of strong women from all over the county that possessed very similar values. Being part of this organization taught me an enhanced set of leadership skills. I experienced, firsthand, what it felt like to have ownership in an organization; it was different from my other student organization involvement. I was now representing my sorority and was a student leader on campus.

My profile had to reflect what was expected of me; this pushed me to do better academically. My grades were now better than ever, I was finally a 3.0 student. My college

experience underwent a complete transformation from my first-year to my junior year, I was engaged on the college campus and I was once again confident in my academic performance.

I was able to graduate from college as a successful student because of my campus engagement and my connections to faculty and staff. After college, I was accepted into a Masters in Social Work (MSW) program at the same institution. At this point I had a strong sense that working in higher education was my calling, I thoroughly enjoyed being involved on campus, working with students and above all, helping students succeed. After receiving my MSW, I began to work full time at the same institution I attended for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Working on a college campus has been extremely rewarding, I am now seen as a role model to many students, who much like myself, never had someone who looked like them advocate on their behalf.

I am now in the final stages of my doctorate in education; I will become the first in my family to earn an undergraduate degree, masters and now a doctorate. This achievement is an immense honor and with it comes great responsibility to pay if forward.

I will continue the work that I do every day to assist students in their educational journeys, and ensure their success.

FINAL THOUGHTS Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do…and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

(Williamson, 1996, p.190-191) The text above is from the book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

by Marianne Williamson (1996), I

selected this excerpt because I found it to be extremely relevant to my study for many reasons. Throughout the process of collecting, analyzing the data and writing up the findings there were some prominent themes of strength, endurance and selfdiscovery that resonated with all of the participants. While the participants in this study faced many barriers throughout their educational careers they were able to succeed because they realized that they were “powerful beyond measure” (Williamson, 1996).

Most of the participants also recognized the impact that their success would have on those that come after them, other younger Latina students that look up to them and admire their success, they “let [their] own light shine, [they] unconsciously [gave] other people permission to do the same” (Williamson, 1996).

I shared my educational journey in order to set the tone for my dissertation. My own educational journey shaped much of the work that I have done as a researcher and higher education administrator. I am a success story, and stories like mine are rarely told. I am a first-generation Latina that came to this country with no prior education and very little understanding of the environment that I was in. Regardless of all of the barriers that I faced, I succeeded and achieved great academic success.

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 33

Alpha Gamma Chapter Raises Over $1000 for V-Day 2013

Receives ‘Vagina Warrior’ Award

From left to right: Juanita Islas, Maria Jaramillo, Erika Ruiz, Ariana Curtis, Marielys Garcia, Angela Esquivel

By Angela Esquivel, Alpha Gamma, Spring 2013

The Radiant Sisters of Alpha Gamma Chapter are proud to have raised over $1000 in support of the 2013 V-Day Campaign. This year’s beneficiary was Jubilee Housing, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing and supportive services to economically disadvantaged residents of Washington, D.C. The feature event was a benefit production of Any One of Us: Words from Prison, which portrays monologues written by women from prisons across the country. The performance revealed the connection between women in prison and the violence that often brings them there. The money raised supported Jubilee Housing’s Re-entry Housing Initiative that provides shelter for women who are entering the community after a period of incarceration.

Sisters from Alpha Gamma coordinated several fundraisers including a silent auction and bake sale.

34 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Guests at the production of Any One of Us: Words from Prison could purchase sweets donated by Red Velvet Cupcakery (a local DC favorite!) or bid on items such as original works of art, a photo shoot around DC, dinner and a movie, or even a 1-month yoga pass. Altogether, $1,101.29 was raised for Jubilee Housing and V-Day International. In recognition of Alpha Gamma’s ongoing efforts in support of V-Day, Jubilee Housing awarded the chapter with the 2013 “Vagina Warrior” award.

As its signature philanthropic initiative, the Alpha Gamma Chapter annually executes and supports a variety of events and activities in support of V-Day, ranging from performances to fundraisers to partnered activities. The Chapter is honored and excited to have supported Jubilee Housing’s efforts towards channeling their creative energy into making a difference as part of the V-Day Campaign.

Sunshine Corner

By Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

I love the summer! This time of year is one of my favorites because I have more opportunities to be outdoors, soak up some sun and enjoy nature. One of my places of solace is the beach, so whether I’m at Coney Island, Long Beach or lucky enough to find myself in the Carribean...I love to enjoy a few hours just watching and listening to the waves. It gives me an chance to be alone with my thoughts, take my mind off all the stress of daily living and be in the moment.

Living in New York City, you have to be especially creative to enjoy what the summer has to offer and not break the bank. I enjoy a good search of finding the best activities for the best value.

I’ll admit, sometimes its a hit or miss but nevertheless, there is adventure in trying the unknown.

Traveling can often help a person open their mind to cultures, people and experiences they are not always open to back at home. If you are able to travel, go with an open mind and soak up as much as you can.

If you are stationed at home for the summer...EXPLORE! This year, you should get to know your cities. Explore it like a tourist and appriciate the beauty of the place you live. Get creative and try new things! Open your minds, step out of your comfort zone and explore how rewarding the experience can be.

Soleil!

Follow my blog: http://www.weinspireus.wordpress.com

The summer night is like a perfection of thought.

Wallace St You are the results of the choics you make. If you don’t like your life, its time to start making better choices.

Author Unknown Live your life with gratitude. Its not what life brings to you, its the attitude you bring to life.

Author Unknown Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Scott Adams Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.

Bo Bennett There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.

Elizabeth Lawrence I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.

Abraham Lincoln Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.

Erich Fromm

It’s not our job to toughen our chilren up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.

L.R. Knost The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.

John E. Southard Stop giving people the power to steal your peace. It belongs to you and no one should be able to run away with it.

A. Elle Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.

Maya Angelou When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now?

If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go.

Catherine Pulsifer To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions.

Deepak Chopra

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 35

Beta Mommies

Welcome our

new

Beta babies

and congratulations to our expecting

Mommies !!

J ackie C amilo (Beta/Spring 2003) is

G ina (Rodr iguez ) P alma (Pi/Spring

expecting her third child

2001) is expecting her third child

Yadi ra P erez H azel (Nu/Spring 1999)

Yvelisse O rtiz (Eta/Spring 2001)

is expecting her second child, a boy, this summer

is expecting her second child this summer

Congratulations to Evelyn Galarza-Villegas (Zeta, Spring 1998 ), who was married this past may to Steve Villegas.

36 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Beta S mart s , C elebrat i o ns

and

P rofessional A chiev ement s

Natalie Hernandez Green (Theta/Spring 1998) completed her PhD in Public Health from at the University of South Floriday in May and is the recipient of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s Health Policy Leadership Fellowship.

Read more about it here.

Caridad de la Luz (Delta, Spring 1994) for received the Poe award from The Bronx County Historial Society. She also appeared in Habla Women on HBO Latino in April.

Jackie Camilo (Beta/Spring 2003) and her husband purchase a new home for their growing family.

Esmeralda Gaton (Theta/Fall 2001) is currently a part of a Summer 2013- International Field Program - Argentina, Buenos Aires. She will be working at ACUMAR, a federal agency in the city of Buenos Aires that is charged with clean-up and relocation of citzens along the slums of one of the most contaminated rivers in the world, Matanza Riochuelo. Esmeralda will be providing policy recommendations for Acumars’ Community Participation Department on how to better engage the residents living in villas along the Matanza Riochuela.

She is also a newly elected Board Member to the Dominican Women Development Center. DWDC is nonprofit organization located in Washington Heights. DWDC was founded in 1988 by nine Dominican women who identified the need for Latinas to organize around critical issues and seek solutions to systemic problems affecting their families and community, such as sexism and discrimination, high housing costs, low-achieving schools, high dropout rates, limited access to health care services, attacks on reproductive rights, high teenage pregnancy, and high poverty rates.

Carolina Espinal (Iota/Fall 1998) was the recipient of the May 2013 IMPACT Leader award. Learn more here: http:// www.impact-dc.com/il-carolina-espinal Gina Palma (Pi/Spring 2001) was promoted to Director of Finance at Growing Up Green Charter School.

Rosanna Reyes (Upsilon Chapter, Spring 2002) has accepted the position of Associate Dean of the College of Williams College in Williamstown, MA and will begin her new role on July 15th. Rosanna Reyes received Rutgers University Human Dignity Award. See the article here: http://gse.rutgers.edu/ content/alumna-rosanna-reyes-edd-%E2%80%9812-receives-rutgershuman-dignity-award

Christina Rivera (Lambda/Spring 1997) recently accepted a teaching job. Christina will be teaching English in Shanghai, China starting mid July.

Stephanie Camacho’s (Phi/Fall 2005) art work was featured in the “I Met My Matchin” article in Milk X Magazine in Hong Kong.

Monica Miranda (Alpha/Spring 1993) will be the Director of the Center for Student Involvement at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL starting early July!

Jennifer Triana (Eta/Spring 1998) started working at Mt. Sinai at the Jack Martin Clinic as a Mental Health Social Worker in April 2013.

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 37

Congrat ulat ions t o t he 2013 G raduat es !

Adrian Hatche Alahedge Perez Alexis Agosto Alyssa Betnacourt Amber Rae Farris Amber Recio Ana Gabriela Urizar Ashley Rivera Brenda Salinas Carolina Guzman Claudia Moreno Daisy Cuevas Daniella Novas Darlyn Presinal Denise Figueroa Denisse Garcia Elizabeth Cano Isabeth Mendoza Jessica Elliot Karelis Hernandez Kenia Perez

Best

on

of

yo ur

Sarika Sookdeo, Beta Alpha, Spring 2012

lu ck

fu t ure

endeav ors !

38 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Kimberly Flete Leilani Segura Lisa Rodriguez Marise Singh Mary Johanna Martinez Mayra Pesante Melanie Londono Melissa Suero Naixtza Rivera Natasha Santiago Nicole Taylor Pamela Rosario-Perez Rosalie Reyes Ruth Lora Samara Delgado Sarika Sookdeo Stephanie Ortega Tania DePalma Yashly Garcia Yesenia Llanos

Share your Accomplishments!

Send us your updates, promotions, new home, new job, expecting, engagement or wedding!

Contact us at OPSBI.ElGirasol@gmail.com Please remember to include you pledge chapter and year.

Booking inquiries: 914.837.6851 UniversalMCDJ@yahoo.com

The Whole Event

Let us transform your home into a breathtaking venue that will wow you and your guests!

Need music or food? We got you covered!

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 39

I mportant A nti -V iolence R esources N ational H otlines and O rganizations V-Day

A Global Movement to End Violence against Women and Girls www.VDay.org

Hotline Phone Numbers Domestic Violence Hotline 800-621-HOPE (4673)

Crime Victims Hotline 866-689-HELP (4357)

Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline 212-227-3000

U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline

Boston

www.c2home.org http://feminist.org www.mahomless.org

Los Angeles

www.agapefdnadv.org http://dvcouncil.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles County Hotline (24 HOUR)

(800) 978-3600

New York City New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621–HOPE (4673)

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224 www.nnedv.org

Sanctuary for Families

Washington, DC

• • • •

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization.

Among its programs, RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org . This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. These hotlines have helped over 1.3 million people since RAINN’s founding in 1994.

(212) 349–6009 •

•

Press 0 for general information and for information about shelter Press 1 for Clinical Program Press 2 for Legal Center Press 3 for Children’s Program Press 8 if office is closed and on weekends - Sanctuary is open from 9 am - 6 pm on Monday - Thursday, and 9 am - 5 pm on Fridays.

Press 9 for Spanish

MADRE 121 West 27th Street, # 301 New York, NY 10001 USA

(212) 627-0444 Fax: (212) 675-3704 Volunteers volunteers@madre.org

NY State Resources http://nyscadv.org/directory.htm Additional Help in your area: www.thehotline.org

Florida Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.fcadv.org/centers Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119

Harbor House of Central Florida If you or someone you love is going through domestic abuse, PLEASE CALL US at 407-886-2856.

Administration Office: P.O. Box 680748 Orlando, FL 32868 admin@harborhousefl.com GET HELP: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 886-2856 (TTD) 1 (800) 500-1119 (FL) 407-886-2244 (main office) Safehouse of Seminole 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407)-330-3933 (TTY/TDD) (800) 500-1119 toll free

Chicago 1-877-To-END-DV Domestic Violence Agencies by City www.dhs.state.il.us

Safe Horizon

www.safehorizon.org 1-800-656-HOPE Washington DC www.dccadv.org www.houseofruth.org

40 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

In New York State:

New York State’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 942-6906 (English) (800) 942-6908 (Spanish)

If you know of any resources in your local city, please share it with the membership.

Email: OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com and put “DV Resources” in the Subject heading

B eta “Yellow” Pages C r eati ve

and

B e au ty S e rvice s

Jessica Ayari Toro Ayari Make Overs www.AyariMakeOvers.com www.TheGlossyParty.com Karla Ayala-Quervalu Karla Samantha Photography www.KarlaSamantha.com

Erica Diaz, Daiana Hidalgo and Jessica Medina Your Best Event www.YourBestEvent.com www.facebook.com/YourBestEventInc Erica@YourBestEvent.com

F ood S e rv ice s Lupe Flores Sangria Anytime sangriaanytime@gmail.com (917) 457-8650

Desiree Henry MOYA Creative Design Boutique www.MOYACreative.com

Selina Hernandez My Sister’s Creations www.mysisterscreations.com mysisterscreations@yahoo.com (917) 348-8556

Stephanie Camacho & Rebecca Slivka The Sunflower Collection www.thesunflowercollection.com www.facebook.com/thesunflowercollections

Lydia Jimenez Stampin’ with Lydia www.stampinwithlydia.blogspot.com

Ivy Roman

IvySweetsNYC IvySweetsNYC@gmail.com

P rofe s sio na l S e rv ice s

H e a l t h / H o me S erv ices

Elizabeth Cano Sweet Craft Cakes http://www.sweetcraftcakes.com

Jocelyn Tejada The Society of Professional Women of Color http://spwc.org/

Maria Jaramillo Birth Doula nediva.89@gmail.com

Elsa Batista-Yzaguirre Stoles By Elsa StolesbyElsa@Yahoo.com

UPCOMING NATIONAL MEETINGS

National Conference 2013

October 11-13, 2013 Beta Mu Chapter University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Elbanery Lora Diana’s Cleaning Services diana_cleaningservices@hotmail.com (347) 564-6491

C l o t hi n g Claudia M. Echeverri Miletic Jason & Juliana, LLC http://www.jasonandjuliana.com

National Convention 2014

Happy 25th OPBSI! March 13-16, 2014 Miami, FL

The Beta Yellow Pages is a free service designated to highlight businesses that are operated by OPBSI Sisters.

For more information: Events@OmegaPhiBeta.org

If you would like to list your business information, please submit it to OPBSI.El.Girasol@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Summer 2013 *El Girasol * 41

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, inc.

Chapters and Colonies

Collegiate Chapters Alpha Chapter University at Albany, SUNY Est. 1989

Xi Chapter Syracuse University & LeMoyne College Est. 1999

Beta Chapter SUNY New Paltz & Marist College Est. 1991

Omicron Chapter Duke University Est. 2000

Gamma Chapter Union College Est. 1991 Delta Chapter Binghamton University, SUNY Est. 1992 Epsilon Chapter Long Island University, C.W. Post Est. 1993

Beta Epsilon Chapter SUNY Old Westbury Est. 2008

Pi Chapter Boston, MA Est. 2002 Rho Chapter Michigan State University Est. 2002 Sigma Chapter Plattsburgh University, SUNY Est. 2001

Zeta Chapter SUNY, Oswego Est. 1993

Tau Chapter Utica College & Hamilton College Est. 2003

Eta Chapter College at Brockport, University of Rochester & Rochester Institute of Technology Est. 1994

Upsilon Chapter Rutgers University, New Brunswick Est. 2003

Theta Chapter Stony Brook University Est. 1998 Iota Chapter University of Virginia Est. 1998 Kappa Chapter Hofstra University Est. 1998 Lambda Chapter Brooklyn College and Manhattan Metro Est. 1998 Mu Chapter University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College & D’Youville College Est. 1999 Nu Chapter Cornell University Est. 1999

Beta Delta Chapter Pace University, Pleasantville Campus Est. 2008

Beta Zeta Chapter Florida State University Est. 2010 Beta Eta Chapter University of South Florida Est. 2010 Beta Theta Chapter SUNY Cortland Est. 2009

Colony at Ramapo College Est. 2010 Colony at Pace University Est. 2011 Colony at Columbia University Est. 2011 Colony at Purdue University Est. 2011

Alumnae Chapters Alpha Beta Chapter New York City Alumnae Chapter Est. 1994

Beta Iota Chapter Northeastern Illinois University Est. 2010

Alpha Gamma Chapter Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004

Beta Kappa Chapter University of New Haven Est. 2010

Alpha Delta Chapter Rochester Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004

Phi Chapter University of Southern California Est. 2003

Beta Lambda Chapter University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Est. 2011

Alpha Epsilon Chapter Boston Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007

Chi Chapter Seton Hall University Est. 2003

Beta Mu Chapter University of California Berkley Est. 2011

Psi Chapter DePauw University Est. 2006

Beta Nu Chapter Johnson & Wales University Est. 2012

Beta Alpha Chapter St. John’s University Est. 2002 Beta Beta Chapter University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign Est. 2006 Beta Gamma Chapter New York University Est. 2007

Colonies Colony at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Est. 2003 Colony at Rhode Island College Est. 2003

Alpha Eta Chapter Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Alpha Theta Chapter Florida Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Los Angeles Alumnae Colony Est. 2011 Chicago Alumnae Colony Est. 2012

Colony at Charleston Southern University Est. 2008

Alpha Alpha Chapter Honorary Sisters

Colony at St. Thomas Aquinas Est. 2010

Omega Chapter Eternal Sisters

Est. 1989

www .O mega P hi B eta . org

42 *El Girasol * Summer 2013

Alpha Zeta Chapter New Jersey Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007