THE MAGAZINE OF THE PENDULUM VOL. 6 | EDITION 2 MARCH 2015 ELON, N.C.
Spring Break
Looks for Every Locale
The buzz on HONEY
pg.8
pg.7
Activism or
pg.14
s
50witCate h Lesourd States
tivism? k c a l A look into GreeK Life PhilanthroPY pg.28
Pretty Grunge pg.18
Good to see you again. The Edge is happy to have you back for our second edition of 2015. And for all you new readers out there, thanks for virtually picking us up. We
Letter from the Editor 2 | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
We wanted this issue to have a Spring Break feel — giving you the tips you want at this time of the year — without getting redundant or repetitive. In the Health & down exactly what you need to know about your digestive system before swimsuit season rounds the corner. And Assistant H&W Editor Xernay Aniwar put together some DIY allergy remedies for those of you who get the the envelope this spring by going past the typical pas“pretty grunge” looks for you to try (let’s make burgundy, navy and gray this spring’s colors, shall we?) And let’s not forget our cover star, Cate LeSourd, a senior who is doing some seriously cool things in her professional life. in Golin’s “Unternship” program. Enjoy the March issue, and we’ll see you next time.
Lindsey Lanquist, Editor-in-Chief of The Edge
THE EDGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Fashion
21
8 Style
14
Health&Wellness
10
16
11 the cover
Entertainment
6 28 32
5
Features
PRETTY GRUNGE page 18 DIY: Allergy Relief page 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS | 3
Editor-in-Chief of The Pendulum Michael Bodley
THE EDGE Editor-in-Chief of The Edge Lindsey Lanquist Design Chief Ingrid Frahm Creative Directors Ingrid Frahm (Art) Kim Duong (Fashion) Fashion Editor Kim Duong Fashion Assistants: Assistant Fashion Editors: Fashion Contributors: Katy Bellotte Marika Ball–Damberg Kendal Couch Kristina Lee Michaela Contois Dani Chavero Megan Gravley Katie Lindsay Fashion Copy Writer: Tori Lyons Brooklynn Lowrey Hannah McCarthy Tatum Pederson Features Editor Lauryl Fischer Assistant Editor Alyssa Potter Entertainment Editor Mary Sheehan Assistant Editor Amanda Garrity Health & Wellness Editors Shauna Willetts Assistant Editor Xernay Aniwar Style Editor J.C. Craig Assistant Editor Sarah Baum Social Media Editor Maggie Griswold Photo Editor Julia Buckingham Photographers Bia Jurema Eugena Neumann Ben Stringfellow Kyle Vines Videographer Jenny Sekulow Video Assistants: Tori Baptist Jensen Collins Gabby Jasper Michelle Klein Andrew Steinitz Nickki Worthington Design Team: MacKenzie Clarken Kim Duong Anne Fioravanti Kristina Lee Haley Longbottom 4 | MASTHEAD
LAUGHABLE READS YOU SHOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY Women writing and producing in comedy are becoming a force to be reckoned with. With successful movies and TV shows, these comedic women have written powerful biographies with the potential to shape
“Yes Please” is a concise biographical account of the life of the sassy and powerful Amy Poehler. She discusses her years working as a waitress, a senior “Saturday Night Live” writer and actor and her success as the writer and star of “Parks and Rec.” While this book is full of beautiful sentiments such as, “Saying yes too often takes up too much real-estate in your heart,” “Drugs aren’t that bad.” If you’re looking for an inspiring, honest and light-hearted read, “Yes Please” is an absolute must.
Mindy Kaling’s smart and honest this short autobiography. Although it’s yet another rags-to-riches tale, Kaling’s story is much more interesting as she stumbled into the writing world accidentally. Her description of her time on the award-winning TV show on the world of comedy writing. Kaling spends a great deal of the book discussing her childhood, various Hollywood musings and a great deal of insecurities she has as a minority woman in the entertainment industry. If you’re looking for a deeply personal, hilarious and short read, this book is the way to go.
Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” is a comedic, insightful biography, in which Fey begins discussing her insecurities as a woman in comedy — a career almost dominated by men. “Bossypants” tackles serious societal issues such as stereotypes, feminism and holding one’s own in the work force. “Bossypants” has much less of a serious tone than “Yes Please” and uses the opportunity to discuss more personal matters, such as Fey’s relationship with Amy Poehler. “Bossypants” is a solid bed-time or beach-side read for some laughs and deep thought.
ENTERTAINMENT | 5
Spring Break is without a doubt the saving grace of spring semester. For 10 days (and 10 days only), students can put their stress aside and take in a little R&R — and books you should keep in mind this Spring break
6 | ENTERTAINMENT
seeking the next big thing Described as the “best chiller” since “Gone Girl,” chological thriller guaranteed to get your heart ing and highly addictive, which makes for the perfect Spring Break read.
+ JOEL MCHALE FANS munity” last May, fans demanded another will air March 17 — just in time for Spring Cinderella is back, and more dramatic than ever. Kenneth
tells the story of a former lawyer forced to attend community college, now is the perfect time to catch up.
for nostalgic college students sic has never been shown on such a massive scale. And
“Anchorman” and “Ride Along” funniest men, Will Ferrell and
WITH LAZY EYES Audible, an app that allows users to listen to a wide range of books on any of their electronic devices,
create one of the most highly anticipated comedies of the March 27. After witnessing their
between these two comedians will shine on the big screen.
and the ambitious and quirky Leslie describes her triumphs, pitfalls and ENTERTAINMENT | 7
SPRINg
Whether you’re taking on NYC or Appalachia, Miami or your couch this Spring Break, get ready to look and feel great with these fresh and functional looks that’ll help you take on your next locale.
FOR THE COUCH Feel like a hermit, look like a heroine in a punchy crop top and joggers. Who says you can’t look good while watching re-runs of trashy TV?
FOR THE CITY A color-blocked coat and leather sneakers will not only help you walk for blocks on end, but it’ll get you photographed on the street, too.
8 | FASHION
break FOR THE BEACH
FOR THE MOUNTAINS
Layers that won’t mess with your tan? We’re so down for it. Show some skin in a sheer top and work what your mama gave you.
Hike your heart out then dine between activities with its chic functionality.
Modeled by Sarah Hoski FASHION | 9
Do It Yourself
TIP
Wash hair products out! They collect irritating particles that rub
Allergy Relief
TIPEat spicy
close to your face, such as your pillow.
foods. Open up the airways!
Honey
TIP
This one’s got inconclusive evidence, BUT we’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about it lately. The theory is that by eating local honey, you’re introducing pollen spores into the body, making your body and immune system accustomed to them. Although WebMD doesn’t back it up, plenty of alternative medicine gurus love honey and say it’s worth a shot.
Groom your dog/cat. Even if you aren’t allergic to pet hair, other allergins can collect on your furry friend.
Directions: -Head to the local Co-Op or farmers market to get your honey hook-up. The less processed, the better.
Peppermint Tea
Neti Pot
Peppermint oil is a natural decongestant that opens up your nasal passages. By brewing up a cup of peppermint tea, you
catch all the little particles you breathe in with the air. Use a
those yummy, healthy essential oils.
Directions:
Directions:
-Purchase a neti pot at your local drug store.
-Buy a box of peppermint tea, or try fresh peppermint leaves.
of baking soda. Stir. -Over the sink or while in the shower, tilt your head and pour the mixture into one nostril. If you feel like you’re drowning, don’t worry! Try panting — yeah, like a dog — while pouring.
10| HEALTH & WELLNESS
-Sweeten with honey if you please.
Fiber 101 What is dietary Fiber?
Why do we need fiber?
Are there different types? Soluble Soluble
Insoluble Insoluble
slows down helps get rid of waste
Oatmeal, lentils, beans, strawberries, blueberries, apples
Brown rice, whole wheat, grains, nuts/seeds, zucchini, carrots
HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONSUME OF EACH?
HEALTH & WELLNESS | 11
Spring Cleaning With spring around the corner, it’s time to push away the winter blues. One of the easiest ways to do this is by sprucing up your living space. This can be tricky on a college budget, but these simple decorating ideas can take your place from dark and dreary to fully blooming.
Gold detail can bring a bright, calming feel to any space in a house. Whether its frames, candles or tinsel, gold should be your BFF this spring.
12 | STYLE
The quickest way to convey a clean feel A bouquet can add otherwise dull room.
An easy way to tidy your space for spring is with some type of shelving. Not only does it provide organization, but it’s also a great way to display your favorite pictures and trinkets.
Check out stores like HomeGoods, West Elm books and signs.
STYLE | 13
This just in: Big/Little season The weeks leading up to sorority Big/ Little reveal are surprisingly stressful for soon-to-be bigs. Buying goodies and crafting for a future little can be a time consuming and expensive task. We’ve put together some of our favorite items to get you inspired and make the preparation a little easier.
One of the most popular items at All That Jas is spirit jerseys. These large tshirts are a staple piece in every
Phi Mu Letters
Reed Haeckel, Phi Mu
14 | STYLE
pre-made ones at All That Jas, or you can work with any of the wonderful women there to customize your own.
“
Elephant Canvas
We call our family the ElePham, so this was a Pinterest-inspired craft for my little that had some special meaning behind it
“
Elon girls have a huge advantage when it comes to putting together crafts. All That Jas on Williamson Avenue is full of unique gifts catered to each sorority on campus. Whether you want to buy shirts and letters or tiny trinkets to add to your handmade crafts, All That Jas has everything you need to spoil your little.
Ruthie Robinson
Ruthie Robinson, Phi Mu
If you’re looking to make crafts yourself, Hobby Lobonline. The most important supplies for prep will be acrylic paint, canvases and lots of Mod Podge!
STYLE | 15
50States
Cate with
I
“
t’s stepping away from the typical internship,” Cate LeSourd said as she stepped toward the table, settling down with a broad smile. The bold statement is how she phrases what may become her next career move — an “unternship” at Golin firm. LeSourd is a senior at Elon University with a keen understanding of balancing her present and future moments, making the most out of potential plans now and transforming the present into a beneficial gift for her future. One moment she found herself prepping for an equally thrilling Winter Term internship in Nashville — the next thinking about plans for her more permanent future with an ambitious internship. Those plans fell into her lap on
“
Dec. 31 of this year. An avid communications student, LeSourd receives monthly internships lists from the McEwen School of Communications. While searching through old emails, she stumbled upon previous lists and decided to pursue applications. Golin was on one of those lists, and the program stood out to LeSourd.
changed. Within moments of considering an application, she knew it was something she had the capability to chase. “My idea came to me,” she said. She envisioned her three months with Golin without the boundaries of one city. Instead, it would be an epic, social-media-infused road trip to all 50 states of America. Within minutes, her project, “50 States with Cate,” was born.
“
Alyssa Potter Features Editor
Let yourself think of possibilty. Embrace the season of ambiguity. Cate Lesourd The “unternship” called for its applicants to create their own internship in a city in the United States for three months during Summer 2015. After reading the description, LeSourd realized its deadline was that very same day. Dec. 31 was the day LeSourd’s prospective career completely
The application process
The application was short, only three sentences with a supplemental essay. She sent in her own, which teased “50 States with Cate,” and went back to living in her present. She focused on her upcoming month-long work endeavor in Nashville and left “50 States with Cate” behind. But during her first week at her internship in Nashville, LeSourd received a phone call. She had made it through to the next round at Golin. COVER STORY | 17
Now the “unternship” was thrust into LeSourd’s reality. Thousands of students are attracted to this premise, though LeSourd wasn’t sure she was one of them. She had applied on a whim — nothing else. As someone who applied without hesitation, she was unsure how to feel about this company’s adoration for her proposal. Her project, seemingly a dream, was quickly becoming both a reality and a burden. If she moved forward to the next round, she would have to map out the details of her proposal. How was she going to travel to all 50 states in three months while simultaneously creating a social media platform that would trace her trips? What did that entail? If she became one of the top six candidates, Golin would also have a conversation with her about a full-time position, regardless of whether or not she received the “unternship.” Only one of the six candidates will receive the “unternship,” but the others typically join Golin’s firm and work full-time. In theory, the “unternship” candidate will also work full-time after the three months.
18 | COVER STORY
After some heavy deliberation, LeSourd took a steadfast leap of faith to continue on with the unique opportunity. She accepted and got to work on the next part of the application. The next step: shoot a short video revealing the nitty-gritty details of her adventure. “As an Elon Communications student, I was influenced to go above and beyond,” LeSourd said. The requirements called for a video of any quality, meaning applicants could use their iPhone to make the four-minute show. LeSourd knew she could do better. “I brought my camera to Nashville and was able to think about my idea in more depth there,” she said. LeSourd made not only a video, but a website and various social media accounts to showcase the full potential of her idea. Everything was going well — her internship in Nashville and her Golin application — so LeSourd didn’t foresee any major upcoming issues. But after previewing a few of her social media posts, her computer finally lost its battle to a faulty graphics card and crashed, leaving LeSourd to completely relearn updated software. With only a few days left before the deadline, she buckled down and tweaked her footage. She submitted just in time. Two days later, LeSourd received the phone call congratulating her on making it into the top six. “Golin said to just sit back and wait to hear from there, to see if we made it to the top three positions,” LeSourd explained. After she completed her Nashville internship, Golin called LeSourd the week before Elon classes began in February. LeSourd had made it into the top three. Not only did she make it to the round in which full-time positions were discussed, but her idea now became an even bigger possibility. At this
moment, LeSourd realized she had a real shot at becoming an “untern.” The next step: interview. LeSourd’s interview was Feb. 23 in Chicago, one of Golin’s many office locations. She flew out to the Windy City to meet her potential employers in person. From this interview, Golin will determine if LeSourd will obtain the “unternship” in mid-March — and will subsequently contact the other top candidates about permanent job positions.
The decision-making game Now LeSourd is faced with the struggle of many graduating seniors: what she really wants. Though LeSourd has a good chance at receiving the “unternship,” she isn’t sure that is the path she wants to take. “It’s nice to know [there are] more doors, but it is still hard, because there were doors open in Nashville while I was there,” LeSourd said. She had a wonderful experience in a city she fell in love with, but she may have to leave Nashville for good. “I came back to Elon at the end of January for sorority recruitment and my friends all asked me how Nashville was. They said, ‘You’re going to move there right?’” LeSourd said. If she accepts any type of position at Golin, Lesourd knows Nashville is not a city she could hope to work in through their company. Golin has many different offices, but Nashville is not currently one of them. LeSourd had previous visions of a permanent life in Nashville. What she had in Nashville fit all her criteria — a prosperous city and a job that explored her passions. “While in Nashville, I had an idea to start a restaurant using the buyone-get-one model,” LeSourd said, reflecting on her inspirations from TOMS and her previous internship.
“I felt strongly about the city and my potential there.” LeSourd has also always had a passion for service — a passion that has taken her all over the globe. Her Nashville internship consisted of a service element that was appealing to LeSourd. She spent a month with Sourd conducted marketing strate-
goes to building wells in Africa, allowing LeSourd to use her additional human services background with a social entrepreneurship platform. “I need meaning behind my work, as well as a fun-working environment,” LeSourd said. This passion for service is an important part of LeSourd’s life. LeSourd hopes to bring this same passion to her Golin “unternship,” if she gets it so she does not have to make
as many compromises. She’s beginning to consider a longterm approach to her pending project “50 States with Cate” — it could serve as a career catalyst for LeSourd’s larger goals of one day starting her own business. In addition, LeSourd knows Golin is a well-respected agency and has won a handful of awards, making it a wonderful place to work. Taking the “unternship,” would be an opportunity that would greatly advance her career. Like many seniors in similar situations LeSourd remains certainty has taught LeSourd to change her thinking and reconsider the unknown as an opportunity. “I’m changing my way of thinking to ‘good and good,’ rather than ‘good and bad.’ There may not be a right and wrong — a wrong decision, that is. I am, right now, extremely peaceful,” LeSourd said. “Overall, I would have it all combined into one mission — combining my skills and passions.” For now, there is nothing she can do in the upcoming moments. “I’m thankful that I’m this far [in the Golin unternship process], and I’m learning so much through this… ing how people are supporting me,” LeSourd explained. LeSourd didn’t come to this peace easily and recounted many times when she broke down in tears, terriand a journey that would require her
to spend as little as two days in each state, sleeping very little, juggling her social media — and doing it all alone. But after time, LeSourd found assurance. Her experience with Golin so far, and the uncertainty it has thrown into her life, has taught LeSourd to recognize the importance and power of positive thinking. “I try not to think of what I am going to do with the rest of my life but what I am going to do for the next season of my life, doing the best we can with each season we’re in,” LeSourd said. Her “best” is what she hopes to achieve out of whichever experience she may choose. Though LeSourd is living in deep uncertainty, she has recognized her potential in either situation, giving credit to Elon in professional endeavors. “I constantly ask myself, ‘How do I use what I’ve studied at Elon and the things I’m gifted at to bring about positive change in the world?’ For whatever we study there’s ways Sourd said. The hardest thing for LeSourd — harder than deciding the next chapter of her life — might be leaving Elon. According to LeSourd, college moved too quickly for her. “I look back on all the lessons I’ve learned, experiences I’ve had, and you have years left at Elon, lucky you. Utilize that.” With a four-year foundation, LeSourd will continue to pursue her opportunities — whether that’s in Nashville, with “50 States” or beyond. her fellow graduating seniors, who are facing the same struggles she is with graduation looming ahead. “This is probably the most uncertain time of our lives, pre-graduation. Probably the most terrifying but most thrilling,” LeSourd said. “Let yourself think of possibility. Embrace the season of ambiguity.” COVER STORY | 19
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runge FASHION | 21
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a a 20 | FASHION 24
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Philanthropy in GREEK LIFE a powerful discourse or a discourse of power? Lauryl Fischer Features Editor
E low-functioning. But that’s just one fact about him. He’s also 23 years old, meticulous, a mail deliveryman and a “He doesn’t say ‘I love you,’” said ‘You will always be in my heart.’” to rush, and her path collided with leading autism research and awareness charity in the United States. It was here she found her home, drawn in by a philanthropy so close to her heart. Greek philanthropy doesn’t often make the news at Elon. When Greek Life hits headlines, it’s usually negative, such as Sigma Pi’s suspension for hazing, and now Pi Kappa Phi’s similar allegations. When these controversies crop up, Greek Life points toward philanLife’s partnership with philanthropy shouldn’t be ignored. To date for this year, Elon’s collective Greek organizations donated more than $109,900 deserves attention. It also deserves 28 | FEATURES
critical thought. Philanthropy and service are some of the building blocks of Elon University as a whole. The Kernodle Center states its ethic of service is one that “appreciates multiple perspectives, ing and empowering to all, and responds to the needs of our diverse communities.” So when Greek philanthropy is put under a microscope, does it meet these tenants?
slacktivism vs. activism
Some sororities require service hours and track philanthropy points. Others require neither.
philanthropy, every sorority should be held to the same standards — and high standards at that, according to of sociology and anthropology. He is the head of Elon’s Periclean Scholars, a program dedicated to creating global social change through sustainable service and philanthropy abroad. “Philanthropy is thoughtful, thor-
sorority to sorority, since each orga-
lanthropy. “Philanthropy done well is partnership.”
has adopted domestic abuse as its national issue and cannot establish a chapter without a nearby domes-
pointed to a popular event attended by Greeks and non-Greeks alike: Elon-
goes directly to their chapter’s part-
Compare this model with some of the sororities who have national part-
philanthropies goes to large national charities. Some of these sororities call for large fundraising events. Others, like
cere discourse, saying that the event ences than the work being done. He summed up Elonthon in one word: slacktivism. The term refers to activities that are easily performed and ing the participants feel good about themselves than at achieving lasting, impactful change. “With events like a soccer or volleyball tournament, it’s easy to think ‘oh that was so fun’ and then forget the philanthropy part of it,” said Junior Han-
nah Green, previous director of philanthropy on Elon’s National PanHellenic else do you get other organizations on campus to donate money to your philanthropy?” acknowledged that much of Greek life can appear to be slacktivist, but not every sorority, philanthropy or student in Greek life is equal in this regard. “We would love students to go deeper, and we would love for them to build long term relationships with local and really think about how service impacts,” said Plasters. “But we’re also not going to say to the student that wants to do a one-time service opportunity, ‘Never mind. There isn’t value in that.’” Elonthon bears resemblance to other events sororities host through-
events seek to raise money as the main goal. “One of the things you have to ask -
it, but I can think of other places where that $100,000 raised at Elonthon can materially change the lives of a lot of people, where I’m not convinced that [with] that $100,000 dropped in a research pool, you can say the same thing.” tional research, education and care for
there was nothing wrong with supthat there may be causes where the money could make a larger impact. participants in a thoughtful conversation about where the money is going or should go, as philanthropy should. “Just writing a check is the most hollow form of philanthropy possible,” giving to you. It is learning from you, partnering with you. It’s understanding that you probably know better when it comes to your local problems.” What good philanthropy boils down discourse,” as opposed to a “discourse of power”: when those with more privilege raise money or do work that they think is best for marginalized communities, without asking those communities what they need. -
thropic partner in 2009. Since then, the sorority has raised more than $2 million for the organization through its various national chapters, according
more than $61,000.
four percent of its total revenue to autistic people and families with autistic children. It spent 43 percent on media and advertising, 19 percent on administrative costs and 13 percent on research into autism. and supported via the grants they fund, much of the research funded is ing a “cure,” which is in itself a controversial stance condemned by other autism-advocacy philanthropies, like -
as a process that reinforces a person’s reproduces positions of domination and subordination. “One of my sayings is that justice lanthropy is a mutual journey toward ensuring pathways of dignity for all a pathway to dignity.”
big philanthropy, big money, big trouble Several Elon sororities partner with big-name philanthropies that have
But most troubling to the autistic to follow one of the basic tenants of caro’s insistence on partnership, the dangers of ‘othering’ and the importance of including autistic people in the conversation. tic board member when John Elder Robison stepped down in November 2013. He left the organization over
The Elon community joins Alpha Xi Delta at their XiTi Dinner, an event they host annually to raise money for Autism Speaks.
FEATURES | 29
his resignation: tive its messages have been to the psyches of autistic people. We do not like hearing that we are defective or diseased. We do not like hearing that we are part of an epidemic. We are not problems for our parents or society, or genes to be eliminated. We are people,” he wrote in his letter. When asked about controversy
“
money to where we’re giving money.” doubts. “I think the challenge is that for our would be a dialogue that would have to happen at a national level.”
Philanthropy is thoughtful, thorough, reflective —it is work.
“I’m saying buck up and show leadership, ladies,” said
Tom Arcaro
say that the sororities have the responsibility to do the vetting them-
“I don’t really like that they advertise [a cure], because there isn’t respectful to the families to say that. However, it is a great organization that does a lot of work in research, and is No. 1 in advocacies for autism, so in that sense I support it.” Green echoed her sentiments. “There’s always people out there who are going to be unhappy,” said Green about the controversy. “It’s sad to think that not all the money is going to families, but at the same time, autism… I think that it is such an unknown [disorder] that, regardless where the the country are still having an impact.”
nership with Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure. nership after contractual negotiations ing statement on its website: “The proposal Komen presented to sole sponsor of the Survivor Recogrequirement to sponsor this program. 30 | FEATURES
ability to increase funding for scholarships and educational programs — essential elements of our Fraternity’s purpose. While Komen presented other proposals with lesser fees, none would allow our members to participate in the Survivor Recognition Program, which has been the
“
portrayal of autism in the media, which he felt worsened the stigma surrounding autism. Robison spoke about his feelings on his blog and in
cornerstone of our partnership from the start.” with breast cancer research and awareness. Its trademark “Think Pink” will stay with the organization. While
University and our students as leaders have a responsibility to not just follow or-
need to call nationals on it and make a stink about it.”
vetting 101 Vetting philanthropy is a compli-
will pilot a program with the non-profit Bright Pink, an organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support for high-risk individuals. Twenty chapters
start. “It involves not just going to the
more information about the future of their philanthropy. Since sororities are assigned a philanthropy through the National PanHellenic council, they cannot choose which philanthropies to support and are required to meet national standards in order to keep their charter and remain on Elon’s campus. Some women interviewed felt like any issues with their philan-
charities and their procedures.” Some of these resources are free websites specializing in rating charities, such as Charitynavigator.org and Guidestar.org. These sites are often just the beginning of a longer vetting process. Sometimes information on these tism Speaks, spend a good portion of money raised on administrative costs
and Susan G. Komen controversies — were therefore out of their hands. “Because these sororities have mandated philanthropies, I think that if there was a problem with where the money is going, National PanHellenic would also have to take account for it,” said Green. “Because they’re the one who is in charge of the chapters. It’s not like we’re choosing to give the
looking at a number of resources that
disregard the charity if its overhead “You can’t run a big organization without infrastructure and that costs mistakes is we assume that lower overhead means good, but I think sometimes it might be the opposite.” Other tools of vetting involve in-
such as the 990s released every year.
“I think you should have a fair ratio between the CEO and your regular 30:1, not 100:1.” But what happens if a vetting process does not lead to action, to the kind of dialogue needed on the national level that Plasters mentioned? Plasters urged the girls not to get downhearted, but to look toward other areas of philanthropy. “I do think that it’s incumbent on our organizations to still honor their obligations through their national organization,” said Plasters. “But, also,
adults with special needs. Green frequents many of these pates in Buddy Break one Saturday a month at Trinity Worship Church in Burlington, where the sisters interact with autistic children from all areas of the spectrum. For Green, events like Special Fridays and Buddy Break are
Green. “I see the same kids at events all year, and I get to know them on a personal level.” Because of these events, Green despite controversy around their larger philanthropy, these kinds of community activities do resemble the
Not all Greek philanthropy goes big. Some of these connections happen in little ways, in normal places, like Elon’s own Community Church. Once a month on Friday night, two worlds come together under its roof. young adults, any one of them potentially an Elon student. They gathered in groups, sometimes in pairs, to Special Friday: volunteers from Elon’s community working alongside young
AAA AON AEA iM AxO KA eee eK ztA
Sigma Kappa also has events in the community that go under the radar. ton where they interact with residents. draiser thus far, turning in more than $700,000 — much of which was raised through letter-writing campaigns. around its local partner. In the past,
$16,203.25 $13,348.98 $10,492.64 $3,260.00 $2,951.25 $1,905.00 $290 $259 Nothing reported
Liz Van Hise previously volunteered with the Service Learning CommuniElon Volunteers. She has taken these
place. “When I went to rush, I needed to
values of the organizations.”
Coming HOme to the Community
enced domestic violence. Last year, they collected and donated necessities such as shampoo and toiletries to many of the women in the shelter during an emergency drive.
Sorority Fundraising For 2013-2014 as reported to the greek life office
role as philanthropy chair, where she hopes to establish the “powerful dis“Something we’re trying to do more is asset-based community services, looking more at the positives and building on those instead of the negatives,” said Van Hise. “It’s really important to be aware going in that it’s about asking them [the community] what you can do to help.” Establishing that powerful discourse is also about education, an area in Greek philanthropy many women interviewed felt could become stronger. It would mean engaging the sorority, and the campus as a whole, in a dialogue surrounding many of the issues raised by each sorority’s philanthropy. “I think there is always more room to learn,” said Green. “You learn all the facts in your philanthropy for Philanally know?” is one of the best ways to wipe out othering — to ensure ethical practices of partnership, where each side is learning from each other. I’ve asked her what she has learned
behavior and their relationship, a relationship that she says is “so special to me.” “I think loving unconditionally,” she tience and he’s taught me that there’s something in everyone. We just have to take the time to get to know someone, and realize their skills and what value they can add to your life.” FEATURES | 31
Q&A WITH THE
Intern Queen career and internship expert looking to help college students land their dream internships. She Q: What’s one characteristic every internship application should have (a must-have internship application element, if you will)? A: Every internship application should “connect the dots” for the employer. Your resume and cover letter should clearly indicate why YOU are the best person for this SPECIFIC position. An employer should know your materials were customized for them. Q: A: Think about it this way: if you were in an elevator with the CEO of your dream company, what experience would you talk about? Take out the rest — make it one page. Q: Something I always have trouble with is coming up with an answer to the question: “What are your weaknesses?” Any tips? about how to answer the most popular internship questions. For this question, you could note how you are too much of a perfectionist, or you overanalyze situations, or you tend to worry about your voice your ideas more. Q: What are the best responses to the question: “Do you have any questions?” A: Can you describe a day in the life of an intern at
person do so well? Q: What’s the best way to follow up about an internship application? A: After 10 days via email — try to avoid following up on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. Q: Tying into the previous question, where is the line between being persistent and being pushy? A: You can reach out once and follow up two additional times. If you get no responses, you could try calling once, but otherwise move onto the next.
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Photo Courtesy of Lauren Berger
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Walk in every day thinking how can I make the most of this opportunity?
Q: Once they’ve gotten the job, what can interns do to set themselves apart in the workplace? A: most of this opportunity? Introduce yourself to be as friendly as you were on day 1 on day 10. Hold the internship and leave a lasting impression. Stay in touch 3 times per year after the internship.