Integrity Over Everything

Venturing beyond our comfort zones can be intimidating, as fear of the unknown leaves many of us plagued by hesitation. As someone who identified with this mindset, Nevada Alpha ABBY NEELEY CLAYPOOL discovered that some of her most impactful experiences happened after she took the initial step forward and asked herself, “what’s the worst that could happen?”

In her first year at the University of Nevada, Abby did not intend to join a sorority. It wasn’t until her sophomore year that her curiosity grew when she happened upon a Pi Phi table promoting Continuous Open Bidding for the Nevada Alpha Chapter. Overcoming her hesitation, Abby walked up to the women at the table and asked about this opportunity. “Looking back on it, I don’t think I would’ve had the same experience in college if I hadn’t walked up to them and asked about Pi Phi,” Abby reflects. “I think the initial step is oftentimes what stops people.” Soon after, Abby said yes to Pi Phi sisterhood, a decision which would bring her unexpected—and unforgettable—gifts.

After joining the Nevada Alpha Chapter in Fall 2017, Abby knew she wanted to become involved in chapter leadership and eventually began serving as the chapter’s Policy and Standards Board Chair. While this role helped Abby develop foundational leadership skills, she also understood the challenges it posed. “I had to have difficult conversations with women in the chapter,” she shares. “My intentions were never to get anyone in trouble; I was in the role to uphold the integrity of the chapter and the Fraternity.”

Near the beginning of her term as Policy and Standards Board Chair, Abby began hearing of a leadership development opportunity for collegians—Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute. At this point in her collegiate career, Abby knew she wanted to pursue education and saw this event as a stepping stone for her future as well as a chance to collaborate with other chapter leaders.

“It was amazing to gather with like-minded individuals from all over the country,” Abby says. “I had a wonderful, supportive group that was willing to listen to how I wanted to develop in my own leadership journey.” Abby also notes that confiding in her sisters about the obstacles she faced serving in chapter leadership was integral to her growth.

These connections helped Abby develop a broader understanding of her role as a leader as she engaged in the programming at Leadership Institute. “I learned to have integrity over everything,” Abby shares. “That was one of my biggest takeaways— and I carry that sentiment with me in every aspect of my life.”

Having experienced one of Pi Phi’s leadership development opportunities firsthand and gained valuable insights, Abby feels passionate about encouraging others to do the same. “Leadership opportunities are not as easy to come by once you’re beyond your education,” she says. “I am always of the mindset that you should take every opportunity you can while you have it—you can adapt those leadership skills into any career you pursue.”

Now, as a high school algebra teacher, Abby finds herself relying on the skills she learned from Leadership Institute and her experience in Pi Phi overall. “I try to display the values of Pi Phi as much as I can and instill them in my students,” Abby explains. “Not only do I want to teach them math, but I want to teach them how to be good people.”

Abby is also a Foundation donor, and while she supports and encourages the empowerment of future women leaders, her reason for giving back to our sisterhood stems from an even more personal place. “Looking back on it, I don’t know where I would be without Pi Phi; I think I would’ve been very isolated and lonely,” she shares. “My best friends to this day are women I met in Pi Phi, and I want to do what I can to help others have that same experience.”

In reflecting on the ways Pi Phi has impacted her life—from invaluable leadership skills and transformative experiences to lifelong connections— there is one piece of advice that will always stay close to her heart. “I was always someone who was hesitant to try new things, but my biggest takeaway from Pi Phi is that even if something doesn’t seem like it’s for you—just go for it,” Abby shares. “After all, what’s the worst that could happen?”

PI PHI ENCOURAGES AND EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS.

All Pi Phi leadership development opportunities — from College Weekend and the Leadership Development Consultant program to Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute and Leading with Values® — are supported by our Foundation.

Chapter Leadership Education Expendable (CLEE) funds support leadership development and training at the chapter level. These funds eliminate financial barriers to leadership programming for chapter officers and individual members by helping to cover travel and registration costs, giving more Pi Phis access to transformational leadership development opportunities as they pursue their goals and develop as confident leaders. Once established with a $10,000 donation, any member can make gifts to support a CLEE—scan the QR code to see if one has been created for your chapter.

To learn more about how CLEEs support your chapter sisters and ensure the Pi Phi member experience stays strong, contact Foundation Executive Director JILL CARREL, Indiana Gamma, at jcarrel@pibetaphi.org.