This is Alpha Chi | Meredith Smith's Story

This week we want to introduce you to our President, Meredith Smith. Meredith is a junior majoring in Political Science from Homewood, AL. She took a few minutes to share with us her Alpha Chi Story and why Alpha Chi has meant so much to her. 

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The first time I heard about Alpha Chi Omega was on bid day 2009 when my older sister received her bid from Alpha Chi. All throughout high school, I watched her form amazing friendships, acquire many different leadership positions on campus, and become this amazing woman ready to take on the real world. For four years I longed for the day when I could join a sorority that does for me what Alpha Chi did for her. During recruitment, I tried to keep an open mind about all the sororities (after all, my sister and I are two completely different people). Recruitment is hard: you only have a week to get to know each sorority and figure out which one you want to be a part of for the next four years. As much as I tried to keep an open mind, I always felt at home whenever I walked through the doors of the Alpha Chi chapter room. Throughout the week I saw how real and genuine all the women in Alpha Chi are, and when it came time for me to make my decision I knew that those are the type of people I want by my side for the next four years. It was the smartest decision I’ve ever made (other than coming to Auburn, of course).

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My sister and me at her graduation from Auburn.

Bid Day 2013 with my "pearl pal." Little did I know this girl was going to be my big!

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The past two years I’ve received so much love, joy, and support from my sisters. When I ran for Senate my freshman year, these girls had my back. They changed their profile pictures on Facebook to my campaign picture, helped me bake over 500 cookies to hand out on the concourse, and even offered to loan me their jackets as I stood outside all day in the freezing weather. As if that weren’t enough, my sisters encouraged me to apply for positions that I thought I would never get. As a freshman, I ran for VP Facility Operations and had to move on the sorority hall with the pledge class above me. These girls were incredibly welcoming and inclusive, and the entire sorority treated me with respect even though I was younger than them. Serving as President has been challenging, but I am so thankful that these girls have trusted me to lead our chapter. Without their support, I wouldn’t have become the leader I am today. 

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Fall Formal 2014

Campaigning for Senate on the concourse freshman year.

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With Alpha Chi, it’s not just about being social and wearing really cool t-shirts (although my collection is out of control). It’s about becoming the best woman you can be. My sisters have helped me prepare for interviews, helped me study, stayed up until the early hours of the morning talking about life, taken care of me when I’ve been sick, and have always been there for me when I needed them. I can honestly say that without Alpha Chi, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am so thankful that I get to spend two more years with these real, strong women by my side, and I can’t wait to see the heights we reach together! 

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After I was elected VP Facility Operations freshman year.

My wonderful predecessor Lindsay passing down the gavel after I was officially sworn in as President.

Olivia was the first person I talked to in Alpha Chi. She has become one of my best friends, my Vice President, and even my future roommate!

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