Winners of the Light of Flame Scholarship
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2008 Winner
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Samantha Reuter |
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My love for Delta Zeta began when I was only nine years old. It was the night of my aunt’s wedding and being that young, there isn’t a whole lot that I can remember. But the one thing that has always stuck in my mind was the point when twenty five women stood up from their seats and gathered around my aunt. With tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces, these lovely women each spoke of their time in college with my beautiful aunt. Each one noted their life long friendship and undying love for the women that surrounded them. They concluded their speeches with a heartfelt song that mentioned a flame, love for their sisters, and of course Delta Zeta.
When it was my turn to enter college, I was so excited. It was my turn to experience life and everlasting friendships. Unfortunately I spent my first few weeks of school very unhappy. I was lost without my family and I spent many nights alone in my dorm room with no one to turn to. Remembering my aunt’s advice (which was of course to rush!), I sought out my own sisterhood in the fall of 2007. I was so scared. What if there wasn’t a place for me? What if no one wanted me? But my worries were quickly silenced when I entered the room that held the Delta Zetas. Met with smiles, cheers, and of course many hugs, I right away knew that I had found what I was looking for, a family.
In the three years that I have been a part of this wonderful sisterhood, I have never felt alone. There has always been a sister by my side through the good times and the bad. These wonderful girls have become my family away from home and of course, some of my best friends. But these last few years have been tough. There were many times that I felt that I didn’t have enough time for a sorority. With work, school, and an athletic team, a sisterhood was just another event to attend and I spent much of my sophomore year away from my sisters. But that didn’t stop them from trying to stay close to me. I received countless emails, voicemails, and facebook messages that were “just checking up” on me, seeing if I was “still alive”, and most importantly, explaining how much they missed me. At the beginning of my junior year, I was determined to devote myself to the sisterhood that has given me so much.
Delta Zeta means the world to me. The Light of the Flame Scholarship would allow me to spend my last year of school with the women with which I have grown very close. To one last time, look across the circle during preference determined not to meet another sister’s eyes, but do anyways and cry with so much love for the beautiful women across from me. To welcome another year of new members to this sisterhood that I call home. To be there for the little sister that I have been searching for my whole life. And last but not least, to spend one last unforgettable year with my best friends. Thank you for your time and consideration. No matter what happens, I will always live my life in the light of the flame.
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2007 Winners |
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Elizabeth Bishop |
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Initiated in Winter 2004, Ellen has held many leadership positions within Delta Zeta and the Greek Community. She plans to pursue a career in communications. |
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Stacey Kingma (now VanLaan) She was awarded the scholarship in the inaugural year. She is studying Special Education and Psychology. She was recently engaged when we gave her this award and as you can see she has a new last name now! |
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This communications major and DZ legacy was a beloved member of the chapter. She might be small, but she come with big personality and an even bigger heart |
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