From A Chickadee: gabby

During freshman orientation, I heard about service and spirit organizations at UT, and I knew I wanted to join one. However, I wasn’t sure which one to choose from since there was a multitude of options tabling and presenting on Speedway. One day, I mistakenly made eye contact with someone tabling and shouting for Chi Kappa Phi, and I was roped in. Soon after, I attended all the recruitment events and eventually fell in love with the org and people!

Chi Kappa Phi embodies philanthropy and service through a tight-knit community of positive individuals. I’ve had such a rewarding experience volunteering and working with different organizations in Austin. There is such a gratifying feeling working with under-represented elementary schools by reading and doing activities with kids through Reading Aces. I've also worked on UT’s own Microfarm learning about gardening and how to take care of our environment. 

I may be a full-fledged chickadee now, but I will always cherish my memories as a peep. It has been incredible to watch my class grow closer together while accomplishing so many wonderful things. We started out as strangers, then slowly became friends who worked and communicated together to serve our community. The Lambda Class peep project certainly had its fair share of challenges, but our diligence, perseverance, and teamwork ultimately prevailed as we were able to successfully raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of Texas. Throughout the entire process, I felt incredibly supported by the other peeps and chickadees. During times of stress or confusion, other members stepped up to help us. By working together, brainstorming, and taking action, we were able to execute a project that we are all incredibly proud of. 

The community of Chi Kappa Phi is incredibly inclusive, and though we may be a smaller organization, that just means we are all closer to each other. Beyond philanthropic events, we also spend so much time together doing fun spirit events. Whether it be studying together for hours, or going to play mini golf, Chi Kappa Phi is no short of opportunities to learn, have fun, and grow!

So the next time your walking on Speedway, don’t avoid eye contact with us! Instead, come talk to us about the opportunities we have for you. There is something so special about the people in this organization that has made them truly feel like a second family to me. 

Fly,

Gabby Dong

Lambda Class