Lessons Learned in 2011

1. Everyone suffers some kind of pain or hurt. Saying this semester was rough is putting it lightly; however, I know I wasn't going through a killer semester alone. I believe my whole group of friends would agree with me in saying that even though we went to hell-and-back this semester, we came away from it stronger because we had each other. And when I had nothing else to cling to, I knew I had the best (sorority) sisters anyone could ask for. Here's to Alpha Phi's Sophomore Class!

2. Don't take anything for granted. After seeing the devastation in Tuscaloosa, I really gained a whole new perspective on life. It's going to be years before Alabama recovers from the natural disaster. Sometimes I think we all forget that we should be grateful for simply having a roof over our heads. Seeing the things I have seen this year in Alabama and in LA has really brought me back down to earth and to remember that everything one has can be taken in an instant.

3. TTP: Trust the Process. This is a phrase that has been said on repeat to me throughout the past year. I first heard it at UIFI, and then again at Alpha Phi's ELI, and then AGAIN during my Service Immersion Trip to Tuscaloosa. I've learned to take a step back and just let go. Sometimes things don't always go as planned, if there even is a plan. Trusting the process is all about learning to trust others and trusting that, even though it may not look like it at any given point, that things will turn out right and the way they need to be. It's about not being in control and stepping outside of your comfort zone. To trust the process is to stop questioning everything and to have faith in yourself and others.

4. I learn so much more about myself, others and skills that I can actually apply in the "real world" through my activities outside of the classroom. Seriously, through my leadership positions on the Habitat For Humanity and Alpha Lambda Delta Exec Boards and through my position in Alpha Phi, I have learned valuable skills that will actually be applicable to my future. These skills such as event planning, managing a budget, conversation skills, communication etiquette, leading others, and so many others will be the skills that will help me land a job, not the facts about the Civil War or how to do some ridiculous mathematical equation. If I could, I would totally double major in extracurricular activities and leadership. Hah.

4. Boys are still stupid. Enough said.

So here's to a new year, a better semester, and good memories.

With Love,
Ashliegh

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for someone else" -Ben Franklin

On April 27th, the community of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was changed forever. An EF-4 tornado more than a mile wide ripped through the center of their town taking out over 5,000 homes and buildings, leaving over 7,000 people unemployed, and put 1,500 people in the hospital. In a matter of 6 minutes, 6 miles of Tuscaloosa were destroyed. 

I arrived in Tuscaloosa on December 17th with a team of 22 Greek students from all over the country and our two leaders from the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values for a week of service. While in Tuscaloosa, we were immersed in the culture of the city and served in many different ways. From cleaning up debris and cutting down trees with the Tuscaloosa Area Volunteer Reception Center to filing paperwork and folding clothes for the Temporary Emergency Services, we were able to see just how much help the area still needed.

Community service was instilled as one of my core values at an early age. My family didn't have much but we had what we needed and we made the most of what we had; however, around the holiday season, we always found the money and time to participate in Christmas Angel programs where we would buy gifts for families who couldn't afford them. As a middle schooler, I dedicated my Wednesday nights to the AWANA program at my church and lead a table of 10 carefree and fun-loving toddlers in memorizing their Bible verses, handing out snacks, and other activities. In high school I volunteered for the Canal Fulton Historical Society, helping them to clean the historic houses and museums and volunteered within the city wherever help was needed. Now in college, I give much of my time to volunteering and advocating for Habitat For Humanity.

I do not volunteer because I feel the need to prove I'm a good person or need the recognition; I serve because it allows for the burden of another human being to be lifted from their shoulders, it gives that person hope that there is good in this world and they're not alone. 

After a very rough semester, this trip was so refreshing. It reignited my hope in people, my love of forming relationships, and my passion for serving others. It reminded me that I am passionate; I am happy; and I am a leader. I am reminded to never take anything for granted. I am so thankful that I was able to serve the Tuscaloosa area as it was an incredible experience and I am so blessed to have been able to help.

After this week in Tuscaloosa, I believe this will be my most thankful and blessed Christmas yet. 

With Love,

Ashliegh

The sight of the inside of this apartment brought tears to my eyes. A little girl's drawings and colored pictures were left taped to the wall with everything in ruins. This really gave me a reality check.

"There are two kinds of gratitude: the sudden kind we feel for what we receive and the larger kind for what we give." 

- Edward Arlington Robinson -

‎"I'd rather lose myself in passion than lose my passion." - Jacques Mayol

We're about halfway through the fall semester here at Ashland University and it's been a long past few weeks.

The past few weeks, I've been really reevaluating my life and what I hope to do. Now don't get me wrong, I love my major. I really enjoy broadcast and journalism and film and all of that. I enjoyed my time in LA and I would LOVE to have Robin Meade's job on CNN or be the editor of Seventeen Magazine. However, for some reason, I don't think it's what I'm meant to do for the rest of my life.

As many of you know, this summer I was able to attend the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and Alpha Phi's Emerging Leader's Institute. I had such a wonderful time and learned so much about myself and leadership at both of these institutes. I've been thinking a lot about it lately and I think I'm meant to go into student affairs. I love seeing and hearing about college-aged men and women reach their potential and do such incredible and inspiring things at such a ripe age.

Being torn between these two passions of mine have left me feeling quite distressed lately. I honestly can not see myself in any other major, but I also can't see myself doing broadcast for the rest of my life.

Another thing that I've been thinking about a lot recently is Alpha Phi elections, which are 38 days away. I know many people are expecting me to run for president (and I expected myself to do that also) but after a lot of soul searching, I have decided to hold off for a year on that dream; however, I will be running for a position.

I knew the day I joined the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi that I wanted to someday be president. Last semester and over the summer, I thought that my time for this position would be this year. After thinking long and hard about this over the past few weeks, I've decided to wait. I want to truly develop my leadership abilities to a further extent before taking on such a position.

Part of being a leader is wanting what is best for the organization at the time being. A leader also knows their limits and not to spread themselves too thin. I believe that, right now, I may not be the best choice for Alpha Phi but I hope that, eventually, I will be. I think this process of choosing whether to run or not has come with a great deal of maturity, as it takes a very strong and mature person to be able to evaluate and critique themselves and decide on what is right for not just themselves, but for their organization as a whole.

As many of you know, I don't do anything without submitting my full passion into it. Alpha Phi and Greek life have become not just a passion but a way of life. I love the ideals that we hold for each other and holding each other accountable for each others actions. I believe I am ready to take on a higher position and I hope that my chapter will have the confidence in me to allow me to do that.

With Love,
Ashliegh

Hello Sophomore Year!

I've returned from LA and am back in action at Ashland University!

What an incredible and eye-opening opportunity it was to work on the Mary Kay Inspiring Stories program. Hearing the stories of the women who will be featured in the documentary and getting to know the women on Team Joy was a wonderful experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. The women's stories of overcoming domestic violence were so empowering and filled with hope. The women who were on the Team Joy crew with me were, well, filled with joy! I made so many new friends and learned so much from those five women. I am truly blessed to have them placed into my life.

 I would like to thank Mary Kay and Dreaming Tree Films for putting on this program that will empower women all over the world. I would also like to thank my sorority, Alpha Phi, for putting the application link on their Facebook. Had they not linked to it, I would have never found out about the program and never would have had such an incredible opportunity.

And now, I'm back at the lovely Ashland University for year two. This semester I am taking 18.5 credit hours, while also maintaining my leadership positions in Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Lambda Delta, 88.9 WRDL, and TV2. I will also be taking my newspaper practicum this semester so be on the lookout for a few articles written by yours truly in The Collegian!

Goals for the semester:
1. 3.5 GPA. What's up, Dean's List!? I missed you!
2. Plan Alpha Phi Semi-Formal without losing my mind.
3. Get at least 10 new people to volunteer with Habitat For Humanity.
4. DON'T GO INSANE. We don't want a repeat of last semester, yikes.

I am so excited for all the opportunities that will present themselves this semester and throughout my sophomore year. And already, Greek Life is showing it's benefits as I will be working on my blogging/journalism skills as a Collegiate Perspective blogger on the Alpha Phi blog and will be attending the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values' Tuscaloosa Immersion Trip.

For those of you freshman who may have stumbled upon my blog, GO GREEK. It is truly an amazing experience, and the best part of it is: it doesn't stop after you graduate. When you join a Greek organization, whether it's Alpha Phi, Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Mu, Delta Zeta, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Kappa Psi, or Phi Delta Theta, you join for life. I will never say "I was an Alpha Phi," but will always say "I AM an Alpha Phi."

And now, I must do some homework....

With Love,
Ashliegh

"You're a dirty hipster!"

So this title might need to be explained to those not on "Team Joy" of the Mary Kay Inspiring Stories program. The phrase came from my new friend, Amanda. We were on-set at an interview with one of the domestic abuse survivors and her two teenage sons. Here in the LA area, they style for boys seems to be the v-neck tee and skinny jeans. Very hipster. Well, back to the story. Amanda had been talking to the two sons and then said something along the lines of "you're a dirty hipster!" We were all kinda confused. She explained that where she is from that's a common term. From then on it just became an inside joke for Team Joy. 

So here's what I've been up to since the last time I blogged...

Tuesday: 

After a day of uploading our footage from Monday and reviewing it, we all decided to go to Hollywood! However, because we don't have cars here in California, we had to take the Metro, which gave us a few good stories to tell when we get home, haha. I saw the Hollywood sign from afar, a little bit of Madame Tussaud's, Kodak Theater, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and so much more! 

Wednesday: 

We traveled down to the Newport area to interview our third, and last, survivor, Robin. She was such an outgoing and fun woman and it's incredible to hear her story. It's so amazing to me how much joy these women have in their lives now and it's wonderful to get to know them and to hear their stories and to see them truly loving life now. While in the area we also took Robin and her two boys to the Newport beach, which was beautiful! 

Thursday:

All three of the women we interviewed joined us at the Kyoto Grand Gardens to do a group interview shoot. The gardens were a beautiful backdrop for the scene even if it was a little bit noisy. It was nice to see the survivors interacting with each other and telling their stories to one another.

Friday:

Yesterday, we were joined by the beautiful Alexa Vega! I didn't really know what to expect before meeting her but she is a very down-to-earth young woman who really showed an interest in the cause and what we were doing.  It was so much fun being on set with her and getting to know her! 

Today we are editing the doc and I'll be back home at Ashland University tomorrow night.

With Love,

Ashliegh

What up, LA!?

 I know this post is a bit delayed, as I've been in LA since Saturday afternoon; but I've been so busy with production and haven't had the time to find wi-fi!

So what have I been up to?...

Saturday:
I left Ohio at approximately 6:45 AM and then had a 4 hour layover in Minneapolis, MN. From there I flew to LAX and arrived here in LA at about 2 PM. From there I went to my hotel via the worst driver in the world. LA traffic is INSANE. Anyway, after arriving at the hotel, I crashed until my roommate, Micole, arrived and then we went out for pizza.

Sunday:
Production week starts! I am on Team Give Joy so our documentary focuses on how the domestic violence survivors have found joy through over coming what they have gone through. We received our narrators script and it seemed very....oh how do I put this...tampon commercial-ish. It was very happy and fluffy and people aren't going to take that seriously if the documentary is supposed to be about domestic violence. So as a team we spent our day revising the script and envisioning how we want our documentary to look.

For lunch, our team found a cute sushi place in Little Tokyo. I had the beset tempura I have EVER had. After production we also went to find this cute little MacnCheesy restaurant that received rave reviews from a few girls on another team. After walking about a mile on Los Angeles Avenue (which was an interesting experience, see below) we found it. Closed. Gooo team. So we ended up eating at Flames Medditeranian Grill which was DELICIOUS.

What I experienced on Los Angeles Avenue:
-The beginning of a Little Tokyo parade and almost being run over by army trucks in that parade
-Stepping over sleeping homeless people
-The WORST smell. Garbage and urine. *shivers*
-Psychos screaming at my team and I for being "snobby white women."
-People about to get it on at a bus stop (I pretttty sure I saw some money being exchanged also....)
-the end of that Little Tokyo parade....3 hours later. Yes. A THREE HOUR long parade. Imagine sitting through that one!

Monday:
After a quick tech training, we started interviewing a few of our subjects. The first woman we interviewed was  this beautiful, strong woman who radiated this glow about her. During the end of her interview she was talking about the peace she felt when she left the abusive relationship and you could almost feel this sense of peace enter and fill the room. The stories we heard from the women were so inspiring and emotional to hear.

Today:
Currently, I am sitting in a Starbucks stealing their wi-fi. Well, I guess it's not stealing since I did buy a drink and breakfast sandwich. That I stood in line for. I seriously thought I wasn't going to make it to the cashier. I'm not sure what today will hold production wise but I'm very excited for what the rest of this week will hold. I believe this evening a few of my new friends and I will be going to check out Hollywood!

With Love,
Ashliegh

Miss North Coast

Miss North Coast was held this past weekend in Brunswick, Ohio and I had the honor to compete with 11 other beautiful, talented, and intelligent young women. Congratulations to Jessica Nelson on winning the title of Miss North Coast. Jessica is such an inspiration to me because of her perseverance on her road to Miss Ohio. She's been competing for the past few years on the local level and this summer acquired the title of Miss Cuyahoga County and competed at Miss Ohio. Jess is very dedicated to her platform, P.E.T.S., and works with the Humane Society. Congrats, Jessica!

I had a wonderful time getting to know the newer girls competing and getting to know girls that I've competed with before better. Haley Marie and I instantly bonded at Miss Greater Cleveland/Cuyahoga County back in July and I had fun dancing with her in the dressing rooms while getting ready, hahaha. Haley has such a bubbly, warm personality and I can't wait to compete with her more! I also had so much fun competing with one of my friends, Amber Galloway. Amber and I became friends back in 2009 when I was the Canal Fulton's Olde Canal Days Queen and she was Brunswick's Old Fashioned Days Queen. We had a lot of fun during our year as festival queens. I am so happy that we were able to reconnect at Miss North Coast!

I won't be able to compete again until Miss Mansfield/North Central, which is usually in December (hopefully they don't change it!). So that gives me about 4-5 months to prepare. I plan on changing my talent...again. I feel like I do have a lot of different talents but I'm not SPECTACULAR at any of them; I dance many forms of dance; I baton twirl; I played flute for 8 years, oboe for 4 and trumpet for 2. Now if I could somehow make a movie in 90 seconds, I would totally chose that as my talent. I'll keep all my readers out there guessing for as to what I'll do next.;]

In other news, I leave Saturday morning for Hollywood! I am SO EXCITED for this wonderful opportunity! I am hoping to blog about my experiences in Hollywood and film-making so make sure to check in regularly next week!

With Love,
Ashliegh

Lights, Camera, Action!

As we all know, I am a Journalism and Digital Media major here at Ashland University. This summer, I have been blessed with a few opportunities to look into the film side of my major. 

Next month, I will be going to Hollywood to produce and direct a documentary on domestic violence on behalf of the Mary Kay Inspiring Stories program and Dreaming Tree Films. I will be partnered with a crew of 7 other women to create this documentary. Although I have never been a victim of domestic violence, I feel that this is an important issue that society often chooses to keep "hush-hush." Through the creation of this documentary, I hope to increase an awareness of domestic violence and give women the confidence they need to stand up for themselves. Even though this documentary will be focusing on how domestic violence affects women, I believe that domestic violence can affect anyone; men, women, and children. Domestic violence is not just physical violence but can also be displayed in emotional, mental, and psychological violence. I'm very excited for this opportunity to learn more about film and domestic violence in August. 

Currently, I am helping the Ashland Film Group work on a documentary project that deals with another deep issue. We are filming a documentary on the World Trade Center attack's 10 year anniversary. 9.11 Remembered  covers the bombings through the eyes of Ashland faculty and students and how it affected a small community, even though it happened in a city hundreds of miles away. 

Make sure to check out the 9.11 Remembered trailer here. 

I am so blessed to be apart of both of these programs and so excited to be learning more about my major and these issues.

With Love,

Ashliegh

Miss Greater Cleveland/Cuyahoga County

This past weekend I competed at the Miss Greater Cleveland and Miss Cuyahoga County Pageant. I had a wonderful time getting to know all of the newer contestants and reconnecting with the girls I competed with last year. Congratulations to my good friend, Allison Goodwin, on winning Miss Cuyahoga County, and my new friend, Tera Coleman, on winning Miss Greater Cleveland!

This pageant season I have been making some changes that I'm pretty excited about:

Platform: I did change my platform to Habitat For Humanity. I love talking to people about the impact that this organization makes on communities and on people's lives whether it is new homeowners or the people who volunteer with the organization. I hope that people are able to see the passion that I have for Habitat for Humanity and I hope that I am inspiring them to get involved!

Evening Gown: I have a new evening gown which I am IN LOVE with. Last year I borrowed dresses from my Alpha Phi sisters, and I am so appreciative of their help and support through the whole process. A few weeks ago, I bought myself a dress so I wouldn't have to bug my wonderful sisters about borrowing their beautiful gowns. It's so nice to finally have a dress of my own that.

Talent: My talent last year was a jazz dance which I never really felt comfortable preforming so I knew that it was something I wanted to change, especially after my mishap at Sweeps back in March. I chose to do a ballet en pointe to "Senorita" by Bond this season. I really love the song as I feel that it shows off my more sassy and spicy side of my personality. Although I'm not a strong dancer (I've only been dancing for 5 years) and ballet en pointe is not my strongest form of dance, I really feel comfortable performing it on stage. I was so happy with the way it turned out at Miss Greater Cleveland/Cuyahoga County. I was so nervous about a Sweeps repeat and was so happy with myself that I didn't mess up or fall, haha.

Interview: I know I'm getting stronger in interview every time I do it, that is what I LOVE about the Miss America Organization and competing in pageants. It's all about self-development and creating a stronger you. I have been working on my interview with someone and I am so very grateful for all of her help over the past few weeks.

As you can see, I have been working hard on improving my skills and that is one of my favorite things about pageants- self development.

Up next is Miss North Coast on August 6th in Brunswick...

With Love,
Ashliegh

Contestants!

Representin' Ashland University!

Miss Heart of Ohio, Alicia, and I

Summer Update

I can't believe it's July already! Summer is going by so quickly, but I'm okay with that. I'm ready for fall classes to start back up and for people to be back on Ashland University's campus. I've been living on campus this summer and it's been quite boring without all of my friends and Alpha Phi sisters!

So what have I been up to since my last post?

A few weeks ago I traveled back to Indianapolis, Indiana for Alpha Phi's Emerging Leaders Institute. I was selected by our International office to attend this program along with 150 other Alpha Phi sisters from across the United States and Canada. ELI was an incredible experience and I enjoyed getting to know sisters from other chapters while also learning about the history of women's leadership, Alpha Phi ritual, and how to lead with my values. 

Alpha Phi sisters

Shortly after arriving back home in Ohio, my hometown, Canal Fulton, had its annual Olde Canal Days Festival. As a former Olde Canal Days Festival Queen, I, of course, had to watch the Junior Queen and Queen pageants. I was very impressed with the quality of girls that competed this year and am so ecstatic for the new queen, Haley Ries, and her court. Haley is such a sweet girl and I wish her the best of luck during her reign. I'm excited to see what she does with her title.

Speaking of pageants, I will be competing at Miss Greater Cleveland/Cuyahoga County next weekend! This was my first MAO pageant last year and I'm excited to be returning this year. I'm also excited to showcase my new evening gown and talent (though I'm not a big fan of my costume, but hey, I can only afford one new thing at a time...*sigh*).

I've also decided to focus my platform on my work with Habitat For Humanity instead of volunteerism as a whole. Habitat For Humanity is such a unique organization that I truly enjoy volunteering with. I love that you aren't just donating money to a cause (though monetary donations are important!) you actually get to work hands on with the organization and really see the impact you are making on a community and a family's life. 

In preparation for interview, feel free to leave a comment asking me a question, any question!, and I'll answer it in my next post!

With Love,

Ashliegh

Good Hair Day Photoshoot

Fun Shots:

Potential Headshots: 

With Love,

Ashliegh

Weekend Round-Up: Pageant Edition

This past weekend was not just Father's Day (Happy Father's Day to my dad and also to my bio-dad), but this weekend was also Miss Ohio and Miss USA pageants. (2 of my 6 favorite days of the year- Miss Ohio, Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe, Bid Day, and my birthday :p)

Saturday night, a new Miss Ohio was crowned. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to buy tickets to see the pageant live but fortunately, they webcast the show so I was able to stream it live over the internet. Congratulations to Ellen Bryan, Miss Clayland, on becoming Miss Ohio 2011! Ellen won a $10,000 scholarship and will compete at Miss America in January. I wish her the best of luck throughout her reign and in her preparation for Miss America.

Congratulations to the women who rounded out  the Top 5!

First Runner Up: Alissa Brumbaugh

Second Runner Up: Amber Bussa

Third Runner Up: Meggie Whitman

Fourth Runner Up: Shannon O'Neill

It was really cool to watch the preliminaries and finals night this year. In years past as I followed the Miss Ohio Program, I didn't know any of the women competing and they were like celebrities to me. At my first Miss Ohio local, Miss Greater Cleveland/Cuyahoga County, I competed with Marisa Bucheit (2nd RU at Miss Ohio 2010), met Meggie Whitman (Top 10 at Miss Ohio 2010), Ashley Warholic (Miss Greater Cleveland 2010), Jessica Nelson (well-known local contestant), and Becky Minger, Miss Ohio 2010, and I remember being starstruck! Being able to get to know the Miss Ohio contestants this year and competing with them was a wonderful experience and I know for a fact that all the women who competed are great role models with so much talent, beauty, intelligence, and passion for their platforms. 

You can find more Miss Ohio Week photos at the following websites:

Ray Russell Design

Envisioned Memories

Mansfield News Journal

Sunday night a new Miss USA was crowned. I'm so happy that Miss New Mexico made the Top 16. I've been following her blog (Happy Brittany) for quite some time now and she is just a fabulous down-to-earth young woman. 

I'm also ecstatic for the Miss USA 2011, Miss California USA Alyssa Campenella! I've been rooting for her to win Miss USA since she won Miss California USA. I could not have been happier with this years Miss USA pageant. 

Photo from here.

Congrats to all the women who competed in Miss Ohio or Miss USA this weekend!

With Love,

Ashliegh

Book Review: Water For Elephants

I recently finished Sara Gruen's "Water For Elephants," and really enjoyed it. So here is my first book review! Enjoy, lol.

"Water For Elephants" is a love story filled with history, drama, and comedy. The main character, Jacob, is a 90-something year old man who reflects back on his younger years when he worked for a circus during the Depression Era. The book goes back and forth between his current time in a nursing home and his past. 

While working for the circus at a veterinarian, Jacob meets Marlena, the horse trainer, Walter, a midget, and Rosie, the beautiful and abused elephant. 

Gruen definitely did her research before writing "Water For Elephants." Some parts of the story are inspired by true life events that she discovered during her research and the book includes beautiful photos from Depression Era circuses at the beginning of each chapter.

As a heads up to the animal lovers out there, this novel deals with circus animal abuse There are many scene that are quite gruesome and graphic. During the Depression Era, there were no regulations to protect animals.

All in all, this was a fabulous read and Gruen draws you in with her attention to detail and action.

I can't wait to go see the movie now!

With Love,

Ashliegh

Birthday Wish List

With my birthday a little under a month away, I figured I'd help you out with what to get me ;P

"Morning Sunshine!" - Robin Meade - I absolutely adore Robin Meade, so of course, her book has been on my to-read list since it came out!

Q & A-A-Day 5 Year Journal - Seriously this little book is so adorable and is such a neat idea. Everyday you answer one of the questions and at the end of the year, you start over. Over the span of 5 years you'll see how much you've changed!

Make Up Brushes - As a makeup fanatic, I've been using the same brushes since I got my first set back in high school. It's time for an upgrade.

Alpha Phi Lavalier - I've had my eyes on a lavalier since I joined Greek life..the kind in my own letters anyway ;p

With Love,
Ashliegh

Stylish Blogger

I had no idea that the blogging community did cute little awards like this Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you to one of my sorority sisters and fellow blogger Alyssa at SocraTeas for my first blogging award!

Receiving this award, I am now required to share seven facts about myself and tag seven stylish bloggers to do the same! Here we go!

One.

What do mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie, and chocolate chip pancakes have in common?

They're my favorite foods.

Two.

I started my own business when I was 16. I taught myself how to make corsages, boutonnieres, and wedding bouquets, etc. I called it Simply Floral and the high school kids from around my hometown enjoyed my creations for their school dances. I love flowers and I wanted to go to school for floristry but I think I'm already developing arthritis so I don't think I would last too long in the field. 

Three.

I took a year off after graduating from high school. A lot of stuff was going on in my personal life at the time and I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I was really into, well, everything! I wanted to go to school for floristry, foreign languages, tourism, hospitality, business, botany, you name it, I wanted to do it at least once in my life. My year off helped me to figure out what I really want to do in my life, which is work in the broadcast and journalism fields.

Four. 

I have attended four different school districts, six schools, and have lived in more houses than I can count on my two hands...and probably my toes, too. I moved around a lot as a kid which I believe helped me in the long run. Because I was always changing schools and moving, I had to learn to adapt to new situations and make new friends quickly. The downside to that is I don't really get attached to people which usually causes problems in relationships.

Five.

I'm passionate about everything I do. Alpha Phi. Pageants. Habitat For Humanity. Journalism & Digital Media  major. I put 110% into these things and I won'd do something if I'm not passionate about it. 

(Too bad I'm not passionate about my core classes...they're bringing me down and my GPA with it. sigh. Be passionate about academics is at the top of the Fall 2011 To Do list.)

Six.

"Miss Independent" by Kelly Clarkson is my theme songs. 

Seven.

I have a super power. Finding a good deal. I'm a super shopper. 

No joke. I just bought a pair of $65 heels for $1.63. Brand new. I have no idea how I pulled that one off.

Never buy something for full price.

Seven Stylish Bloggers:

Amberlyn at Something Like Glamour

Super cute blog!

Brittany at Happy Brittany

She's Miss New Mexico USA 2011 and totally inspiring! 

Trisha at Live In Dreams

Tricia is a totally cool and chill..with awesome taste in music!

Abby at MISScellanea 

For all your Miss Ohio info! I'm Seriously obsessed with Abby's blog, lol

Pageant Qween at Pageants & Pearls

A blog for tips, tricks, and all things pageant related! Of course I would love it!

Frankie at The Ugly Truth

Frankie's blog is all about life ands its "ugly truths" that we all must face. Frankie is one of my first friends I made while at AU and I'm so happy that we're also APhi sisters <3

Amber at Wanna-Be-English Major

Amber and I go wayyy back to high school and we're now APhi sisters at AU. Right now shes doing the 30 Day Photo Challenge on her blog which is pretty awesome!

With Love,

Ashliegh

I am ready.

First and foremost, I want to thank the Richard G. Miller Memorial Foundation for providing a scholarship to cover my tuition for the Undergraduate Inter-Fratenity Institute. Without their financial support, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take part in such a wonderful and empowering institute that believes in Greek life and all that it has to offer collegiate students. I feel so blessed to have been able to experience UIFI, learn the things I have learned, and meet the amazing individuals that I met.

While at UIFI, I learned so much about leadership and Greek life. I learned that leadership is not a title; rather it is the change and impact one can have as an individual. We learned education does not stop when one is initiated into their fraternity/sorority.

One of the big things that I personally took away from UIFI is living Alpha Phi's Ritual. There are two types of ritual. There is Ritual (notice the uppercase R) and there is ritual (notice lowercase R).

Ritual with the big R represents ceremonies, traditions, creeds, purposes, mottos, symbols, etc.
Ritual with the little R represents a daily activity (example: how and when you brush your teeth; your morning ritual, etc).

Our goal as members of the Greek society is to make Ritual our ritual (notice the uppercase and lowercase!?). Make the values that are listed in our creeds and ceremonies part of your daily life. LIVE your Ritual.

On the morning or evening of your initiation you receive membership for life into your fraternity/sorority, secrets, sisterhood, and responsibilities. During initiation you tell the world that they expect something different from you. They expect a higher standard. We leave behind the excuse that "everyone else is doing it."

Greek organizations purpose in this world is to allow its members to strive for excellence in values and character by having its members hold each other accountable for the others actions. But we can't live our Rituals if we don't know our Ritual.

1. Learn your Ritual. Take a look at your Ritual Book, Initiation Ceremony, Creed, or Purpose. Memorize a part of it. Reflect on it.

2. Live your Ritual. Apply what you learned to your life. Everyday. Hold yourself accountable to it.

3. Teach your Ritual. Teach your Ritual to another brother/sister. Teach it to your new members. Allow them to learn it and live it. Hold each other accountable.

4. Expect it. Expect your brothers/sisters to live your Ritual. Turn Ritual into ritual.

Alpha Phi values scholarship, service, sisterhood, character development, loyalty, and leadership. I promised my sorority to live by these values the day I signed my bid. Today, I rededicate myself to these values. Sisters, I challenge you to do the same.

Remember your Initiation? Why did you join your fraternity/sorority? How are you living your Ritual?

Reignite that passion you had for your fraternity/sorority when you received your bid. Live your Ritual.

With Love,
Ashliegh

Theta Tau Class; Chapter 6

Friends

Chad, Colin, and I

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same 

I believe in my fraternity.

This evening at UIFI, our lead facilitator, Erin of Delta Gamma, asked a few of us to recite our sorority or fraternity's creed, purpose, or motto. That few, lead to the entire room of participants reciting creeds, purposes, mottos, etc.

At this session of UIFI, I am the only participant from the Alpha Phi sorority. I felt so empowered when I stood up and said "Hand to Hand. Heart to Heart. I believe in my fraternity. I believe in Alpha Phi." Just standing there in this small room overflowing with Greek leaders and hearing the passion in their voices as they say their creeds reignited the passion I have for Alpha Phi, my own chapter, and Greek Life.

Near the end of spring semester, I was feeling burnt out after all the drama, formal, and Greek week. Being here at UIFI has reminded me of why I chose Alpha Phi and why I chose to set myself to the higher standards of Greek Life.

Alpha Phi Creed

I believe in the friendships formed

in the springtime of my youth.

I believe in its high ideals

which lift me up beyond myself.

I believe in its earnest drive for good scholarship,

moral character, and genuine culture.

I believe in it as a shrine of

international sisterhood wherein

I may find love and loyalty,

sympathy and understanding inspiration

and opportunity.

I believe in it as a creator of good citizenship,

helping me to do my work well,

to live in harmony with others, and

to serve my country and to trust in God.

I believe in my Fraternity.

I believe in Alpha Phi.

- Annette Holt Hitchcock, Pi 1912

With Love,

Ashliegh

Day 2 UIFI

UIFI has been an incredible experience so far and I'm excited for what the next 3 days have in store. I am at the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority House at Indiana University with about 50 or so other Greeks from all over the country. There are a ton of Delta Gamma girls here (I guess their nationals sends one girl from each of their chapters to UIFI) and so many sororities and fraternities that I have never even heard of!

It feels great to be surrounded by so many people who have the share the same values and goals for their Greek Life experience to make the most out of it. In just the past 2 days we've learned so much about vision, character, values, and leadership and there is still 3 days left of things to learn.

I'm excited for all of the information and ideas that I'll be able to take back to the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi, Ashland University's Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils, and the Ashland community.

With Love,
Ashliegh

-Never underestimate a person's ability to lead.-

Coming to you from Bloomington, Indiana...

Yesterday afternoon my parents picked me up from AU and we arrived in Indiana last night. Why am I in Indiana you ask? Well, I 'm here in Bloomington, Indiana because tomorrow starts the 5-day long Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI).

UIFI brings together fraternity and sorority members from across the country for a 5-day hands on leadership training experience. It's pretty much what I would call "greek camp."

Last night we stayed at at motel which]seemed to appear as if it came straight from Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Bates Motel. Yep. Fortunately, despite the creepy factors that it had, we survived. 

Early this morning we traveled to Indianapolis to explore Indiana's capitol. Not a whole lot of exciting things going on. Looked just like Cleveland.

This afternoon we went to Indiana University to find the Alpha Xi Delta House which is where UIFI will be. While trying to find the house, we found the Alpha Phi House and the Phi Delta Theta House. All the houses on this campus are beautiful! Indiana University has about 30-40 Greek chapters.

 

With Love,
Ashliegh

Me.

Age: Almost 20!

Bed Size: one of those college beds..i think its a twin?

Chore you Hate: vacuuming.

Dogs: Scooby. I'm not a big fan of dogs...

Essential start of your day: Fiber One Bar!

Favourite Colour: Emerald Green, Black, and Red

Gold or Silver: Gold

Height: 5'5"! 

Instruments I play: flute, oboe, trumpet

Job Title: Student. WRDL Student Operations Manager. Student Caller.

Kids: None

Live: Ohio

Mom's name: Kim

Mom & I

Nickname: JARZi!

One of my Senior Pictures (compliments of Decia Beck)

Pet Peeve: people with no self-confidence.

Quote from a movie: "On Wednesdays we wear pink!" - Mean Girls

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: 2 half sisters, 1 step sister, 2  half brothers

Time you wake up: 9 am

Underwear: Victoria's Secret!

Vegetables you dislike: celery. ugh.

What makes you run late: bad timing

X-rays you've had done: wrist. ankle.

Yummy food you make: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. 

Zoo animal: OSTRICHES!!!!!!

They're not my favorite animal (that would be polar bears, dolphins, and white tigers) but I kinda have a thing for them. If you went to high school with me, you would understand. :p

And now you know some pointless fun facts about me! 

With Love,

Ashliegh