Mr. Alpha Chi

Something that I have LOVED since moving to Idaho and starting to work at Boise State is learning about Greek Life. Since I went to BYU where Greek Life is non-existent and all I have learned is from shows like Greek, House Bunny, and Legally Blonde, it has been so interesting to me. I actually started at Boise State during recruitment week for the sororities - which is so busy and the whole building is packed with women hoping to join a sorority and a lot of perfume - so I got the full head on experience right away. And from that moment on it has been lots of questions and lots of immersion in all that is Greek. A few of the local titleholders for Miss Idaho this year are part of Greek Life so they have been recruiting me to judge different events. During Greek Week I judged the talent show - hilarious - and last weekend I judged the Mr. Alpha Chi pageant for Alpha Chi Omega. It was put on by one of our titleholders and all the money raised was donated to The Women's and Children's Alliance.

I was totally impressed with the program. There were 16 men competing for that coveted title - some in fraternities and some that just admired the Alpha Chi women and all they did. The program was mirrored after the Miss America program - probably since the director competes. 

So the day started with interview. We had a 5 on 1 interview with each contestant for 5 minutes. We were able to ask them anything and everything - a lot of it focused around their Boise State experience, why they were competing, their hobbies, and what a healthy relationship meant to them. They all looked so great in their ties, and their answers were spot on. I really enjoyed getting to know them! Especially because I see a bunch of them coming in and out of my office in Conference Services.



The on stage portion was swimsuit/pickup line, talent - some not so much talent, and eveningwear/on stage question. My favorite pickup line was a kid that dressed up like a whale and started it all with, "Whale, whale, whale...." He was all worried because he doesn't have a swimsuit bod so he thought he would take advantage of his costume. So funny. Best talent? For sure the Mean Girl dance. Full on - Santa costume, speaker to kick off the stage, getting down to Jingle Bell Rock. I died. SERIOUSLY died. I was laughing so hard. And then all the guys had great answers for their on stage question. Seriously... all around good guys.





My favorite part of the whole night? Seeing how much hard work and dedication these men put into the things they find important in their life. Their brotherhood, their college career, service, and philanthropy. This guys give Greek life a good name and they set a high standard for those around them.

And that brings me back to where this round about post all started - Greek Life and all that I am learning about it. Not only am I impressed with this program, but I am constantly impressed with all that these sororities and fraternities do. College age men and women that are consistently being role models in the community, raising awareness for issues that are becoming more relevant, and supporting philanthropy on a regular basis. I have seen them raise hundreds of thousands of dollars just during my 9 months here at Boise State that has all gone to organizations like Make-A-Wish, Relay for Life, Girls on the Run, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and so on. I am so glad to be here at Boise State to see the family of student come together for the best causes. You know what is up for me next in regards to Greek life? I am officially an advisor over recruitment for the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. And I cannot wait.

Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2013

This weekend I got to spend the weekend with 36 BEAUTIFUL women. All wearing a crown. 17 teens and 19 miss. It was my first official outing as a member of the Miss Idaho board. In the morning we had orientation and then that night we had the Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen pageant. I'll admit... I felt super weird. For the first time in four years, I was there without a crown. I was probably really awkward around the contestants because a lot of them are friends and girls I competed with in my four years, and now that I am not a titleholder... I didn't know how to act!


First a morning at orientation. It was so fun to spend the day with women that I have admired since I started competing. The Miss Idaho board is full of spectacular men and women. I am so honored to be a part of it. Even if I feel like a child around them. Best part? My Mom is on the board as well, so I had an extra excuse to spend the day with her! And my Dad was even there volunteering this weekend. He helps with the financials. It was a quick day from 10-2 with presentations from Miss Idaho paperwork and production to ad sales and scholarship opportunities. Then a quick meeting with local directors so I could talk about social media.

-with Miss Laura, Miss Tri-Countries-

-my self portrait on Dani's, Miss Boise, phone to remind her of our two holidays spent together-

After that I ran to Target to do some Easter shopping with my mom, tried to catch a quick cat nap (getting up at 5 AM does not agree with my body), ate some pizza and got read for the teen pageant. It was so fun to be there watching all these young women. All very accomplished. All very impressive. It is amazing to see how this program transforms these teenage girls into classy and confident individuals. I had my winner picked from the very beginning. All the girls were darling, but little Miss Abby won my heart over last year as she was one of my sister titleholders. I am so glad I got to be with Abby at the very start of her pageant career, her future is so bright! Last year she was one of the younger contestants and placed in top ten. I was so impressed with her, and so after the pageant I told her, "Promise me you won't give up! You were incredible tonight and you can only improve." In November she came over to have me mock interview her to prepare for her next local, which she ended up winning. I was so happy to see her competing again. And guess what? SHE WON!

A photo after my final pageant and Abby's very first as sister titleholders.

Abby and Ashley, Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen 2013 and 2012.

Ashley will be attending BYU this fall. And she is basically a model.

Miss Magic Valley's Outstanding Teen 2013, Macy Urritia, myself, Miss Magic Valley 2012, and Miss Magic Valley 2013, Kalie Wright. So proud of these girls and the sisterhood we are all a part of! Macy won Fitness and Interview prelims at state and placed 2nd runner up. Kalie will be competing in July for the Miss Idaho title! 

I love being a part of this pageant world. I loved competing (maybe a Mrs. pageant in my future?) and I know I will love volunteering. These women are beyond impressive. Performing talents, promoting platforms, public speaking, all while staying healthy and attending school. The scholarship opportunities are ENDLESS. And they are all working towards something greater than perfect hair. I love the Miss America Organization and all it stands for. There are so many role models in the organization, so many women working to better their community. Do you have any organizations you are passionate about? Where have you found your role models?

Love,
Deidre