Dear readers,
The series continues with our newest president spotlight! Kappa Delta president Brooke Obenhaus is a rising senior in PC ‘23 majoring in Economics. She leads a chapter of 320 and works alongside 8 members on the executive board. Brooke is also part of a Bible Study group and is interning in marketing at an engineering consulting firm. Keep on reading to learn more about Brooke!
Blog Editors: What inspired you to serve as president in your chapter?
Brooke: I’m very thankful that I got to go to KD’s National Convention. I went as a Panhellenic Delegate, and I just got to meet all these wonderful and inspiring women from literally every corner of the country. All these people come from such different backgrounds, different places, but we loved KD so much, and I really felt the sisterhood spirit. Going through recruitment as an exec member (was) such a reminder about how much the chapter has given me, and I knew I wanted to give back and give all the people in KD as incredible an experience as I have had.
Blog Editors: What goals do you have for your presidency, and what legacy do you want to leave on your chapter?
Brooke: I wanted to improve our academic resources and have really worked with Quincy (KD Vice President) a lot on upping academic events, academic resources, and those sorts of things. I wanted to work on upperclassmen engagement and provide more opportunities for upperclassmen to get involved. I just want to leave this chapter a better place than I found it and just leave my mark.
Blog Editors: What’s the most rewarding thing that’s come out of your term?
Brooke: Meeting Ella (VP of Sisterhood and Inclusion). I probably wouldn't have really been that close with her if we hadn’t been on council together, and now she's someone I talk to constantly, and she's really become one of my best friends. Something that we really preach is how important authentic, genuine, and supportive friendships are and how much your sisters are always gonna be there to support you. KD is such a loving family and community and as president, I especially try to preach that to the chapter.
Blog Editors: How would you describe a KD in 3 words?
Brooke: Loyalty, Love, and Confident
Blog Editors: What is your favorite tradition?
Brooke: I love Shamrock Run. We raised over 60 grand, which is crazy. I think it's so fun that it lands on our dads' weekend. I’m very close to my family, and I love my parents coming up and getting to introduce them to all my friends' parents. The run itself is fun—everyone is so excited to be there. It’s also great to know how much of a positive impact we're making on the community.
Blog Editors: What’s your “must-see” when you have visitors in Austin?
Brooke: I love Mozarts. It's so cool that you can just go and sit on a lake… in the middle of a city. It's beautiful.
Blog Editors: What is the best thing KD has given you?
Brooke: I've met so many people that I’ll be friends with for so long after college. KDs don't disappear after graduation, they stay KD for life. I feel the depths of the friendships I've made and how deeply I appreciate and care for my friends. I’m very grateful that KD brought me to them and I know for a fact that my college experience would definitely not be the same.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite activity to do with your sorority sisters?
Brooke: Going on sidequests, I love going to random places!
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about UT?
Brooke: I was so nervous about what college classes would be like. I feel like so many high school teachers made it sound so scary, but I actually got here and pretty much all of my professors have been so chill, nice, and easy to talk to. They are ready to help, they all understand that you're a college student [who's] figuring things out and has other things going on in life. I feel like the professors really do want to see you succeed.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about recruitment as a PNM?
Brooke: I remember I was so scared to talk to my roommate and my dorm friends. I feel like it would have been nice to talk things through with people. It’s very important to stay true to yourself. I would advise people to come in and be authentic because that's the only way that you're gonna really find where you're meant to be.
Blog Editors: Any general advice you have for girls on the fence about going Greek?
Brooke: I was actually on the fence about going Greek. I feel like it's really easy to (see) all these different stereotypes, ideas, and outside thoughts, but I feel like it's so different in real life and each sorority does have its own completely unique vibe. There is going to be a place where there's an opportunity to make really genuine connections, and I think that it's very worthwhile to try.
We loved getting to know Brooke! See you next week for another spotlight.
All my love,
Victoria :)