The latest news and information from Sigma Tau Delta's Student Leadership Committee.
Monday, March 28, 2011
#DeltaCon Update
Wow! The "Blog the Convention" contest was a great success! We are so glad to see so many people involved, but it sure made keeping up hard. Those leader boards from early in the week seem so cute compared to the totals we have now, but verifying which posts count may take us a few days. So don't stress, we do have a complete record of everyone's participation and winners will be announced as soon as possible. And remember, you still have until 8 PM EST to send in those final submissions and to respond to each other's submissions. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
#DeltaCon Leader Board
Here are the current leaders in the "Blog the Convention" contest. These scores are ONLY for the "blog the most" portion of the competition. A leader board will be posted for the "blog the best" section later in the week.
PLEASE NOTE: These numbers are as of 9 AM Wednesday. They are also unverified. If you feel there has been an error, please let us know, but scores will be reviewed and verified before winners are announced.
1. Robin Miller- 16 entries TIE
2. Jillian Phillips- 16 entries TIE
3. @cuppycakepie- 10 entries
4. Allie Reznik- 9 entries
5. Corey Hamilton- 7 entries
PLEASE NOTE: These numbers are as of 9 AM Wednesday. They are also unverified. If you feel there has been an error, please let us know, but scores will be reviewed and verified before winners are announced.
1. Robin Miller- 16 entries TIE
2. Jillian Phillips- 16 entries TIE
3. @cuppycakepie- 10 entries
4. Allie Reznik- 9 entries
5. Corey Hamilton- 7 entries
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Movie Night!
Dave Eggers is many things: respected author, publisher of McSweeney’s, and editor of The Best American Non-Required Reading series. He’s also the final keynote speaker at this year’s annual convention in Pittsburgh. The Student Leadership Committee and Alumni Epsilon will be kicking off the convention with a screening of his film Away We Go which Eggers co-wrote with his wife, Vendela Vida. Join us Wednesday night and start your convention experience with a good film, discussion, and company!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Levonne Castillo Candidate Profile
Levonne Castillo
Candidate for Student Representative or Associate Student Representative, Southwestern Region
Sophomore, Wayland Baptist University
Eta Theta Chapter
Expected date of graduation: May 2013
Year Inducted: 2010
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held: N/A
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
Hello, my name is Levonne Castillo. I would like to be considered for Student Representative for the Southwestern Region. I am a sophomore secondary English education major. I am what my school would consider a non-traditional student. I got my start late in life but feel this was probably the best time for me. I have been able to appreciate my blessings. I have a ten year old daughter and to date she has seen me through two missions trips, Ecuador and Kenya. I want her to be able to appreciate all kinds of students when she goes to school. Just because I cannot be a student athlete does not mean that I cannot find things to invest my time and participate on campus. I feel that as an older student I bring a unique perspective to my own Sigma Tau Delta organization. The idea of English, the language, the people, culture, is considered, refined, distinguished and excellent. This is how I hope that I can help my local chapter operate and bring some of that to our regional and national groups. I have been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity to be able to participate in this national convention. I have the support of my local chapter, my School of Languages and Literature, and Wayland Baptist University. I do not just mean financial. This support comes in the form of encouragement and pride from my chapter members and sponsors. I hope that I can be an example for all students that you really can do anything you put your mind to. I want my daughter and others to see that you have no limits. Our vice-president stepped-up and said she would stay with my daughter while I was gone. She loves to tell her friends about all the places I have been and what I have done and she says she can’t wait to go to some of these places too. This is the kind of support I know that I have and that can help add to our strength and hopefully be an inspiration to other chapters. I know that there are many responsibilities that come along with Student Representative and I know that with my experience as president of the Students in Free Enterprise chapter at Wayland Baptist University, I can take on this challenge. I was very excited to get my invitation to Sigma Tau Delta. It reassured me that my hard work paid off and I knew that I found an organization that I could really sink my teeth into so to speak. I appreciate all the work that has gone into this convention and would be honored to serve as Student Representative and help plan for next year’s convention.
Sincerely,
Levonne Castillo
Candidate for Student Representative or Associate Student Representative, Southwestern Region
Sophomore, Wayland Baptist University
Eta Theta Chapter
Expected date of graduation: May 2013
Year Inducted: 2010
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held: N/A
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
Hello, my name is Levonne Castillo. I would like to be considered for Student Representative for the Southwestern Region. I am a sophomore secondary English education major. I am what my school would consider a non-traditional student. I got my start late in life but feel this was probably the best time for me. I have been able to appreciate my blessings. I have a ten year old daughter and to date she has seen me through two missions trips, Ecuador and Kenya. I want her to be able to appreciate all kinds of students when she goes to school. Just because I cannot be a student athlete does not mean that I cannot find things to invest my time and participate on campus. I feel that as an older student I bring a unique perspective to my own Sigma Tau Delta organization. The idea of English, the language, the people, culture, is considered, refined, distinguished and excellent. This is how I hope that I can help my local chapter operate and bring some of that to our regional and national groups. I have been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity to be able to participate in this national convention. I have the support of my local chapter, my School of Languages and Literature, and Wayland Baptist University. I do not just mean financial. This support comes in the form of encouragement and pride from my chapter members and sponsors. I hope that I can be an example for all students that you really can do anything you put your mind to. I want my daughter and others to see that you have no limits. Our vice-president stepped-up and said she would stay with my daughter while I was gone. She loves to tell her friends about all the places I have been and what I have done and she says she can’t wait to go to some of these places too. This is the kind of support I know that I have and that can help add to our strength and hopefully be an inspiration to other chapters. I know that there are many responsibilities that come along with Student Representative and I know that with my experience as president of the Students in Free Enterprise chapter at Wayland Baptist University, I can take on this challenge. I was very excited to get my invitation to Sigma Tau Delta. It reassured me that my hard work paid off and I knew that I found an organization that I could really sink my teeth into so to speak. I appreciate all the work that has gone into this convention and would be honored to serve as Student Representative and help plan for next year’s convention.
Sincerely,
Levonne Castillo
Kristen Ditmore Candidate Profile
Kristen Ditmore
Candidate for Student Representative or Associate Student Representative, Southwestern Region
Sophomore, Wayland Baptist University
Eta Theta Chapter
Expected date of graduation: May 2013
Year Inducted 2010
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held: Historian for the Eta Theta Chapter Spring 2010 to currently
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
I am running for office because I enjoy being actively involved in my local chapter and want to get more involved at the regional level and above. I am minoring in Mass Communication and many of my classes have prepared me for taking on the role of either Student Representative or Assistant Student Representative. I am currently taking a feature writing class and I have already completed a news writing class so I would be more than able to produce and contribute to official publications. Furthermore, as my chapter’s Historian I have already written an article about some of the projects we have been doing this year that was published in our school paper. I am a very organized person and I know how to manage my time to allow me to complete any and all responsibilities that I am given and I am also very much a people person so I would have no problem contributing to the communication between chapters within my region. I do not take my responsibilities lightly and will do the very best job I possibly can if I am elected into office.
Candidate for Student Representative or Associate Student Representative, Southwestern Region
Sophomore, Wayland Baptist University
Eta Theta Chapter
Expected date of graduation: May 2013
Year Inducted 2010
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held: Historian for the Eta Theta Chapter Spring 2010 to currently
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
I am running for office because I enjoy being actively involved in my local chapter and want to get more involved at the regional level and above. I am minoring in Mass Communication and many of my classes have prepared me for taking on the role of either Student Representative or Assistant Student Representative. I am currently taking a feature writing class and I have already completed a news writing class so I would be more than able to produce and contribute to official publications. Furthermore, as my chapter’s Historian I have already written an article about some of the projects we have been doing this year that was published in our school paper. I am a very organized person and I know how to manage my time to allow me to complete any and all responsibilities that I am given and I am also very much a people person so I would have no problem contributing to the communication between chapters within my region. I do not take my responsibilities lightly and will do the very best job I possibly can if I am elected into office.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
#DeltaCon UPDATE!!!!
It has recently come to our attention that some people's tweets may not show up in Twitter search, especially people with new accounts. This means there is a chance we won't see your tweets and won't know to include them in the contest! Don't let this happen to you! Send a tweet to @sigmatdsa1 asking us to follow you, so that we don't miss a single tweet and you don't miss out on the fabulous prizes!
Blog the Convention Prizes
I know everyone is already excited about the "Blog the Convention" contest, but here is one more reason to dust off your web cam and finally sign up for that Twitter account: prizes. That's right, even though we knew you would all join in for the fun of it, we decided to offer special enticements. Winners of the "Blog the Convention" contest will receive a Sigma Tau Delta tote bag filled with the following:
-"To Blog or Not to Blog" t-shirt
-Sigma Tau Delta mug
-Sigma Tau Delta key chain
-A surprise assortment of books
-A gift certificate to Better World Books
Don't forget, the contest starts BEFORE convention begins: Monday, 8 AM EST. We want to hear about your plans and see you making new connections, so blog early, and blog often!
-"To Blog or Not to Blog" t-shirt
-Sigma Tau Delta mug
-Sigma Tau Delta key chain
-A surprise assortment of books
-A gift certificate to Better World Books
Don't forget, the contest starts BEFORE convention begins: Monday, 8 AM EST. We want to hear about your plans and see you making new connections, so blog early, and blog often!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Good Letters
by Anna Morgan
Student Advisor, 2010-2012
For those who enjoy discussions of the relationship between faith (of many different kinds) and art, whether it be painting, music, film, or - a Sigma Tau Delta favorite - writing, Image Journal's blog Good Letters is an excellent resource. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, Good Letters is also an example of plain old good writing. Enjoy!
Student Advisor, 2010-2012
For those who enjoy discussions of the relationship between faith (of many different kinds) and art, whether it be painting, music, film, or - a Sigma Tau Delta favorite - writing, Image Journal's blog Good Letters is an excellent resource. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, Good Letters is also an example of plain old good writing. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter Update
The Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter
St. Joseph’s College
Patchogue, NY
Events for fall 2010
President: Melissa Walsh
Vice President: James Bocca
Secretary: Laura Randall
Treasurer: Allison Anziano
The Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter completed the following events for fall 2010:
•“Theatre opportunities.” The president of our chapter organized a trip with the Long Island and Brooklyn campus to see the play Orlando by Sarah Ruhl in the city. The event was open to both students and faculty, and mostly faculty attended. The event was a great way to meet faculty from the other campus and come together as a community with an appreciation for the arts.
•“Open Mic Poetry Café.” Our chapter organized an open mic night, and it was in the style of a candlelight café. We transformed the cafeteria into café with round tables, fake candles on each table, and a snack table with drinks and refreshments. The event was open to both students and faculty. All participants were welcome to read their own poetry, poetry of others, sing, rap, play an acoustic instrument, etc. We charged a minimum amount at the door to raise money for our chapter.
•“Tropical Smoothie Fundraiser.” Our chapter raised money at a local smoothie café. The cafe was generous enough to allow us to advertise in the parking lot to raise money for our chapter. A small percent of every customer’s purchase went towards our chapter.
•“Shakespeare’s Tragic Silence.” Our chapter had our advisor, Dr. Ricciardi, speak to students, faculty, and others about Shakespeare’s tragic heroes’ last words. He spoke about Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth. The event was extremely successful and there was standing room only.
•“CST workshop.” Our chapter planned two different “CST workshops.” In these workshops a generous professor from our college dedicated her time to help students learn study tips for the English Content Specialty Test.
•“Homework Helpers.” The former president organized a program called Homework Helpers. For community service our chapter members participate in tutoring students from grades 1-12 in all subject areas. The current president kept the program going this year, and it is growing in popularity. We tutor every Tuesday night for two hours at a public library.
St. Joseph’s College
Patchogue, NY
Events for fall 2010
President: Melissa Walsh
Vice President: James Bocca
Secretary: Laura Randall
Treasurer: Allison Anziano
The Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter completed the following events for fall 2010:
•“Theatre opportunities.” The president of our chapter organized a trip with the Long Island and Brooklyn campus to see the play Orlando by Sarah Ruhl in the city. The event was open to both students and faculty, and mostly faculty attended. The event was a great way to meet faculty from the other campus and come together as a community with an appreciation for the arts.
•“Open Mic Poetry Café.” Our chapter organized an open mic night, and it was in the style of a candlelight café. We transformed the cafeteria into café with round tables, fake candles on each table, and a snack table with drinks and refreshments. The event was open to both students and faculty. All participants were welcome to read their own poetry, poetry of others, sing, rap, play an acoustic instrument, etc. We charged a minimum amount at the door to raise money for our chapter.
•“Tropical Smoothie Fundraiser.” Our chapter raised money at a local smoothie café. The cafe was generous enough to allow us to advertise in the parking lot to raise money for our chapter. A small percent of every customer’s purchase went towards our chapter.
•“Shakespeare’s Tragic Silence.” Our chapter had our advisor, Dr. Ricciardi, speak to students, faculty, and others about Shakespeare’s tragic heroes’ last words. He spoke about Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth. The event was extremely successful and there was standing room only.
•“CST workshop.” Our chapter planned two different “CST workshops.” In these workshops a generous professor from our college dedicated her time to help students learn study tips for the English Content Specialty Test.
•“Homework Helpers.” The former president organized a program called Homework Helpers. For community service our chapter members participate in tutoring students from grades 1-12 in all subject areas. The current president kept the program going this year, and it is growing in popularity. We tutor every Tuesday night for two hours at a public library.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lauren Brandeberry Candidate Profile
Lauren Brandeberry
Candidate for Associate Alumni Representative
Master's Candidate, University of Central Oklahoma
Chi Gamma Chapter
Expected Date of Graduation:
May 2011
Year Inducted:
2008
Current Profession:
Seeking Employment
Joined Alumni Epsilon:
2011
How would you promote membership?
As the Student Advisor for the past two years, I have focused heavily on how to promote all of the benefits and opportunities Sigma Tau Delta provides. During this time I have also served on the Alumni and International Committee. I understand all how important promotion can be, the unique challenges that Alumni Epsilon faces, and the unique concerns of Alumni Epsilon members. I would take a two-pronged approach to promoting membership. I would try to spread the word about Alumni Epsilon and encourage people to join through the use of electronic resources. More importantly, however, I would try to entice people to join by creating and advocating for more benefits for alumni members and Alumni Epsilon members. I would like to see more opportunities for published alumni to showcase and promote their work, grants and awards more carefully tailored to the needs of alumni members, and greater networking opportunities for alumni.
How would you promote community among a diverse membership?
Through the expansion and promotion of alumni publications, improved utilization of Facebook and other social networking platforms, and increased responsiveness to the concerns of alumni members. As Alumni Epsiolon’s membership grows, I know we will face new and interesting challenges, but right now the organization is small enough that I can work directly with all of the members to promote the kinds of community activities that they would find interesting and beneficial, and I can respond directly and immediately to any concerns raised.
How would you utilize electronic resources in performance of your duties, especially as it relates to communication?
Thanks to my two years of experience as Student Advisor I am very familiar with Sigma Tau Delta’s Facebook page and the Alumni Facebook group, and I created the Student Leadership News blog, which includes the Alumni News. I would continue to utilize these platforms to disseminate information to the membership and to give them an avenue to communicate with me. I would also explore other resources such as web chats, Twitter, and Disapora.
Based on your knowledge of electronic newsletters, what vision do you have for an Alumni Epsilon edition?
I see the Alumni News publication as platform for many things; for informing the Alumni Epsilon membership of upcoming opportunities and events, for members to promote their own efforts and achievements, and for members to interact with each other and their representatives in an effort to grow the alumni community and respond directly to alumni concerns.
Candidate for Associate Alumni Representative
Master's Candidate, University of Central Oklahoma
Chi Gamma Chapter
Expected Date of Graduation:
May 2011
Year Inducted:
2008
Current Profession:
Seeking Employment
Joined Alumni Epsilon:
2011
How would you promote membership?
As the Student Advisor for the past two years, I have focused heavily on how to promote all of the benefits and opportunities Sigma Tau Delta provides. During this time I have also served on the Alumni and International Committee. I understand all how important promotion can be, the unique challenges that Alumni Epsilon faces, and the unique concerns of Alumni Epsilon members. I would take a two-pronged approach to promoting membership. I would try to spread the word about Alumni Epsilon and encourage people to join through the use of electronic resources. More importantly, however, I would try to entice people to join by creating and advocating for more benefits for alumni members and Alumni Epsilon members. I would like to see more opportunities for published alumni to showcase and promote their work, grants and awards more carefully tailored to the needs of alumni members, and greater networking opportunities for alumni.
How would you promote community among a diverse membership?
Through the expansion and promotion of alumni publications, improved utilization of Facebook and other social networking platforms, and increased responsiveness to the concerns of alumni members. As Alumni Epsiolon’s membership grows, I know we will face new and interesting challenges, but right now the organization is small enough that I can work directly with all of the members to promote the kinds of community activities that they would find interesting and beneficial, and I can respond directly and immediately to any concerns raised.
How would you utilize electronic resources in performance of your duties, especially as it relates to communication?
Thanks to my two years of experience as Student Advisor I am very familiar with Sigma Tau Delta’s Facebook page and the Alumni Facebook group, and I created the Student Leadership News blog, which includes the Alumni News. I would continue to utilize these platforms to disseminate information to the membership and to give them an avenue to communicate with me. I would also explore other resources such as web chats, Twitter, and Disapora.
Based on your knowledge of electronic newsletters, what vision do you have for an Alumni Epsilon edition?
I see the Alumni News publication as platform for many things; for informing the Alumni Epsilon membership of upcoming opportunities and events, for members to promote their own efforts and achievements, and for members to interact with each other and their representatives in an effort to grow the alumni community and respond directly to alumni concerns.
Janine Brooks Candidate Profile
Janine Brooks
Candidate for Student Representative, High Plains Region
Master's Candidate, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Kappa Gamma Chapter
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2012
Year Inducted: 2009
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held:
Associate Student Representative, High Plains Region, Sigma Tau Delta
Secretary, Alphabet Soup Kids (ASK), Inc. (an advocacy/family support organization in Nebraska)
Past Secretary, Family Advocacy Movement (advocacy group for disabled in Nebraska)
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
Greetings—
You start out by presenting a paper in front of a small audience of peers. Your palms are sweaty and your eyelids twitch, and you can almost hear the tinge of a quiver in that suddenly weakened voice. Afterward, you manage to squeak out the answers to a few questions. It is later in the conference when someone approaches you to compliment you on that paper you read that your confidence truly grows. Eventually, you move on to new commitments with larger audiences, but sometimes you want more.
That appears to be the case with me. I confess to presenting several papers at a few conferences and admit that the experience has helped me to grow considerably as a person improving not only my public speaking and leadership skills within Sigma Tau Delta, but also in the community to which I live.
My past experiences in leadership have been more on the public sector; presently I serve as a board member to Alphabet Soup Kids (ASK) and I advocate for the needs of autistic adults needing services in the state of Nebraska. Within Sigma Tau Delta, I currently serve as the Associate Student Representative to the High Plains Region. Over the last twelve months I have worked with Michelle Webb (our present SR) to help build the Fall and Spring newsletters, then prepare them for publication. I have also been active on the Facebook newsfeed page posting links to relevant news articles and such.
I am a graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha studying English, Early British Literature. My intentions are to graduate with a M.A. in Spring 2012. I have met most of the graduate requirements, and am presently focused on earning certificates in both advanced and technical writing.
The biggest problem we have in the High Plains region has to do with communication. Except for a few letters sent out to the chapter presidents, there is little that seems to be said among ourselves. We are English people, part of our culture is to write – I say we need a discussion board on Sigma Tau Delta’s Facebook page. This allows for us to communicate better about what is happening in our chapters and allows for us to get to know each other better while satisfying that ‘English’ desire to write.
You will probably encounter me in one way or another helping at the conference. Alongside Andrew Moser, I presented “Web Tools” in the Student Leadership Workshop. I hope to stay busy through the conference contributing my time where needed as per my duties as Associate Student Representative.
Next year the adventure is down south in New Orleans, LA. It will be an amazing time as we all parade down the streets with the saints. Make me part of that number and have me represent you on the board as your Student Representative helping to plan another successful conference, serving as your voice on the board in its meetings.
Sincerely,
Janine M. Brooks
Candidate for Student Representative, High Plains Region
Master's Candidate, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Kappa Gamma Chapter
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2012
Year Inducted: 2009
Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held:
Associate Student Representative, High Plains Region, Sigma Tau Delta
Secretary, Alphabet Soup Kids (ASK), Inc. (an advocacy/family support organization in Nebraska)
Past Secretary, Family Advocacy Movement (advocacy group for disabled in Nebraska)
In no more than 500 words, explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee:
Greetings—
You start out by presenting a paper in front of a small audience of peers. Your palms are sweaty and your eyelids twitch, and you can almost hear the tinge of a quiver in that suddenly weakened voice. Afterward, you manage to squeak out the answers to a few questions. It is later in the conference when someone approaches you to compliment you on that paper you read that your confidence truly grows. Eventually, you move on to new commitments with larger audiences, but sometimes you want more.
That appears to be the case with me. I confess to presenting several papers at a few conferences and admit that the experience has helped me to grow considerably as a person improving not only my public speaking and leadership skills within Sigma Tau Delta, but also in the community to which I live.
My past experiences in leadership have been more on the public sector; presently I serve as a board member to Alphabet Soup Kids (ASK) and I advocate for the needs of autistic adults needing services in the state of Nebraska. Within Sigma Tau Delta, I currently serve as the Associate Student Representative to the High Plains Region. Over the last twelve months I have worked with Michelle Webb (our present SR) to help build the Fall and Spring newsletters, then prepare them for publication. I have also been active on the Facebook newsfeed page posting links to relevant news articles and such.
I am a graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha studying English, Early British Literature. My intentions are to graduate with a M.A. in Spring 2012. I have met most of the graduate requirements, and am presently focused on earning certificates in both advanced and technical writing.
The biggest problem we have in the High Plains region has to do with communication. Except for a few letters sent out to the chapter presidents, there is little that seems to be said among ourselves. We are English people, part of our culture is to write – I say we need a discussion board on Sigma Tau Delta’s Facebook page. This allows for us to communicate better about what is happening in our chapters and allows for us to get to know each other better while satisfying that ‘English’ desire to write.
You will probably encounter me in one way or another helping at the conference. Alongside Andrew Moser, I presented “Web Tools” in the Student Leadership Workshop. I hope to stay busy through the conference contributing my time where needed as per my duties as Associate Student Representative.
Next year the adventure is down south in New Orleans, LA. It will be an amazing time as we all parade down the streets with the saints. Make me part of that number and have me represent you on the board as your Student Representative helping to plan another successful conference, serving as your voice on the board in its meetings.
Sincerely,
Janine M. Brooks
Candidate Profiles
Every year at the annual convention, each region elects a Student Representative and an Associate Student Representative to represent student concerns to the Sigma Tau Delta Board of Directors. SRs and ASRs work closely with their Regent, helping with chapter recruitment and development, and they serve on the Student Leadership Committee, which produces the Student Leadership News blog. At convention, elections will also be held for the Alumni Representative and Associate Alumni Representative, who represent the concerns of alumni members and work closely with the student leaders.
From now until convention, we will be profiling candidates for the various offices, so that our members have a chance to learn a little about them and ask them questions. If you have a question for a candidate, please leave it in the comments section.
If you are interested in running for any of these offices, you still have time! Just go to http://english.org/sigmatd/leadership/index.shtml, read the job description and download the application. Email your application to the central office at sigmatd@niu.edu, or email sigmatd.sa1@gmail.com if you have any questions.
From now until convention, we will be profiling candidates for the various offices, so that our members have a chance to learn a little about them and ask them questions. If you have a question for a candidate, please leave it in the comments section.
If you are interested in running for any of these offices, you still have time! Just go to http://english.org/sigmatd/leadership/index.shtml, read the job description and download the application. Email your application to the central office at sigmatd@niu.edu, or email sigmatd.sa1@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sylvia Plath Reads "Lady Lazarus"
Check out this recording of Sylvia Plath reading "Lady Lazarus." Associate Student Representative Ellie Douglass was surprised by how old Plath sounds. What were your reactions? Share them with us in the comments!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sigma Literacy Cookbook
The Alpha Delta Zeta chapter at California State University, Fullerton, is soliciting literary-themed recipes for a new Sigma Tau Delta cookbook. Contact Matthew Berger at mattman@csu.fullerton.edu for more information.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Online Author Chat
The National English Honor Society chapter at Florida Virtual School is hosting a live online book discussion and chat with Sonia Nazario, the author of Enrique's Journey, this year's NEHS common reader. This chat is open to anyone who would like to attend.
The chat will be Thursday, March 10 at 11 am EST at https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=679&password=M.ABEA2C38563F7716991339A937EE4E They suggest logging in 15 minutes early in case any software updates are needed to support the Java-based chat.
The Resume Workshop is Back!
by Andrew Moser
Alumni Representative, 2009-2011
sigmatd.ae@gmail.com
After the success of last year’s Alumni Epsilon-sponsored resume workshop, I’m proud to announce that it will be returning for the 2011 International Convention in Pittsburgh. Featuring a panel of Alumni Epsilon members, all of whom have real-world experience at creating stand-out resumes, the panel is perfect for seniors looking for that edge when it comes to getting their post-graduation career started, or for anyone just looking to increase their on-paper marketability in these difficult economic times. The workshop will answer all these questions and more:
Alumni Representative, 2009-2011
sigmatd.ae@gmail.com
After the success of last year’s Alumni Epsilon-sponsored resume workshop, I’m proud to announce that it will be returning for the 2011 International Convention in Pittsburgh. Featuring a panel of Alumni Epsilon members, all of whom have real-world experience at creating stand-out resumes, the panel is perfect for seniors looking for that edge when it comes to getting their post-graduation career started, or for anyone just looking to increase their on-paper marketability in these difficult economic times. The workshop will answer all these questions and more:
- How long should my resume be?
- What exactly is a CV?
- Can my mom be a reference?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Convention Experience
by Michelle Webb
High Plains Student Representative, 2010-2011
Rho Psi
It was November 2009. One of my English professors said that I should submit a paper to the Sigma Tau Delta convention. I had been inducted only the previous semester and wasn’t yet acclimated to the organization. As suggested, I went ahead and submitted two of my favorite papers—one about my grandfather and another about Willa Cather’s My Antonia. I clicked the “submit” button and went back into all-out student mode, placing the papers in the back of my mind. When the time came to release the names of those whose papers had been accepted, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I would be presenting both my papers at the Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in St. Louis.
As I mentioned, I was new to the organization—and the only member of the Rho Psi chapter who was traveling to St. Louis. After fundraising and making arrangements for the eight-hour trek, my professor and I were off. I was incredibly nervous; I had never presented papers before, and I had never traveled without a close relative or friend. I was not journeying with any of my English buddies, nor was I meeting up with a familiar face at convention. You know the poor 6th grader who, in terror, treads into the middle school hallway for the first time? That was me.
I attended presentations, keynote speaker lectures, and sessions (all of which were fantastic, I might add) and soon felt less and less antsy. As I was waiting in line to have Azar Nafisi sign Reading Lolita in Tehran (that’s right—she signed my book!), I heard some conversations that told me I could abandon my anxiety. In front of me, a lass and lad were arguing about which Poe work they thought deserved more merit: “The Black Cat” or “Usher.” Behind me, two young men were discussing how to diagram the sentence “Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.” I was in English heaven.
After that first night in line, I stepped into my element. I opened up to other students and advisors and made several connections within the organization. I also decided to go ahead and run for Student Representative, a position I had been eyeing on the Sigma website ever since I had found out my papers had been accepted. When I was selected to be the High Plains SR for the upcoming year, I was utterly thrilled. I realized that, in such a short time, Sigma had already provided several meaningful opportunities, and I was ready to start giving back.
Over the past year, I have been privileged to work with an outstanding group of leaders who have worked hard to improve Sigma Tau Delta—and the Pittsburgh convention—for its members. I have also, thanks to my network of contacts I met at convention, been able to help my local chapter at FHSU be more active and aware of all Sigma has to offer—the scholarships, the internships, the project grants, and so much more.
So if you’re the shy new middle school kid of Sigma Tau Delta, I challenge you to attend convention. Even if you’re not presenting papers or applying to be a SR, you can start making connections within an organization whose main purpose is to serve you—a fellow English lover. I’m not saying you have to step up as a Student Representative your first convention, but I am saying that convention can provide invaluable opportunities for you. You will be surrounded by literally hundreds of fellow English nerds—yes, the ones who laugh at “that’s what she read.” And you will have the opportunity to meet top-notch intellectuals and to expand your repertoire as a writer, a leader, and an English lover.
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