By Emarie Tucker
Wingate Triangle contributing writer
Yahimar Medina, a sophomore nursing major from Monroe, N.C., and member of Alpha Omicron Pi at Wingate University, is excited about new fundraisers and events her sorority is taking part in. The sorority raises money for the Arthritis Foundation, and this year it is hosting a new fundraising event for the organization—a 5K road race throughout campus Oct. 12 on World Arthritis Day.
There are also new events for recruitment this year, which include creating affirmation mirrors, stress shakers, jewelry boxes, having picnics and playing cards. Wingate sororities engage in continuous recruitment, which means that they can recruit new members at any time during each semester.
“We do sisterhood events, where we take time out of the month to come together and hang out and refresh,” said Medina, who mentions events like movie nights, photoshoots, and trips to Topgolf in Charlotte. The sorority also participates in community service at Turning Point in Monroe, a women’s and children’s shelter. The shelter provides resources for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
There are fulfilling benefits to being in a sorority, according to Medina. “Being able to help others that are not as fortunate has opened my eyes to being more grateful and appreciative of what I have, and there are connections you make on campus and new opportunities that can arise from being in a sorority,” she said.
Medina is the Member of Experience vice president, the Community Relations vice president and the Operations vice president, which is a shared position. She devotes about two to three hours a day to the sorority.
Fernanda Nunez, a junior criminal justice major from Charlotte, is the chapter president and the Programming and Enrichment vice president. “I help with programming, which includes workshops on mental health and teaching members about diversity, equity and inclusion,” Nunez said.
Sorority members pay dues that vary, and this year members have to pay about $900. Alpha Omicron Pi does not have its own house, but it does have an apartment that is not affiliated.
Right now, there are only six members in AOII, but Medina and Nunez are working hard to recruit new members and expect that number to grow significantly this year. The fundraisers and multiple events play a key role in attracting future members to join the sorority.
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