LWW | Rachel Hazelwood

Rachel Hazelwood
Sophomore studying Communication and minoring in Philanthropy & Nonprofit Studies
from Birmingham, AL

“Being a part of Theta has been such a great experience for me, and I’m so glad I have two more years to spend with these girls.” - Rachel

“Rachel was one of my first friends in Theta and has since become an amazing sister that I can go to for anything. She takes on everything in her life with so much passion and dedication! I strive to be more like her.” - Secret Sister

What else are you involved with in Auburn? 

I’m very involved with Storybook Farm. It’s my second year volunteering with them. Storybook Farm combines my love of kids with my love of animals. It is the happiest place I’ve ever been and it has become something that is extremely close to my heart. I’d love to be with them for the rest of my time at Auburn.

How did you decide what to study at Auburn? 

I want to work in the nonprofit sector doing something with animal rescue. There’s nothing I’m more passionate about!

Any goals for this year? 

I’ll be completing my first internship this year with an organization called Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. I’m just hoping it goes well and prepares me even more for my future career.

Favorite Theta memory:

I loved Big/Little reveal this year! It was such a cute theme. Not to mention, I got the BEST little ever!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Emily Loefstedt

Emily Loefstedt
Senior studying Fitness, Conditioning and Performance
from San Diego, CA

“To me, Theta is a family. I’m fortunate enough to share this sisterhood with my Nana and my Mom, so it’s always been a really special way for the three of us to connect. I love every member of this sorority and couldn’t imagine my college experience without it.” - Emily

“Emily is someone you can trust with anything, from fitness advice to constant vine references. She always makes me laugh and will always be there to listen and support me. I’m so thankful for her and the memories I’ve made with her.” - Secret Sister

1. How did you decide what to study at Auburn?

I love to exercise, so when I found out I could do it as a major and professional career, I was set. I truly enjoy helping others achieve their goals and I love promoting healthy lifestyles. Auburn has led me to so many amazing experiences in this major, such as working as a Personal Trainer at the Rec, and has helped me realize that this is definitely the right path for me.

2. Any goals for the year?

I want to continue making memories with my friends and take in everything senior year has to offer!

3. What else are you involved in on campus?

I am the Ritualist this year for Theta, an SOS Orientation Leader, a Personal Trainer at the REC, a College of Education Student Ambassador, a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, and a Be Well Hut Ambassador.

4. Favorite Theta memory:

I don’t have a specific favorite memory because I really enjoy and cherish everything that has happened over the past 3 years that I’ve had in Theta. I feel as though all of the little things we do together really show how unique our sisterhood is. 

Leading Woman Wednesday | Alison Beverly

Alison Beverly
Junior studying Biomedical Sciences
from Birmingham, AL

"Theta gave me the sisters I never had growing up. To have such a genuine sisterhood means the complete world to me. I have no idea what I would do without all of them and the support system they give me." - Alison

"Alison is inspiring. I️ cannot count how many times I️ have been in pure amazement of her dedication and work ethic. I’m proud to be able to say that she is one of my best friends." - Secret Sister

1. What are you most looking forward to during the rest of your time in Theta?

Making new lifelong sisters—I already have so many new friends because of Theta, but I’m so excited to make new ones during all of the fun sisterhood events we have every semester!

2. Favorite Theta memory:

Auburn game days with all of my beautiful sisters are such fond memories that we share.

3. Any goals for this year?

I have to take the MCAT next semester to get in to medical school. I’m super nervous to take it, but I’m also super excited, because I will be one step closer to becoming to the doctor I aspire to be!

4. What else are you involved in on campus?

I am a part of Diamond Dolls, the Be Well Hut, Honors College, Auburn for Water, Alternative Student Breaks, and I volunteer with IMPACT. I also am involved with Undergraduate Research in the Harrison School of Pharmacy and I work at the Rec!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Danielle Teare

Danielle Teare
Junior studying Nutrition Science
from Fernandina Beach, FL

“Theta means surrounding myself with girls who bring out the best in me and continue to help me grow.” - Danielle

“I’m so thankful Theta brought Danielle and I together! She has always been someone I can count on and she always puts others before herself.” - Secret Sister

1. Favorite Theta memory:

My favorite memory is running home to my best friend Paige and my other sisters after being incognito as a Pi Chi for months! I never got to run home during recruitment because I was a COB, so I really did cry!

2. How did you decide what to study at Auburn?

I’m majoring in Nutrition Science because I intend to apply to pharmacy school after graduation. I shadowed a variety of healthcare professionals and found a passion for hospital pharmacy. I think the deciding moment for me was watching the pharmacist make a bag of chemotherapy for a patient with cancer.

3. What else are you involved in on campus?

During recruitment, I was a Pi Chi with Auburn Panhellenic. I’m also on Auburn’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team, I’m a Morale Captain for AUDM, and I’m in the Auburn Pre-Pharmacy Club.

Where in the World Wednesday | Julia Prout

Julia Prout
Rising sophomore studying Media Studies and minoring in Psychology
from Madison, NJ

Julia studied abroad in Rome, Italy earlier this summer. She also visited Florence, Orvieto, and Tivoli in Italy, and Athens in Greece.

"I've loved traveling ever since I was little and I'm really thankful for all of the experiences I had on this trip. I fell in love with the city of Rome and can't wait to go back!"

Something that stood out:

My favorite thing that we did was a cooking class! We got to walk around a fresh market to look at and try some ingredients, and then we got to learn how to make pasta using only two ingredients. It was a valuable skill to learn and I’m excited to make pasta in the future!

Something I looked forward to:

I was really excited to finally see the Colosseum, and to eat my body weight in pasta and gelato!

Where in the World Wednesday | Kayla Shoaff

Kayla Shoaff
Rising junior studying Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology
from Huntsville, AL

Kayla is shadowing doctors while she is abroad in Rome, Italy for the summer. So far she has also visited Pompeii, Naples, Capri, and Florence.

"Rome seems like a second home to me now. I plan to travel to Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands after my fellowship is over." - Kayla

Something that stands out:

I watched an open heart surgery and that was the most amazing experience I have ever encountered!

Something to look forward to:

I’m hoping to soon be placed in the OB/GYN speciality so I can witness live births and Caesarian sections!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Lexi Kontos

Lexi Kontos
Rising junior studying Nutrition Science
from Bettendorf, IA

"Theta means putting others before yourself and becoming a better you. Theta has given me so much and I'm thankful for being a part of this wonderful chapter." - Lexi

"Lexi is hilarious and brightens up any room she walks into. She will always have me laughing in a matter of minutes!" - Secret Sister

1. How did you choose what to study when you came to Auburn?

I have wanted to be a dentist since I was 4 years old, and studying Nutrition Science is one way to get there.

2. What else have you been involved in on campus?

In Theta, I hold the position of Panhellenic Assistant. Outside of Theta, I've volunteered with Alternative Student Breaks and I'm on the Auburn Club Swim team.

3. What are you looking forward to in the next year?

I am looking forward to seeing how our chapter grows on Auburn's campus and continuing my relationships with my closest friends.

Where in the World Wed | Emily Forrester

Emily Forrester
Junior studying Interior Design
from Augusta, GA

Emily is studying abroad in Ariccia, Italy for the spring semester. So far she has viisited many other cities including Geneva, Switzerland; Vienna, Austria; and Split, Croatia.

"One of my favorite parts of studying abroad has been living in a small town near Rome and beginning to experience what life in Italy is like." - Emily

Something that stands out:

One of my favorite cities we have been to is Matera. It’s a town in the southern part of Italy that was built into the caves surrounding it. It was such a unique place and a little hard to get to, but so worth it!

Something to look forward to:

I am really looking forward to going to Positano and seeing the coast when it is a little warmer!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Christine Arnold

Christine Arnold
Freshman studying Nursing
from Huntsville, AL

"Theta means strength. I have the most amazing group of girls who are my constant support system. My first year would not have gone as smoothly if it weren't for them!" - Christine

"Christine always puts a smile on everyone’s face. Whenever I need someone to cheer me up I can always count on her!" - Secret Sister

1. What are you looking forward to this year?

There's so much coming up that I'm so excited for, but I definitely have to say I am most looking forward to living on the hall with my best friends. I just know it's going to be a blast every day! I'm also pretty pumped about recruitment. Something about hanging out with all my sisters for a week and finding the next member class (and my future little) makes me so excited!

2. How did you decide what to study at Auburn?

I had no idea what I wanted to do. And if you asked me in high school, my major changed every other week. After a summer of volunteering at a hospital, I found I had a passion for helping others and an interest in a medical field. One day I was thinking about being a nurse and knew it was the perfect fit. Getting over my fear of needles was a small obstacle if it meant I got to help people for the rest of my life!

3. What else have you been involved with on campus?

I'm a member of Emerge, which is a freshman leadership program, and I am currently Theta’s executive assistant. It has given me the opportunity to become more involved in the sorority and grow closer with my sisters! I will also be a MEA in the fall, so I cannot wait to meet and help the new members! 

Where in the World Wednesday | Allie Taylor

Allie Taylor
Sophomore studying Industrial Design
from Walkersville, MD

Allie is studying abroad in Ireland for the spring semester. During her trip so far, she has visited Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny, Cork, Dunmore East, Killarney, and Ballyvaughan.

"Ireland has been an incredible experience. We lack WiFi and cell service, but it has made me appreciate the beauty of nature in this amazing place. Every experience has been unbelievable, from hiking to the Burren, taking a boat ride to the Skellig Islands, kissing the Blarney Stone, and studying at design schools with my best friends!" - Allie

Something that stands out:

My favorite this so far was celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and watching the parade with all of the fun people that live there. Kayaking and paddleboarding in Dunmore East also stand out because my professor flipped my kayak and I fell into the freezing water!

Something to look forward to:

I'm looking forward to going to Milan, Italy for the Milan Furniture Fair and renting Vespas to explore the city.

Where in the World Wednesday | Rachel Kelley

Rachel Kelley
Junior studying Architecture
from Tyler, TX

Rachel is studying abroad in Rome, Italy for the spring semester. During her trip so far, she has also visited Munich, Germany; Athens, Greece; Venice, Italy; Dublin, Ireland; and Malta!

"This semester has been a dream come true for me, something I have wanted to do my whole life!" - Rachel

Something that stands out:

So far Athens, Greece has been my favorite place. The Mediterranean culture and food are hard to beat! But I was just in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day, and that's always been on my bucket list, so it's hard to pick just one thing!

Something to look forward to:

I'm going to the Amalfi Coast for a weekend and seeing a different side of Italy, including the beach, which I'm excited about!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Erin Wise

Erin Wise
Junior studying Communication and minoring in English
From Roanoke, AL

"My goal for this year is to just be as involved in what Theta and Auburn have to offer as possible. I️ am a transfer student, so I️ have less time here than most. I️ want to know that my time here was full and spent doing things I️ loved and enjoyed." - Erin

"She is a loyal friend and works hard at everything she sets her mind to." - Secret Sister

1. What are you most looking forward to during the rest of your time in Theta?

I’m most looking forward to working with our philanthropy, CASA, and just getting to take part in service in general. Being helpful to others is something I️ am so passionate about.

2. Favorite Theta memory:

My favorite Theta memory is running home with my best friend, Sara Wilson. She was in my Pi Chi group and was the first person I️ talked to at Kick Off. From that moment on, we were inseparable. I️ wouldn’t trade the memories I’ve made with the people in Theta for anything!

3. What else are you involved in on campus?

I️ am an Orientation Leader for SOS and a part of Eagle Eye TV as an anchor and reporter for sports. I work at the Rec and Wellness Center and I will be a MEA for this year's recruitment.

Leading Woman Wednesday | Alex Brumbelow

Alex Brumbelow
Sophomore studying Psychology and minoring in Leadership
From Dalton, GA

"Theta has helped open so many doors for me and has given me many great friendships that I’m sure will last a long time after graduation." - Alex

"Alex is honestly one of the sweetest girls I've met. She's always there for you no matter what and can always find a way to make you laugh!" - Secret Sister

1. How did you choose what to study in school?

I’ve always loved being there for people and supporting them to reach their goals, and so I decided to make it my passion. I plan to become a Sports Psychologist because I grew up an athlete and understand their stresses and passion, but I also understand that sometimes it is easy to lose control of yourself when you care so much about the game. I decided to minor in leadership because I have always been fascinated with the different ways that a person can lead a group. and I believe that it will help me with my sports psychology endeavors by allowing me to guide athletes into becoming their best selves.

2. What are you involved in on campus?

I am a member of the Student Eminent Society (College of Liberal Arts Ambassadors) and an SOS Counselor. I joined them because I knew they would be a great way to meet new people and gain experiences that will be useful later on in life.

3. Any goals for the year?

My goals for the next year include keeping up my grades and helping to successfully transition transfer students into our wonderful Auburn family!

4. Favorite Theta memory:

My favorite Theta memory is from semi-formal when we got to dance the night away to some awesome music in a beautiful hotel venue.

Leading Woman Wednesday | Laney Blake

Laney Blake
Junior studying Animal Science and minoring in Business
From Dallas, TX

"Theta has given me a family that loves me unconditionally and friendships that will stick with me for the rest of my life." - Laney

"She's such a leader on campus and is a great role model for her sisters!" - Secret Sister

1. What is something cool you've been able to do because of your major?

I have had the ability to travel to multiple countries with not only my college, but with fellow Animal science majors. Freshman year, I went to Beijing, China and this year I am going to Lima, Peru. Over the summer, I will also be traveling on a service-learning trip to Nicaragua to work with veterinarians and inform local communities about animal welfare.

2. What are you involved in on campus?

I am a member of Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society and Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, and the secretary of Rho Lambda Panhellenic Honor Society. I'm a part of the Ag Mentor Program,  I have volunteered with Alternative Student Breaks, and I was an SOS Orientation Leader for transfer students. I joined these organizations because I wanted to branch out, meet new people, and make connections across campus.

3. Favorite Theta memory:

My freshman year, I went with a group of sisters down to the Bahamas. We got to do so many fun activities like being chased by iguanas on an island, visiting the swimming pigs (seen on the bachelor last year!) and swimming with sharks and stingrays!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Isabella Demco

Isabella Demco
Freshman studying Nursing
From Austin, TX

"Theta means so much to me, by truly becoming my home away from home. I'm so far away from Texas and Theta has allowed me to meet some of my best friends at Auburn." - Isabella

"She never fails to make me laugh, and is a great gal to have as a friend!" - Secret Sister

1. What are you involved in on campus?

I am currently a member of UPC, on the Development Committee, and I'm also a member of Diamond Dolls. I joined UPC because their events on campus really made Auburn feel like home, and I wanted to do the same for other students. I joined Diamond Dolls because of my love of baseball from watching my brother play all his life. I wanted baseball to be a part of my life again, and I wanted to meet other girls who love the sport as much as I do.

2. What are you most looking forward to during your time in Theta?

I'm most looking forward to being able to get a little of my own. I love my big so much and she's one of my favorite people. I want to be the person that she is for me for my little.

3. Any goals for the new year?

My main goal for this year is to get into nursing school in July. If I got in, it would mean the world to me, since I'm applying a year early. Ever since my first medical terminology class in high school, and then earning my certified nursing assistant license, I knew I wanted to study nursing in college.

Leading Woman Wednesday | Bailey Freeman

Bailey Freeman

Studying Human Development/Family Studies With a Spanish Minor

From Birmingham, AL

“To me it means being confident in who you are. I used to be really insecure about myself,
but Theta has definitely taught me to believe in myself and be confident in who I am.” -Bailey Freeman

“Bailey is an inspiration to me everyday.  I wouldn't be where I am without her.” -Secret Sister

1.What are you involved in on campus?

I am an AUDM Morale Captain, a Student Worker for Event Management in Athletics, a Student Fund Caller for AU Foundation, and was a Pi Chi this past summer!

2.What do you love about these organizations?

AUDM is so wonderful because you truly see the difference you're making with the money you raise. You get to go see the changes being made in the hospital and you get to see our Miracle Kids grow up who may not be here today if it wasn't for the hospital in Columbus and AUDM. It has become family to me and we love and support each other so much!

3.What is something you are passionate about?

I'm very passionate about adoption as I am a HDFS major. I have 2 adopted brothers and want to have a career as an adoption social worker. I truly believe every child in the world deserves a safe, warm, and loving home. There are over 153 million orphans in the world and I want to find as many of those orphans their forever families as I possibly can.

LWW | Ella Sykes & Rachel Parmer

Ella Sykes

Junior Studying History With 3 Minors

From Birmingham, AL

Rachel Parmer

Junior Studying Global Studies

From Hartselle, AL

“I have the opportunity to make the world a better place every single day with small acts of kindness, whether that's smiling at someone who looks sad or helping someone up who tripped on the concourse and that is what I am passionate about.” -Ella Sykes

“I love learning new things and one of my goals this semester is to learn something new in every class each day.”      -Rachel

1. What does it mean to both of you to be a leading woman?

Being a leading woman is all about taking initiative, whether that's being involved on campus or going the extra mile to make an A in your class. It's never passing up an opportunity to be your best self and help those around you. -Ella

True leadership is stepping down and serving others before yourself. -Rachel

2. What in Auburn would you consider a “hidden gem”?

Honestly we would say our church is a pretty fantastic hidden gem. They provide us with so many resources, like free food, a study space 24/7, and tons of support! -Ella

My front porch. My brother and I live together in a trailer near the woods and our front porch faces out over the beautiful trees. I love sitting on it in the afternoon with a good book. -Rachel

Leading Woman Wednesday / Kayla Tucker

Kayla Tucker

Senior Studying Biomedical Sciences

From Hazel Green, AL

“Theta means growth. I have seen myself grow into an incredible leading woman and I have watched so many other women grow into beautiful woman that are going to do such great things with their lives all because of the love and support Theta provides”- Kayla Tucker

“I know that whenever I need a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on I can go to her.” -Secret Sister

1.What are you involved in on campus?

I am the probation director for Theta, an IMPACT Projection Coordinator and have been a Pi Chi for two years now! I love being able to serve people through community service, or just loving on girls as they search for their Greek home!

2.How do you want to change Auburn or the world for the better?

My passion is to change the world through sight. I have dreams of becoming an eye doctor and I would love to travel the world providing vision care to those who don’t have access to it.

3.What is one thing you’ve done this past semester that makes you the most proud?

The biggest thing I have done this past semester is apply for Optometry School! I am starting to get a couple of interviews so I am really excited about my future with that!

Leading Woman Wednesday | Ashley Kim

Ashley Kim
Junior from Montgomery, AL
Studying Biomedical Sciences

"Theta is a group of strong women with whom I can confide in, share my life with, and learn from." 
-Ashley Kim

"She’s so hardworking and such an inspiration to me. I can’t imagine my time at Auburn or in Theta without her because she has become one of my closest friends!"
-About Ashley (from her Secret Sister)

1. How did you spend your summer?
I went to Korea this summer to study the language and culture! 

2. Why did you decide to go through recruitment? 
I went to a small high school and I was really scared about the big change. I thought recruitment was a great way to make new friends!

3. What is your favorite Theta memory? 
My favorite Theta memory is last years big little reveal! Surprising my little and making her crafts was so much fun!

4. What's something you wish you would've known freshman year?
Something I wish I knew as a freshman at Auburn is that everything is not the end of the world. So I definitely wish I knew how to put things in perspective.

5. What's something you've done that you're proud of?
For the past two years, I have been trying to live a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating right, and taking care of my mental health. Although I slip at times, my overall physical and mental well being has improved! I even get my friends and family to exercise with me.

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Where in the World Wednesday | Allie Coyte

Allie Coyte
Junior from Chelsea, AL
Studying Special Education

Allie is a rising junior from Chelsea, AL studying Special Education! This summer she got to travel to Thailand and partake in all kinds of cool activities and adventures! 

“I’ve been bungee jumping, rock climbing, repelling, caving, learned Mauy Thai, trekking, studied meditation with a Buddhist teaching monk, explored Chiang Mai, Pai, and I'm learning a lot of Thai along the way. My favorite saying I've learned since I've got here is "Mai pen rai" because it means "no worries" and it's a way of life for people over here and it's really cool to get to experience all of it. It has been a very eye opening trip and I am so glad I have gotten an opportunity to learn more about this amazing culture.” 

Make sure to follow our #whereinthewθrldwednesday tag on Instagram to keep up with the sisters of Gamma Omega's travels this summer!

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