The Emerald Newsletter | Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Summer/Fall 2018 | Page 51

51

By Kenya Bener, Delta Alpha

I started my life prematurely and with various complications. I was raised by my mother and help from my paternal grandmother and maternal grandparents. I graduated high school in 2009, and then attended Texas A&M University in College Station. Throughout my college career, I had to overcome some obstacles. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, so I had to figure out a way to stay in school and still be there for her in the time of need. In February 2013 my paternal grandmother passed away, which was very hard for me. With the help of her supportive friends and family I was able to push through and finish school and receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management. I received my Master of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation last fall and currently I am a physical education teacher at an elementary school.

The year my mother was diagnosed, I had to put my dreams of joining KDChi on hold. I continued to attend rush events and participate in events and intramural sports with the ladies. I felt like I was a KDChi and didn’t even have my letters yet. KDChi holds a special place in my heart and I will never forget the kindness and support I received throughout my college career. I will never forget the young women who helped me along the way, I knew

Meet

Kenya

Bener

Vice President of Alumnae Affairs

they will always be there for me. The many challenges faced during her undergraduate career didn’t allow me to join at Texas A&M, but I still remember the day that a friend told me that there was a Graduate/Professional Chapter.

I was initiated through the graduate process in the Summer of 2013. Those same women that was supportive during my collegiate career was there for me during my process. Since my initiation, I have been actively involved in the Houston Alumnae Chapter. In my five years of membership I was President of the alumnae chapter for two years. I decided to join the National Leadership team as an Alumnae Regional Chair for the Pacific Coast region. I then became the Graduate Member Education Officer, and recently I was appointed to the position of Vice President of Alumnae Affairs.

As Vice President of Alumnae Affairs, I will strive to uphold our values by ensuring that alumnae are involved in their alumnae chapters. I also want to make sure that every chapter gets the necessary resources to have a successful year. I want to embrace the opportunity to allow me to make a valuable contribution to this organization. KDChi is not four years, its for life!