A letter from the President

Hello all! My name is Mia Plankey and I have the most incredible honor in serving the Delta
Sigma chapter of Tri Delta as the Collegiate Chapter President. I am currently a junior studying
Hospitality & Tourism Management concentrating in Event Management, and I also have a
minor in Business Administration with plans to hopefully work in the event planning and
management industry after college!
I always knew I wanted to move away from my small hometown in the northeast for college and
try living somewhere new. I dreamt of going to a big, spirited SEC school, but that felt way too
out of reach for high school me. At the time, it was absolutely unheard of to move 14 hours
away from home for college, yet I decided to anyway. I applied to almost every single school in
the southeastern conference, however none of them compared to Tennessee. From the moment
I stepped onto Rocky Top for my first ever visit and campus tour, I found the sense of community
that I had hoped I’d find for so long. The way I fell in love with this university and community was
so apparent for anyone who knew me in high school, and since that time the pride and joy I feel
to be a Volunteer has only grown immensely.
Going Greek and joining the Panhellenic community was another dream of mine in high school.
I’m a first generation sorority woman, meaning no one else in my family had ever gone through
the recruitment process. This definitely has its pros and cons – I am so grateful for my family
who supported my decision to “Go Greek” despite not knowing anything about the process, but
with that comes its struggles. This experience is unlike anything else, and my family had nothing
to compare it to. Their perception of Greek life solely depended on my explanation of it and the
experiences that I shared with them. I am so thankful for how supportive my parents and family
have been through my journey in Greek life, even though they never did experience it for
themselves. Regardless of this, I was so excited to go through recruitment. I envied the
relationships, opportunities, connections, and experiences that I saw it created for others and I
wanted that for myself.
Delta Delta Delta has meant so much more to me than just a sorority. It has shown me what it
means to have relationships with others that are rooted in shared values; truth, self-sacrifice,
and friendship. It’s shown me unconditional love and support whether you’re on top of the
mountain or in the lowest point of the valley. It’s shown me true lifelong friendship,
encouragement, and an overwhelming amount of joy and fulfillment. Tri Delta has given me
purpose. The women that I have found in this chapter are the biggest blessings in my life.
Throughout my entire grade school experience, I just wanted friends who loved me for me and
were intentional and authentic in their friendships. I wanted a support system, a community, and
a sisterhood, and I have found that and more in Tri Delta.
Yet being involved in a chapter this size, it's no secret to acknowledge the fact that being
everyone’s best friend is a little short of impossible. However, another Tri Delta once told me
that “we’re not all best friends, but we do all love each other” and that quote has reigned true. I
would do anything to be there for these women, and I know they would do the same for me.
Each year of college I find myself forming new relationships with so many different women from
all grades, who have become some of my dearest and lifelong friends. Somehow, just when I

think it can’t get any better, Tri Delta surprises me by putting more women in my life who really
love me, for me.
And of course, Tri Delta is not Tri Delta without its passion for St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital. Last summer, I had the incredible privilege of visiting St. Jude in Memphis. When I got
to visit the hospital, a mother of a St. Jude patient told me that she wishes she could personally
thank Tri Delta members for their service, support, and dedication to the mission of St. Jude.
These words play back in my head often. It is a blessing and a privilege to live a healthy life,
and because of this I believe that if we are able to give back in any form, we should. The
gratitude that St. Jude has for Tri Delta is something that is so incredible we have the honor to
reciprocate back. Something that I admire about Tri Delta and the women a part of this
organization is our shared heart for St. Jude. It is something Tri Deltas at any institution can
bond over and it is truly the greatest honor to be a St. Jude partner organization. Every single
member of Tri Delta made a pledge when they opened their bid card that they would embody
our values of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship and serve and commit to something so much
bigger than any of ourselves. Our dedication to serving St. Jude is the epitome of that, and it is
so fulfilling to see this passion shared amongst our members.
I wear my letters with so much pride to be a Tri Delta. I hope to serve this sisterhood the same
way that it has done for me; investing my time and love into these women to unlock the potential
in all of them to be the best leaders, friends, collegiate women, and Tri Deltas that they can be.
This community is here for each other, to lean on, and to love each other. I am so blessed,
privileged, and excited to serve such an incredible group of women, and this is truly my greatest
honor. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Delta Sigma, and to see where this
community and chapter grows!
Delta Love and all of mine,
Mia Plankey