We open with our theme music.

Our guest, Ali Dalle introduces herself over the music: "Hi, my name is Ali Dalle. I'm from the Delta Upsilon Chapter, and this is My Zeta Story."

As the music fades out, podcast host Lacy Margaret Hurd introduces herself. "Hey y'all, welcome to the My Zeta Story podcast. My name's Lacy Margaret Hurd."

Lacy Margaret: Okay, so, to start out, I just kind of want to talk a little bit more about what you're involved in on campus. So, what are your extracurriculars? What do you do within Zeta? What are all the things that you're involved in on campus?

Ali: So, I started with being on the swim team, that's why I came here. And then I joined the BE organization which makes events for the students. Then I also joined the AMA—American Marketing Association. And then I joined Zeta in fall 2021. Uh, I think that's all I'm involved to yet.

Lacy Margaret: Just a few things, right?

Ali: Yeah, haha, just a few things.

Lacy Margaret: So what exactly made you more interested in joining Zeta? What was that like for you?

Ali: So, my first semester, so in August 2020, we were online because of COVID. And so, I didn't know about sorority stuff. And they sent an email about a party where you can meet all the sororities and stuff. I didn't understand any of it, like, I was really confused. But I was like, "Let's just see."

So then in fall 2021 - well, it was kind of easy to make the choice - because I had become friends with Zetas, since my roommate was one. And also because I was interested in being a Zeta. So, yeah, it was kind of like that. Instagram, to on campus, to my roommate.

Lacy Margaret: Timing is definitely everything and it kind of seems like that was a just natural decision for you. So that's really cool how it all worked out.

Ali: Yeah.

Lacy Margaret: What do you think the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome has been? Moving here, going to school, being away from your family, what's kind of been the hardest thing for you?

Ali: The hardest thing was the language. Because when I decided to come here, I was, like, the last in my English class. Everybody was making fun of me because I didn't know how to speak English.

And one thing about me, is that I'm born in the United States, with my parents, came and lived here for two years. So I have dual citizenship. And everyone knew that back home in France, and they were like, "You're American, you don't know how to speak English." And I was like, "Yeah, okay, but I'm still going to go."

And I came here, and it was hard, I'm not going to lie. I was, like, using Google Translate with my roommate and stuff. But we took our time, and it came faster and faster, and more words. And now, I'm really comfortable with it. But I think that was the hardest part, because I was really scared of it because everybody told me I would not make it because of that.

And another thing I regret, like miss a lot, is the food. I'm sorry, but the food in France is much better. And in Belgium, too.

Lacy Margaret: So, what is your favorite French food?

Ali: Oh my god, it's called raclette and it's like melt cheese. And you eat it with charcuterie and pickles. And it's so good. You're like full after that with stuff, but mmm. I love it.

Lacy Margaret: That sounds amazing. We have a Christmas market here in Carmel every single year. And they have raclette.

Ali: Really?!

Lacy Margaret: And so, I had it for the first time this past December. And it is amazing. It is so good.

Ali: Oh my god! I didn't even know you had that here. I couldn't find—well, I'm in a little city here so maybe that's why. But, oh, that's so great you tried it!

Lacy Margaret: So, on the opposite side of the spectrum, what do you think your favorite thing about going to school here is, or just being here in general?

Ali: It's kind of changed with the time I've been here.

So, my freshman year, it was more like the fact that I was going to do swimming and school and not be too late on my homework or not going to practice because of it. The schedule was kind of really well made. And back home, it's more like school. And if you have extra activities, it's your business. The school doesn't like take care or count that. So, I was really happy with that. It was really nice.

And then, it's being involved on campus. I just love that. I love discovering other stuff, getting out of my comfort zone. And just right now, doing that is another step for me. I was like, "You're not going to talk English with people you don't know about your story." And then I was like, "Yes, you will!" And I love what I'm doing. Each time I push myself more and more. And being involved on campus really makes me happy, because I always have new things to do and new people to meet.

Lacy Margaret: I love that. And being on a video, when you talk about being involved on campus, your face lights up! So I can tell that you really, really, truly do enjoy that.

So kind of talking about you being involved on campus, how do you think that Zeta has helped you become a better person and student on campus?

Ali: Well, first when I went through the first and only night of Recruitment that I went, it was like, "Yeah, we really push academics," and I was like, "That's great because I'm a good student, but I'm not like excelling."

And then they also like being involved on campus and doing something for the community. And I was like, "Okay, that's interesting." And when I joined, I really see that.

As Director of Activities, I want to push them to discover more, because there's more than just Zeta or just school. And, as you say, I really love being involved. So I was like, "Go ahead. Go discover theatre. Go see this, go see this dance competition..."

They did it for me in my first semester, and then as Director of Activities, I'm kind of doing it for my sisters.

Lacy Margaret: Yeah so you kind of get to return the favor and give back and do the same for them.

Ali: Yeah! Because they give it to me, so I have to give it back.

Lacy Margaret: I love that, and I feel like that's what Zeta is all about. You know, serving others and doing this for others just because you want to.

Ali: Yeah! We are a community and we want to help each other.

Lacy Margaret: How do you think that your sisters in your chapter have made your school and being in America feel more like home?

Ali: Well, they did so much to be honest. I really feel like Wesleyan and Delta Upsilon is my home. They just push me to be better. I feel like I'm the best version of myself right now.

Lacy Margaret: Yes! That's really sweet. I love that.

So, sort of wrapping up, if you wanted to give one piece of advice to a new member of Zeta, what would you tell them?

Ali: I think I would say to... Don't think too much. Just go with the flow. Because if you think too much, you're not going to enjoy the present moment. Because you're here to enjoy and discover, and then you will see what you like, and see what you don’t.

Lacy Margaret: That's great. Awesome. Love it.

I am so excited to see where Zeta takes you. It seems like it's already taken you so many places in your college career.

Ali: It does!

Lacy Margaret: That's super exciting,

It's been so awesome getting to talk to you today. We are so thankful to have you as a part of our sisterhood. And I can't wait to see where Zeta takes you in the future.

Ali: Me, too. It was really nice. Thank you.

Lacy Margaret: Thank you so much, Ali.

Ali: You're welcome.

The outro music fades in. Over it, Lacy Margaret says, "Thanks so much to Ali for joining us and thank you for listening. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode or miss out on hearing someone else's Zeta Story. Until next time, sending you all the Zeta Love."