As an out-of-state student from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kappa Delta was my glue to Oregon State. Each time the thought of returning home crossed my mind or intense homesickness overwhelmed me, my KD sisters were my reminder that I had a home in Corvallis, Oregon.

My KD sisters welcomed me into their homes for holidays and breaks. They drove me two hours to the airport. And they encouraged me to become a better version of myself each day. My sisters were, and still are, my foundation, family and support system.

I could talk for hours about the moments when we laughed until our stomachs hurt and the KD events where friends became best friends. I cherish the memories of ordinary nights that turned into adventures that I would recount for months to come. At the heart of all of this is relationships, and that is what I am most thankful for.

When Lenora said, “Out of such pure and simple beginnings grow great and wonderful things,” I believe she foreshadowed my friendship with my KD convention roommate turned friend and coworker. I went to the 2013 convention in Boston as the delegate for my chapter grateful for the opportunity to grow my passion for KD. Little did I know I would stay up until 4 a.m. with my assigned roommate talking about Kappa Delta and becoming instant best friends.

Until recently, seeing each other in person was only made possible by national gatherings. The time zones, oceans and miles that separated our physical location only enhanced our long-distance friendship. The bonds of sisterhood kept us close through the years, and for that I am thankful. Not too long ago, she gave me the confidence to move over 4,000 miles for the opportunity to work at National Headquarters alongside her.

I am grateful for Kappa Delta and the people it has brought into my life, those relationships that continue to be important to me as an alumna. This past September, I returned to Oregon to celebrate the marriage of two friends from school. I was reunited with my kindred spirit and special KD sister who is the Meredith Grey to my Cristina Yang. I was able to embed truths from our Ritual into my maid of honor speech such that only Kappa Deltas could understand the depth of its relevancy, and we sang the KD Lullaby. That week in Oregon provided a glimpse into the years ahead—future wedding festivities, reunions and all of the #ifnotforKD moments to come.

While I have been thankful for Kappa Delta since my Bid Day in 2011, I am especially thankful this year because our beautiful organization has afforded me the opportunity to live in Memphis, Tennessee, and work at National Headquarters. I am able to influence collegiate members, have the adventure of living in a new place, and build KD friendships that continue to lift me to my highest far beyond graduation.

Never could I have imagined that a girl from the middle of the Pacific Ocean would feel as at home in Kappa Delta as she did on her island. Kappa Delta has always been more than the social events, leadership positions, awards and philanthropy activities: Kappa Delta is home.

Sara Fukuhara
Chapter Services Coordinator

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