Sigma Theta Psi Sorority, Inc.

Gigi Dascanio

#1, Vixen

Ciao tutti!

For starters, it is important to know that I am a country girl at heart, even though I love the hustle and bustle of big cities. I grew up in a little town (and when I say little I mean that people often joked that there were more cows than people) that was never even on the map before Google Maps. Los Olivos, a beautiful part of the Santa Ynez Valley, is just north of Santa Barbara, CA. My three sisters and I were lucky enough to grow up on a ranch climbing trees, riding horses, playing Peter Pan, and spending many nights in sleeping bags under the stars (you have never seen the stars until you have seen them from my backyard). I love nature more than anything - the beach, the country, the mountains...I love it all.

Besides nature, I have many passions. Foremost, I could never live without dance. I dance tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, salsa, waltz, modern, aerial...everything. I have been dancing since I was 3 and will never stop! I also love music, water polo, rocks, awesome clothes, jewelry, rain, Irish jigs, sushi, butterflies, writing poetry, animals, hiking, the Pink Panther, classic movies, Gene Kelly, musicals, reading, Harry Potter, Disney, Michael Phelps, monkeys, chocolate, and Sigma Theta Psi!!

At Stanford, I am in the class of o-leven! majoring in Cultural and Social Anthropology with a concentration in language and culture. I am minoring in Modern Languages by studying French and Italian. I love learning about people, places, and languages, and I have a mess of different cultures running through my veins. Someday I will speak at least 5 different languages fluently. It's on my life list.

Stanford is so amazing that it is possible to do a million other things besides studying. I have taken full advantage of that and am part of many extracurricular groups including tapTH@T, Global Health Volunteers, Catholics at Stanford, PWR Undergraduate Advisory Board, and many others. My roommate once said, "I think my roommate is on every committee at Stanford." While that is far from the truth, I must say that I am one who enjoys having too much to do rather than too little.

Finally, I am a proud to say that I am a dedicated sister of Sigma Theta Psi! I must admit that I NEVER thought I would join a sorority in my life. However, I am a firm believer in signs, and God could not have made it more obvious to me that this sisterhood is where I belong. I have met more wonderful girls than I ever thought possible, and I am grateful for the love they give me every day. The beauty of our sisterhood is not that we are all the same Ð it is that we are all unique and have so many different things to offer one another. Plus, we are just awesome. I know I will always have my sisters. A special thanks to my sign, ΔΕ7, and a thumbs up to all my Fierce Thetas. T-Psi! Peace and love, Gigi ΔΘ1

email: dascanio@stanford.edu

Cameron Barnewall

#3, Bam Bam

Why hello there!! This is Miss Cameron Barnewall, Delta Theta #3!!! I am also known as Bam-Bam because, as El Capitan would say, I am short and feisty. I am also LOUD, and enjoy talking. Therefore, it was appropriate.

For starters, I grew up in Parker, CO (a random suburban town in between Denver and Colorado Springs). I have a mom, a dad, and one biological sister. My mom and I are just about as close as a mother and daughter can be, she's my best friend. But I knew since I was young that I did not want to stay in Colorado, I always knew that I was going to be a California girl. So, after my dad said I should apply to Stanford, just to see if I got in (and I did), that's where I was headed. I am a Psychology major and Human Biology minor and a member of the class of OOOOOHHHH-LEVENNNNNNN!!!!!! After I graduate (hopefully in 4 years with both my Bachelors and my Masters in Psychology), I want to go to graduate school for Clinical Psychology, so that I can work in a psychiatric hospital.

Let's see...more about me...I love music, I listen to just about everything but country and jazz. Fall Out Boy, however, is my favorite of all time. They were pretty much my life back when I was emo in high school, and emo/alternative rock music is still my favorite genre (excluding all screamo). I love dancing, mostly by myself or with friends at parties, and I am part of the Stanford Steppers, which I love to death. What else do I love... Sleep. I LOVE to sleep. Pretty much whenever there's a break in the madness that is life, I can be found taking a nap, as any of my line sisters will tell you. Disneyland is another thing I love; color me obsessed. I can't even count the number of times I've been and I can pretty much tell you anything you might wanna know about it.

On to the more serious stuff. I have always treated the good friends that I've had as though they were family, so in joining a sorority I was simply looking to expand my social horizons and become a part of something bigger than myself. As far as my background goes, I am of mixed heritage, black and white, and therefore never really felt as though I strongly identified with either. In becoming a member of Sigma Theta Psi, I have discovered a deeper meaning to family, and feel as though my sisters have made their own special place in my heart, separate from friends, family, or friends that I've treated like family. I have also come closer, not only to my own cultures, but to the cultures of those around me, and have really learned to be open-minded and embrace others, because you never know what you might find. And I have found some amazing girls and some true Women of Substance.

Feelin' that STP love,

Bam-Bam, ΔΘ3
Gotta rep that TREmendous TRE club!!!

T-PSIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

email: cameronb@stanford.edu

Melinda Grant

#4, Melody

Hey hey! My name is Melinda Grant, know as Melody ΔΘ4 to my sisters.

I am from the oh so wonderful Southern California area where I live with my mom, dad, and little sister. As much as I love Stanford, I must say that I want to go back to southern California, there is just no place like it!

I am part of the Class of 2011 and I am majoring in Urban Studies with a focus in Education. I hope to one day work on the board of Admissions at Stanford (or UCLA) OR be the US Secretary of Education! After Graduation, I hope to Co-term in Education and then do teach for America (Hawaii and LA are my top choices).

So I am a huge movie and book fan. Currently I have about 200 DVDs in my collection. I have watched each and every one of them too...multiple times!!! I try to watch a movie every single weekend. Some of my favorite movies are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Howl's Moving Castle, the Matrix Trilogy, Dark Knight, and others I cannot think of. So if you ever want to get me a birthday gift, movies are a sure win! I also like to quote epic films such as the Lord of the Rigs Trilogy and the Ten Commandments. I feel that any movie that long has to be applicable to life and therefore quotable. Don't judge me!! I also love reading Harry Potter Books; I think I have read all of them at least four times, others up to 7 times. I am also a big Twilight fan. I just want to get that out in the open now...it is a guilty pleasure.

I became a PROUD and DEDICATED member of Sigma Theta Psi Multi Cultural Sorority, Incorporated in the Spring of 2009. What made me interested in the organization was the fact that women of so many shades and backgrounds could get together in one place and find a space where their differences were not only accepted but embraced. I so happy to be a part of a sisterhood that would accept all parts of you. The road was long and hard, but with the help of my line sisters we were able to cross into this glorious sisterhood. I am excited to see what I can give and what I can receive form Sigma Theta Psi in school and after school. I am honored and PROUD to wear my letters and I have complete RESPECT for all of my sisters. I have and will never shy from the chance to share information about this sisterhood so if you have any questions talk to me.

email: mmgrant@stanford.edu

Giana Gallo

#5, Original G

email: ggallo@stanford.edu

Julie Hernandez

#6, The Don

Hi, I'm Julie Hernandez, Delta Theta #6. My line sisters, particularly Melinda, nicknamed me "The Don" as they believe me to be the decision maker type person of our line. I'm proudly from Orange County, California, a place that I believe has the best weather in the world. I was raised by extremely strong, generous and independent women who have helped mold me into the person I am today. I grew up as a huge Los Angeles Lakers Ð whose colors, I might add are purple and gold - fan and I continue to rep them to the fullest here at Stanford. As for my major, I'm very much undecided.

My acquaintances might tell you that I'm quite an extravert but my real friends will tell you that I'm pretty emo and super chill. I listen to music all day. I particularly like west coast socal hip hop and emo R&B music. I love everything except what Bamz calls screamo music.

I love reading, but college comes equipped with its own idea of what good books are, therefore not allowing me to enjoy any of my own. When I find something I really like, I tend to latch on to it. Some of these things include: funfetti cake, toffee, Italian food, food in general, Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City, the color turquoise, cool rings, the French language, Orange County beaches, and SLEEP!

I've never felt extremely strong ties with my own culture and have grown up to appreciate a mixture of races and personalities. This alone has been one of the biggest reasons why I chose to become a sister of Sigma Theta Psi. I think it's quite awesome how ridiculously different my line sisters are from each other and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love creating strong ties with individual people and every day I am able to build closer relationships with my sisters, for which I am very grateful.

I hate the word hella and usually substitute it for the word super.

In my opinion, a Diva is a female version of a hustla.

When I grow up, I'm going to be a surgeon and have a pet tiger named Rajah.
That is all.
Julie
ΔΘ6

email: julie920@stanford.edu

Ravina Thuraisingam

#7, Honey

Well hello, my name is Ravina and I am a proud member of Sigma Theta Psi's Delta Theta class. I was born and raised in Flagstaff, AZ. Although I'll never love another city in the same way as Flagstaff, I do like larger cities a bit more than ones with just 60,000 people. I am half Navajo and half Malaysian and I embrace both sides of my culture. I like to try new things and definitely will not turn down an ethnic plate of food! By the way my favorite type of food is Indian food, yum!! I have a sister five years younger than me and is someone that I can't imagine living without. Family is a top priority for me and I know that I can count on them for anything. Growing up my passion was gymnastics and I had the opportunity to pursue it for eight years until the injuries I had became too serious. Since then I have run cross-country and track and have taken jazz, tap, and ballet. My favorite athletic pasttimes at the moment are yoga and running. If I'm not at the gym, you can find me shopping, watching House (the BEST medical drama ever!), buying boba, or chillin with my friends. Another random fact: I drink at least one cup of hot tea with honey every single day. Me + Tea = a match made in heaven.

Career and school wise, I am premed. I have always been interested in medicine and can not see myself going into any other field. I plan to major in HumBio and apply to medical school once I graduate. I would also like to work in another country as a physician for at least a year. Doctors Without Borders could be a possibility for me and I am excited to be able to pursue this goal in the future. Besides medicine though, I am interested in language and culture, perhaps because of my own mixed background.

As a neo, I look forward to forging the same bonds that I have with my line sisters with all of my sisters. I know that I can look to them for the same support and love that I receive from my family. I am truly honored to be able to call all of the amazing women in this sorority my sisters. They each have something to offer that I can learn from whether it be a good joke to tell or a life lesson. No matter what, I know I can count on these lovely ladies for anything.

T-Psi!!

~Honey~

email: ravinat@stanford.edu

Jennifer Ojeh

#10, Diamond

Hello ladies, my name is Jennifer and I am in loveee with the number TEN. I also lovee ladybugssss!!! I became a proud sister of the Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Psi Multicultural Sorority in the spring of 2009 and I consider this to be one of the best decisions I made during my college years. In becoming a Sigma, I became more of myself and I certainly wouldn't have it any other way (shout out to theta fierce!!)

I am sandwiched between my four siblings as the middle child and I grew up in Richmond, CA (Bay area love!!!) While it was certainly hard growing up with so many people in my household, I have grown to appreciate the presence of each one of my siblings immensely. The five of us were borne to my Nigerian immigrant parents who came to the States in the seventies in pursuit of a better life. Because of their struggle to provide opportunity to my siblings and I, I am deeply indebted and try to live each day by the values of hard work and fearlessness that they instilled in me.

Here at Stanford, I am junior majoring in Science, Technology, and Society with a concentration in both mathematical sciences and organizational studies. I am interested in working in a human resources consulting firm after graduating and then going to business school to earn an MBA.

In addition to my contribution to Sigma Theta Psi, I am active in the Stanford Chapter of 85Broads (the global pre-professional network for women) as well as the Stanford Quad (yearbook). I am co-president this year for the former and business manager for the latter. In previous years, I also participated in Kuumba (much love girlies!) African dance, and had a baller time with that. I also am working this year as a research assistant in the sociology department. My hobbies include listening to old music ( I LOVE the 90's), Nigerian music, drawing, and hanging out with family, friends, and sisters!

email: jojeh@stanford.edu

Zahra Axinn

#11, D-A-S-H

I'm Zahra Axinn, proud Sister of the Theta Class of the Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Psi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated. My sorors know me as D-A-S-H and I am very proud to be number 11! I am so glad to have the love and support of the wonderful women of ΣΘ&Psi and I am happy to be able to love and support them in return.

I was born in London, England, but grew up in Berkeley, California with my parents and my younger sister Tallulah. My family means so much to me and I don't know where I would be without them. Even though my sister and I are five-and-a-half years apart, we love to hang out, especially watching movies and TV shows on DVD.

I love ceramics and I'm a member of the Stanford Ceramics Studio. My favorite thing to do with clay is to throw on the potter's wheel. I've been working with clay for most of my life and it's something that keeps me grounded and focused when life gets too crazy. Singing is another great passion of mine and I'm a soprano in the Stanford Gospel Choir (SGC!!). When I sing with my choir, what I love most is being able to lose myself in the sound. Music is something that gives me strength for the day-to-day. When I am not singing, I like to listen to Pop, R&B and whatever else keeps me moving.

I like languages and I'm thinking of pursuing a major in English with a minor in French. For one thing, I love to write and I also love to read. (I was such a bookworm as a little kid!) My favorite books include A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Free Food For Millionaires by Min Jin Lee, and On Beauty by Zadie Smith. I thought about being an engineer for a minute (shout out to SSEA 2008!), but decided it was not for me. I would just rather write a paper than do a problem set. Also, I learned to speak French when I was five and I feel like being bilingual makes up a big part of who I am. I value the opportunities that learning foreign languages provides, especially the chance to experience other cultures. I know my life is forever changed by Sigma Theta Psi. I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

email: zaxinn@stanford.edu

Risha Bera

#12, Maverick

I am super proud of all the things and ideas that I am, as every girl should be. I am the Delta Chapter's first South Asian along with my sister Ravina, a SENIOR!, an Environmental Engineering major, and a WOMAN, hear me roar! My nickname comes from the movie Top Gun, one of my dad's favorite movies. Sometimes representing the things I am proud of is a heavy burden but it is one fight I will fight because at the end of the day, those are the things that I carry with me.

I believe in living life so that I get to do everything I want, but still wouldn't be too embarrassed if my grandmother found out. I like pistachio ice cream and love Choco-Tacos. It's really hard to do everything I want and need to be happy and successful for myself, but some days I just have push through. At the end of the day, I know I have faith in myself and in others because anyone can push through difficulties too.

Some of the things I've done at Stanford: Frosh Council, worked for FLiCKS, Junior Class President, member of Saheli and Sanskriti, danced in MELA and Diwali Show, had a modeling stint at the Nigerian Cultural Show... the list goes on. I'm not the only sister who's participated in these things-- I am in good company!

Sigma Theta Psi is a journey that started with conversations with my roommate and grew with a passion for service and for friendship. Although my remaining time at Stanford may be short, I know my sisterhood will be everlasting and deep-rooted. We are strong, we are proud.Ê We are... Theta Fierce.

email: rbera@stanford.edu

Omonigho Oiyemhonlan

#13, Firecracker

email: omonigho@stanford.edu

Samantha Johnson

#15, Truth Hurts

Hey friendsies, I'm Sam ΔΘ15, also know as Truth Hurts for my awesome propensity to speak my mind when its necessary and make sure the truth gets out there.

So I'm from Sacramento CA and it was the most dull place to grow up but I love it and its home. Family is really important to me and I have three siblings and a wonderful niece and nephew. I'm a first generation college student who thrives on setting an example for the rest of my family (for the most part).

I'm a HUGE goofball that most people think is "reserved" when first meeting me. I love to laugh, have fun and just do outrageous things. I think life is way too short to be embarrassed at little things. I am part of the wonderful class of 2012, prospective Urban Studies major with great aspirations to change the world through social justice and education. My major vice in life is reading romance novels, I advocate for them strongly. One huge goal of mine is to have a club, somewhere in the near future, because while being the one and only is awesome it is a tad bit lonely.

Becoming a PROUD member of Sigma Theta Psi was one of the most AMAZING choices I've made in college. It was a journey that gave me the opportunity to learn so much about myself and through that journey I gained Sisters and a newfound respect for multiculturalism in a really tangible sense. I'd like to end this Bio with a shout out to my girlsies and my Linnnnkkkkkk!

T-Psi for life.

email: snjohn89@stanford.edu

Courtney Crisp

#16, El Capitan

Hey everyone! I prefer to define myself but what I love and what I choose to surround myself with. So here are some words for your free association: art, creativity, spirituality, being Polish, being Catholic, traveling, my worn-in rainbow sandals, the BEACH, surfing, my skateboard that my 13 year old sister bought me for Christmas, songs I can listen to on repeat for hours (Drops of Jupiter, Punk Rock Princess, Our Lady Peace), babysitting and working with kids (they lack the pretension and superficiality that adults all too often have. Life often makes more sense to me from a 5-year old perspective), Kairos, basketball, the LA Lakers, FOOD, reading, being a nerd, COFFEE!, wearing my letters, being in/living out of my car, blasting music while cruising down Pacific Coast Highway, long drives and road trips, Irish Drinking Songs, etc.....

What else... I am a complete useless waste of space when I'm hungry (as my sisters have come to realize : )), I am incredibly afraid of heights, and I am hopelessly addicted to caffeine. I grew up all around the country (somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 states, 10 cities, 12 houses - ranging from Boston to the O.C.), but those experiences have shaped me into the strong, open-minded person I am today. I don't know what I want to do with my life or my oh-so practical major (English and Art Studio, note the sarcasm), but I know that whatever I do, my life will be infused with passion and people that I truly care about. As long as I can feed myself, get my daily morning espresso and not live in a box, that's all I honestly care about anyways.

A shout-out to my FIERCE line sisters of that Theta class!!!! I love you all so much!!! You have given me the courage to be myself and the strength to learn to lean on other people. You are truly my sisters for life.

email: ccrisp@stanford.edu