Japanese art of flower arranging] […] or Shinto shrines tucked away on a side street in the bustling city […] Not to mention the food is incredible! Do you see yourself ever moving back to the states? Yes, I do think I'll come back some day. I moved to Sydney in 2015 to work for Uber, and I stayed there for about seven years before moving to Tokyo, Japan, in the fall of 2022 where I currently still live and work. While I have loved being an expat, I do think there is something special about the blend of individualism, innovation and generosity that is celebrated at the heart of American culture. Every time I come home, and a friendly stranger strikes up a conversation with me – which is not something that happens on the streets of Tokyo – I am reminded about the place that I come from and all the forces that shaped me into the person I am today. How did Alpha Phi prepare you for life after graduation and living abroad? I am so fortunate that Alpha Phi had a direct hand in shaping my career, as my first job after graduating was as an educational leadership consultant (ELC)! My year as an ELC was an enormous growth year for me as I stepped out of a world of tests and grades and into a working environment that encouraged me to think and act independently while being supported by a network of strong women at every turn. In 2013, I supported the establishment of the Iota Sigma Chapter at Carnegie Mellon University by recruiting a group of student founders who kickstarted an incredible legacy on this campus. Following this, I moved back to the west coast where I landed my first corporate role on the recruiting team at Square – a skill I was able to draw on directly from my days as an Alpha Phi! What advice would you offer younger women/Alpha Phis who are preparing to graduate from college and enter the career phase of their lives? There is no “right” path. Run toward problems that you find fascinating to solve. Seek out and make your own opportunities. Spend time doing the things you love! Don’t get hung up on title and salary; these things will come with time. Instead, focus the early part of your career and on surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. When you look back on the steps of your career, it will all make sense how you’ve gotten there; so, don’t sweat it, and enjoy the ride. As Michelle once told me when I was curious about life overseas, “I think it's very important for young women to travel the world. There is nothing better to enrich your mind and soul than travel.” I’d love to pay this advice forward to any Alpha Phis who are considering life abroad at some stage, along with the message that the power of your Alpha Phi network should not be underestimated. Our sisterhood is one of lifelong support, and wherever you go there will be Phis who have
walked the path ahead of you and are cheering you on along the way. What has your involvement with Alpha Phi looked like over the years? During my college years, I was involved in leadership roles in my chapter, which allowed me to work closely with ELCs that visited us and ultimately led me to apply for the role myself. In the early days of arriving in Australia, I connected with a small, but mighty, group of Alpha Phis who helped me with the early part of my move, advising me on practical things like where to live and how to properly eat vegemite on toast (hint: with a LOT of butter). While I haven’t lived in a country with an active chapter in about a decade, I can’t count the number of times I have met someone in my personal or professional circles who has a connection back to Alpha Phi. We really do have sisters all over the world! My real-life sister, Emily Beale, was also an Alpha Phi at Epsilon Nu-Delaware. On one trip home from Australia, I was able to attend her chapter’s Red Dress Gala along with our mom, which was truly special. Most recently, I was back home on the east coast in January to see Emily compete in the Miss America Pageant as Miss Delaware 2023. That was definitely a proud big sis moment!
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