Meet Olivia Streit

Olivia Streit is a sophomore from Salina, Kansas majoring in Life Science Pre-Nursing. She got her CNA while in high school which lead her to a job where she was surrounded by nurses. Streit saw that they were doing something really meaningful and it inspired her to pursue nursing as a career.

Streit keeps herself busy with being involved with many organizations during her college career. She is involved with KSU blood drives, UCC respite nights, and KRR (elementary school reading program). Along with these extracurricular activities, she is also a part of the Pre-Nursing club.

“It has helped me meet new people and connected me with new volunteer opportunities,” said Streit.

Her involvement outside of the classroom has allowed her to grow and shape herself into the leading woman that she is today and Theta is nothing short of a huge impact for Streit.

“It has lead me to so many amazing people, helped me get active on campus and in the community, and made me a more confident and outgoing person,” said Streit. “It was a place that made me feel comfortable. I thought I would be able to be myself there.”

Streit has enjoyed her time as a wildcat, but next year she will be rocking different school colors.

“I will be attending KU Salina School of Nursing next semester to work towards my bachelor’s degree in nursing!” said Streit.

We congratulate Olivia on her big accomplishment and wish her the best of luck!

Here are some fun facts about Olivia Streit!

• Her favorite sonic drink is a Mango Sprite.
• Streit’s favorite K-State memory is all the football games she has attended.
• Her dream job is to work with the Treehouse Master’s crew, helping them design and build treehouses.

Meet Kristen Keene

Kristen Keene is a sophomore from Wichita, Kansas majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. Keene has always known that she wanted to be an english teacher because she loves working with kids and the many aspects of English – such as grammar and literature. Her dream job is to be a middle school english teacher.

When Keene isn’t working hard in the classroom to be the one in charge someday, she is involved with Christian Challenge.

“Being involved in a campus ministry has helped make a BIG campus seem a little smaller,” said Keene. “This community has helped and encouraged me through the highs and lows of my time at K-State thus far.”

Not only has Christian Challenge been a huge encouragement to Keene, a particular friend has impacted her college experience.

“My life group leader and mentor, Caelan Blair, has been my Manhattan momma since day one,” said Keener. “She has encouraged me in my faith, challenged me to be the best I can be, edited my papers, helped me study, and answered countless questions about college life ranging from what time the football game starts or where a certain building on campus is to how to bake a pie and how to register to vote. I would be lost without her guidance and wisdom.”

Keene has had a lot of positive impacts through her college career and Theta is just one of the many.

“From challenging me to be the best I can be academically, socially, and personally, Theta has helped me in so many ways,” said Keene. “I have been encouraged and inspired by the women I have met within Theta to pursue excellence in my studies, give more of my time and effort to the community, and be the best me I can be personally.”

Even though Keene can’t remember her first moments at Theta perfectly, she is still thankful to be a part of the Theta sisterhood.

“Unfortunately I don’t know who it was that I was talking to, but during the very first round of recruitment my freshman year, I talked to a girl at Theta who said I seemed really chill about the whole recruitment process,” said Keene. “My response was something along the lines of how Theta also seemed like a pretty chill environment. After that, I knew Theta was the one for me! I wouldn’t trade the relaxed, easy-going environment of this house for anything. What a blessing it is to be a part of something that makes me feel so loved and comfortable.”

Here are some fun facts about Kristen Keene!

• Her favorite sonic drink is a Cherry Limeade (easy on the ice, though)!
• This summer she will be an assistant poll manager at Terradyne Country Club in Andover, KS.
• Her favorite K-State memory is: “It’s less of a memory and more of an ongoing thing: my favorite pass-time is to gather up a bunch of friends and drive around Manhattan serenading everyone we see. So if you’re out and about and you hear loud, obnoxious, and off-key renditions of High School Musical or Hannah Montana songs, there’s about a 107% chance that it’s me!”

Meet Sarah Lasnier

Sarah Lasnier is a freshman from Overland Park, Kansas majoring in Biochemistry and minoring Leadership and Business. She chose this major because she loves to learn about cell biology and the different ways chemistry can be used to solve biological problems. Lasnier chose her minors to balance out her interests because she loves to interact with people. Her dream job would be the head of Research and Development at a biotechnology company or working on developing clean energy via biofuels.

Wanting to have a future in research, Lasnier has already gotten a head start on campus with her involvement.

“I participate in undergraduate research on Lysosomal Storage Disorders and I am also a part of the honors program,” said Lasnier.

Even though she is only a freshman, her involvement has made a huge influence on her college career.

“The research has been vital to broadening my academic experience and has also helped me to be more efficient at time management,” said Lasnier. “My leadership minor has also been vital to my college experience in terms of learning how we have an opportunity to benefit our communities through our leadership as well as coming to a better understanding of who I am.”

On top of her involvements making a huge impact, she knows her Theta sisters are always there to support her.

“They have really given me a home and I know every single theta has my back when I need them and vice versa,” said Lasnier. “Literally anyone of my Theta Sisters have really made me feel like I belong and have supported me as I have them. They drive me to be my best self not only academically but in every way imaginable. I loved the atmosphere I felt here almost instantly and the girls are so caring, funny and diverse! Every possible major, club or interest is represented in Theta which I absolutely love; you are freed to be you’re unique best possible self with the irreplacable support of 100 plus sisters!”

Here are some fun facts about Sarah Lasnier!

• Her favorite sonic drink is a Cherry Limeade.
• Her plans this summer are to take a few summer classes and continue her undergraduate research at KU Med.
• She has participated in Relay for Life, volunteered as Deanna Rose for 2 years and helped coach younger girls how to pitch for softball.
• Lasnier’s favorite K-State memory so far was Bid Day!

 

 

Meet Leah Fields

Leah Fields is a senior from Shawnee, Kansas majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with minors in Leadership and Hospitality Management. Choosing her majors and minors were not the easiest decisions.

“This is my eighth major because I really just did not know what I wanted to pursue in life!” said Fields. “I knew that I wanted to work with people and HDFS seemed like the perfect fit for that!”

Fields’ dream job is doing full-time ministry work of some type. She specifically wants to move overseas to share the Gospel.

“I am not sure I was to live overseas for a lifetime, but this is what I would love to do as of now!” said Fields. “I lived in India this summer sharing the Gospel and it would be a dream to go back there!”

When Fields is not in the classroom, she stays involved on campus by sharing the Gospel.

“I am involved with the campus ministry, Student Mobilization (Stumo) as well as the Stumo Student Leadership Team,” said Fields.

Being involved with Stumo has allowed Fields to see the world in a new light.

“I did not grow up in a religious home and coming into college, I was atheist/agnostic,” said Fields. “I eventually grew an interest in learning more about who God is and what a personal relationship with Him means and looks like. So I started going to stumo, as well as hanging out with friends who were involved with Stumo. They represented Christ better than any others I had seen growing up. They actually lived out their faith, which I respected a lot. So I started to get really plugged into Stumo and have learned what it looks like to follow Christ. I gained the tools and training I desired to live my life for Christ on a daily basis and how to share with others this new love for the Lord I discovered while in college. I have also just made my best friends through this organization. They are people who just love me so well and are great examples of what it looks like to follow Christ.”

Stumo has made a significant impact on her life, but a certain Theta helped her mold into the person she is today.

“Through Theta I met my best friend Cody, who then became my big,” said Fields. “She immediately included me in her life and always made me feel welcomed. This is about to sound super corny, but I really am the person I am because of her! She is who showed me what it looks like to follow Christ on a daily basis. She lived what the Bible preached-she was the only Christian I had ever met who truly lived it out! She not only became the person who helped mentor me in the faith, but she always just helped me to grow as a person. She brought out a side of me that helped me to grow so much! I grew in confidence and contentment because of her. She truly is just an amazing friend to me.”

Theta continues to be a great support system for Fields, as well as friends from other Greek organizations.

“Something I am so grateful about my college experience is how many friends I have not just within Theta, but also in the other sororities,” said Fields. “I think that our Greek system is so good at being welcoming to all. I love being able to make memories with all of K-State!”

Here are some fun facts about Leah Fields!

• She will be attending Kaleo this summer!
• Her favorite sonic drink is a cherry limeade (easy on the cherry).
• Fields volunteers every Sunday at the church she attends and teaches two-year-olds about Jesus.
• Some of her favorite memories about K-State are the fun game and movie nights she had with her friends.

Meet Kelli Schrag

Kelli Schrag is a junior double majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism and Animal Sciences and Industry – Communications. Her dream job is to work in the marketing or communications department for a livestock association.

Schrag decided to follow her passions to figure out what she wanted to major in.

“Growing up, my two favorite things were livestock and photography,” said Schrag. “These majors combine my two passions and I’ve been able to learn more about each through the classes I’ve taken and the internships I’ve had.”

When Schrag isn’t hitting the books hard to manage being a double major, she is involved with Horse Judging Team, NCHA Judging Team, and Christian Challenge. Being involved outside the classroom has helped enhance her college experience.

“As part of the judging team, I was able to travel across the U.S. representing K-State at national contests,” said Schrag. “It was rewarding to see our hard work pay off and bring trophies back to campus. Being part of the K-State team has strengthened my love for the university!”

Not only has being involved impacted her college experience, a friend from her freshman year continues to remain a constant in Schrag’s life.

“Someone who has positively impacted my college experience is Katie Karst,” said Schrag. “Katie and I met my first semester of freshman year and we instantly connected. She has been a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with and a definite ‘yes’ to Sonic runs ever since!”

One more positive impact on Schrag’s college years was the Kappa Alpha Theta sisterhood. She chose Theta because she felt like she could be herself around everyone she talked to during recruitment. That feeling has yet to change for Schrag and knew that other Thetas wanted to help her find her place at K-State.

“Theta has greatly benefited my college experience so far,” said Schrag. “I’ve made friends from all sorts of backgrounds that I know I can count on for anything. Theta has also given me the opportunity to put my leadership skills into action through officer positions and committees.”

Here are some fun facts about Kelli Schrag!

• Her favorite sonic drink is a Raspberry Slush.
• She volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at UCC and absolutely loves it,
• Over the summer she is going to South Carolina with a group of Thetas, Colorado with my family, and interning with Pinto Horse Association during the Pinto World Show!
• She is from Buhler, Kansas.

Meet Logan Eilert

Logan Eilert is a freshman from Beloit, Kansas majoring in Elementary Education with an emphasis in special education. She chose to pursue a career with education because she loves children and thinks they’re a joy to be around. Eilert hopes to make an important impact on children lives.

Even though she wants to teach in a school setting, her dream job has her teaching all sorts of ages.

“My dream job would be a skydiving instructor,” said Eilert. “I think it would be a blast and a thrill every single day.”

Eilert is so passionate about her major that she decided to become more involved with the College of Education.

“I was just selected to be an education ambassador for the College of Education here at Kansas State,” said Eilert. “I am so excited to share my love for education with others. These experiences allow me the opportunity to develop connections with others in my field of study as well as help those who are interested in Education.”

Along with developing connection with her classmates, Eilert continues to grow her connections throughout Theta and why she made it her home away from home.

“I chose Theta because it felt like home,” said EIlert. “I am surrounded by a great group of girls who keep me balanced socially and academically.  Theta has benefited me by giving me countless opportunities to get involved. I am playing on an intramural basketball team for Theta and it is so fun to get to know some of the other girls in the house through something I am so familiar with. Theta has also lead me to meet so many amazing people and form those connections that will carry with me the rest of my life.”

Theta has made an admirable impact on Eilert’s life, but a particular person has enhanced her college experience even more.

“Lauren Ailslieger is the one person who has really impacted my college experience,” said Eilert. “She is one of my best friends and really pushes motivates me to try new things and to step out of my comfort zone. She has taught me how to live life to the fullest and how to keep a positive attitude all the time. I am so glad to have such a great friend and motivator like Lauren!”

Here are some fun facts about Logan Eilert!

• Her favorite sonic drink is a Raspberry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. Yum!
• Apart from being an ambassador and member of Theta, she is involved with Relay for Life, Meals on Wheels, and Prayer and Action.
• She is on the t-shirt committee for Kappa Alpha Theta.
• Eilert is studying abroad next spring!
• Her summer plans are to go on many trips with friends and family.

 

Meet Heather Albers

Heather Albers is a senior from Warrensburg, Missouri majoring in Apparel and Textiles Marketing. She said that when she came to college, she wasn’t totally sure of what to major in so after many conversations with her mom she decided to follow in her footsteps and study what her mother studied in college. Her dream job is to become a buyer for a retail company in the near future.

When Albers is not in class, she stays busy on campus being a part of numerous organizations and clubs. She is a member of Student Governing Association, Union Program Council, Human Ecology College Council, Apparel Marketing and Design Alliance, Sportsmanship Committee, Campus Imitative Workgroup and the Human Ecology Mentorship Program.

Albers explained her reasoning for being so involved and how it benefited her college experience.

“I love being involved on campus!” said Albers. “I have found out that being involved makes me more efficient with my time and it’s a great opportunity to meet a variety of different people which is always fun to do.”

Being involved on campus was not the only benefit to her college experience thanks to her Theta sisters.

“Theta really helped me get out of my comfort zone.” said Albers. “When I came to K-State my freshman year I didn’t know anyone on campus and thankfully Theta helped me do more than meet people – it introduced me to some of my best friends.”

Not only has Theta given Albers some of her best friends, but has also helped her become the leading woman that she was meant to be.

“I always like to say that I didn’t choose Theta, Theta choose me,” said Albers. “Theta has helped shape me into the woman I am today, and had it not been for Theta, I honestly don’t think I would’ve had as much success in college as I have had. Also, my aunt was in Theta at K-State and it has been a really amazing sharing that experience with her.”

Once this semester wraps up, Albers is ready to tackle the fashion industry for the summer.

“I’ve been applying for internships from the east to west coast so it’s to be determined where I’ll be this summer, but I’m very excited to finally be working in the fashion industry!” said Albers.

Here are some fun facts about Heather Albers!

• She has not one, not two, but THREE minors! She is minoring in statistics, business and leadership studies. When it came to adding her minors, she found topics that she was passionate about and her parents were fully supportive of adding multiple minors – even if they are somewhat random – so she was able to learn more about subjects she enjoys.
• Her favorite sonic drink is a raspberry lemonade – easy on the ice, though.
• Albers loves dogs and already knows that she wants a golden retriever to be her first dog.
• Her favorite K-State memory was K-State vs. Auburn game her freshman year.

 

Meet Abby Basham

Abby Basham is a senior from Eureka, Kansas majoring in Psychology with a minor in Italian. She chose to major in psychology due to her interests in how people think and make decisions. Basham has always been the friend everyone goes to for advice so she knew that psychology was the path she should follow. Her dream job would be working with either serial killers and figuring out why they do what they do, or owning her own clinic and counseling anxiety disorders

When not working hard on her psychology studies, Basham likes to stay involved with Kansas State as much as she can. She is the president of Golden Key, vice president of Psi Chi, and helps with Dr, Young, the department head of Psychology, in a lab.

“They’ve been great resume builders but they’ve also helped me learn how to lead effectively and manage my time,” said Basham.

Basham believes that Theta helped her become more involved, but also gave her so many opportunities to give back.

“Its inspired me to get involved and shown me different ways I could do that,” said Basham. “It also gave me community service options, which always make me feel better giving my time to help others.”

While she only has a few more months left with her sisters, Theta continues to make a positive influence.

“Everyone I’ve met and interacted with at Theta has impacted me positively, ” said Basham. “Getting to know so many girls who follow their dreams and get involved in so many different cool things, plus make a huge difference in leadership positions on campus, is so inspiring! It pushes me to reach for my own dreams without hesitation.”

Basham loved Theta’s positive influence towards making her into the leading woman that she is today, however, that was not the only reason why she decided to join the sisterhood of Kappa Alpha Theta.

“They were the only place I walked into and thought ‘I’m at home’,” said Basham. “They were the girls I could see myself screaming at the TV with during sporting events and walking around in sweats in front of. Theta had the most relatable and down to earth girls which I didn’t connect with anywhere else.”

Here are some fun facts about Abby Basham!

• Abby was recently accepted into Florida State to continue her higher education and work on getting her masters! Congratulations!
• Her favorite K-State memory was winning homecoming her sophomore year.
• Basham stays involved with her hometown with a school supply drive. She said that seeing kids get the supplies they couldn’t afford is the best feeling.
• Her favorite sonic drink is a Vanilla Cream Dr. Pepper.
• Basham is looking forward to spending time with her family this upcoming summer.

Meet Brianna White

Brianna White is a senior majoring in Biological Systems Engineering. She chose this major because she likes to study biology and problem solve so she gets a mixture of both within her classes. Brianna has one more year at Kansas State after this semester and is planning on either applying to medical school or graduate school for biomedical engineering.

On top of being an engineering student, White is the co-president of the club softball team for K-State, a tutor, member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and also spent last semester and summer working in a research lab on campus. These positions, as well as being a leading woman for Theta, have allowed her to progress with her leadership.

“Being a co-president of the club softball team has taught me a lot about leadership. It has also been a lot of fun to go and compete against other colleges,” said White.

Along with being a leader for her own organizations, White mentioned how Theta helped her transition to Kansas State from her previous college.

“Being a transfer student, Theta helped me jump right in and meet tons of new people and make new connections,” said White. “When I’m surrounded by other women that are going out and being leaders on campus and in the community, it motivates me to do the same.”

When White isn’t making memories with her Theta sisters, she’s making more with her K-State family.

“My favorite K-State memory was this winter break when I got to watch the Cats beat UCLA at the Cactus Bowl in Phoenix,” said White.

As for White’s plans for the summer, she is not quite she what she wants to do but said that she is applying for research internships.

Here are some fun facts about Brianna White!

• She is a Theta legacy!
• White has a twin sister and younger sister who are also Thetas here at KSU.
• Her favorite sonic drink is: Ocean Water.
• White chose Theta because she values scholarship and leadership which are highly valued here at Kappa Alpha Theta.
• One time she helped a Special Olympics softball team get ready for nationals!

 

Meet Kate Preston

Kate Preston is a freshman majoring in chemical engineering. She chose this major due to her love of chemistry and because subject really intrigued her. Preston would like to work somewhere that pushes to help the environment and encourages sustainability.

Since joining Kansas State, Preston has gotten involved in undergraduate research and the biodiesel initiative.

“Both have helped me learn more about chemical engineering and have connected me to people in my field,” said Preston.

Kansas State has allowed Preston to get involved with her career field right away, while Theta has given her opportunities to make a friends for a lifetime.

“Theta has helped me form a group of friends who support and care for me,” said Preston. “It has connected me with other women in my field of study. I have also learned to push myself to be a leader and stay organized.”

Preston mentioned that a particular Theta friend has impacted her college experience in a positive way.

“Kelli Ward has positively impacted my college experience by studying with me for test and just generally being there for me when I needed her,” said Preston. “She is always someone I can talk to when I am having problems and need some help.”

Along with positive impacts on her college experience, other Theta friends have given Preston her favorite K-State memory.

“My favorite memory so far was my first trip to Manhattan Hill,” said Preston. “It was a Tuesday or Wednesday night fairly early into the first semester. Logan Eilert, Macie Reeb, and I had all been studying at Hale when we decided to leave and get sonic then head to the hill. K-State finally began to feel like home when I started seeing some of these friendships form.”

 

Here are some fun facts about Kate Preston!

• Kate is from Lenexa, Kansas.
• Her favorite sonic drink is a frozen lemonade!
• She volunteers in her hometown at Happy Bottoms. Happy Bottoms is a location parents can go to and receive free diapers if they cannot afford them on their own.
• Over the summer she hopes to take a few trips to the lake and maybe a road trip to another state.
• Fellow Theta Taylor Duff helped her realize during formal recruitment that Kappa Alpha Theta was her true home away from home!