Light is given in the most unexpected ways sometimes; often when we don’t know exactly where it is or how to receive it, but it’s there nonetheless. Grown from a valley, filled with the most fearless and free-flowing flowers, this light has given hope and strength to every single being it has touched. ______________________________________________________________________________________ It was a late Sunday evening, finals were approaching in just a few short weeks, and the campus was buzzing as students were trying to successfully make a close on spring semester and welcome the warm weather of summer. Ski season was still underway as the snow didn’t seem to stop falling and ski resorts kept pushing their closing weekends back further in April. The balancing act of life was at one of its highs, and everyone was ready to start another week of going through the motions. But as the universe tends to shift and the earth continues to take its trips around the sun - as do our lives. It was that Sunday evening, April 24, 2016 when a day that seemed to be just another day on the mountain in Breckenridge, turned into a night filled with unexplainable emotions by the loved ones of 20-year-old Colorado State University student, Catie Abeyta. Since then, time has passed. Much slower and harder for some, but there is one thing for certain – her legacy has only strengthened. The amount of love and light that has been shed on such a tragic event is something that should never go unnoticed, and what a better way to share such a beautiful life that Catie lived, than to create an event in honor of her. This fall, the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter of Epsilon Beta at Colorado State University honored their sister Catie by creating a new philanthropy - Kamp Kappa, to raise money for the Catie Abeyta Scholarship Fund. “We hope to impact the community by coming together and spreading kindness. Being able to raise money to support someone will forever impact a life – like the way Catie impacted all of ours,” said Maty Montoya, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The event was held at the chapter facility in Fort Collins, Colo. on Sept. 15, with about 200 people in attendance and 50 people showing up within the first five minutes. Demi Connelly, one of Catie’s best friends and former roommate, said she felt that the event “brought our whole community together, and visually seeing how many people attended the event really put things into perspective; it showed how much the community cared about our cause.” There is a light within the community that has brought people together because of Catie, and the impact and legacy she has left behind at CSU is far beyond anyone’s differences. Demi said, “Yes, what the event was focused around was obviously sad, but it impacted people in such a positive way that it was a friendly reminder that good things can come from bad situations.” Kamp Kappa’s s’mores station, hot dog bar, and twinkling lights surrounding the backyard were fitting for Catie’s love for the outdoors, and being surrounded by only good energy. She was passionate about skiing, school, family, friends, and meditation. “It’s hard to describe Catie in a few brief words but I would say Catie was lively, goofy, open-minded and motivated. She was adventurous and was always down to try something new, and was incredibly reliable when it came to following through with plans or keeping up with people,” Demi said. Celebrating someone extraordinary, filled with an abundance of light, and surrounded by so many beautiful flowers can’t be easy, but the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma found the perfect source to fill the community with her love. “The chapter has been very half and half, bringing a lot of emotions for some this week, but others are doing okay,” said Megan Agras, the Kappa Kappa Gamma President. “But everyone grieves in different ways.” She gave light to the fact that the event has brought the chapter together and made their sisterhood and the community so much stronger. “It’s truly amazing to see all of the endless support that we have received through last semester and this event,” Megan said. They have raised over $6,000 and their goal is to create a lifetime scholarship in Catie’s name - giving hope to another woman to have the chance to be a part of an organization and community that was so impactful for Catie. "My goal was to raise $6,000 and I was over the moon when we were able to reach that goal. I felt like Catie was looking down on us during the event. It would be something she would want because she was so genuine. I was so emotional at the end to see how my vision of Kamp Kappa came to life and how successful it was." - Hannah Persichitte, Philanthropy Chairman Maty reflected how, “There were so many smiles and laughs at the event. Catie really lived and she showed us how to live, and by coming together at Kamp Kappa we are reminded to live the way Catie did and take care of each other.”
After the event, Catie’s mom led a meditation for some of the girls at the house, just as Catie and her mom used to do together all the time. They shared a deep connection through meditation, and the girls who were able to participate in the guided meditation were amazed by the power of silence in the room. “It’s amazing how something as simple as silence can make you feel so close to the people around you,” Megan said. LeAnn, Catie’s mom, explained to the girls that she and Catie used to FaceTime at least every week and meditate together. Catie used to go to the Oval on CSU’s campus and just sit there while they meditated together. While meditating after Kamp Kappa, sitting in the most special room in the house for the Kappa Kappa Gamma sisterhood, LeAnn said that Catie was stuck in between two houses during recruitment. After meditating about it she decided Kappa was going to be her home away from home, because she felt in her heart that this was where she would find her people. “Getting to meditate with her mom was a wonderful experience since she shared her deepest connection with her daughter with all of us,” said Megan Agras. “It felt like everyone was breathing the same breaths and united in that moment.” Catie found her home away from home at Kappa Kappa Gamma almost two years ago, and will forever illuminate nothing but light against the darkest of walls for the whole community. To honor such a light, and give the praise and remembrance to where it is due doesn’t necessarily take something extravagant, but rather something so profound in the simplest of ways. Kamp Kappa is for someone who will never be forgotten in the valley of flowers, and only help us grow into the genuine individuals we are each meant to be. I think that’s what she was called here to do – to love people. And that light filled with love will only continue to prosper, as it is but a mere reminder of the beauty that is within, and a gift we can each learn from such a beautiful flower and light we were so lucky to know. ______________________________________________________________________________________
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I looked around daily on the subway wondering how these people do it every day – how they drag them selves around such a huge city that tends to suck up so much energy out of you. I would see moms carrying strollers up the subway steps and herding their other kids to keep up, homeless people begging for money every other corner, and wafts of heavy smells that you don’t tend to experience in a lot of other places. But above all of that, I was able to see why those people do it every day and why it is made out to be such a fabulous place that sometimes isn’t so fabulous, but somehow worth it.
Coming into my summer living with my sister in New York City, I honestly didn’t quite know what to expect, but I knew that I needed to experience it as some point and now was my chance. Since having been back in Colorado for a month, I have grown towards a much deeper appreciation for my summer experience and I have to admit, I beam with so much excitement every time someone asks me how my summer was. To be in a city so invigorating, fast-paced and talented gave me this sense of hope for the future. It also sort of scared the shit out of me for what’s to come after I graduate college, but it made me more mindful and thankful for the journey that life brings, no matter how many days might feel like treading through water. The cobblestone streets, the street art, heavenly restaurants, musicians and dancers in the subway, an abundance of places serving avocado toast, yoga on repeat, and the never-ending photo-ops made for a summer that I will never forget. But beyond everything that was so incredible to marvel over, my summer in the city simply would not have been possible without the radiant human being that I am so lucky and grateful to call my sister. A light beyond all lights in this world, someone who gives me the motivation to be a better individual and work hard for what I want, and a best friend who pushes me to see the possibilities in every situation – that is only beginning of describing the beautiful sister of mine. I am thankful for mornings with coffee in one hand and a smoothie in the other, curled up on the dark blue velvet couch and using the stool for a table as we laugh over dreams and complicated avenues of our days ahead. The loud sirens passing by letting us know that the city is there and the day is already underway. Strolling through the farmers markets, gathering bags of fresh veggies to cook up for the week, and admiring the puppies and babies wandering by. Spending time in Whole Foods giggling and slap-happily sauntering through every aisle. Sweating through inspiring hot yoga flows and yoga in the park. Being burnt to a crisp on our way back from Fire Island while we rode the freezing cold train home. My fulfillment of this summer has come from all of my adventures and aimless exploring, getting lost and getting on the wrong trains, the growing appreciation for air conditioning, and the endless flavors to try. But more than anything, the fulfillment of my summer has stemmed from the constant connection that my sister and I have been able to give to one another. The balance of work, play, and relaxation. The push to find our centers even in the loud moments. And realizing that we literally do everything in the same way, and it is beyond satisfying to have someone that just gets your every move and reason for doing things. Regan Jules Lee, you are the nourishment for my soul and inspiration in life. I wouldn't be half the spirit I am today without your kindness and gentle approach to living. And as life goes on and we all find our places in the world, I am beyond thankful for a sister that is willing to seek happiness as much as I am, and more importantly seek growth. You push me to create, express, and pursue. And simply encourage me to just be me. Thank you for making me feel more full and making days that much more colorful. |
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December 2016
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