Meet Brittney Tardy: the 20-year old junior from Mechanicsville, Virginia. She chose the wonderful James Madison University because of its strong academics and well-known business school, even though she realized that Communication Science and Disorders was more her thing when she got here. She fell in love with the place, the people, and the opportunities JMU offered. When she’s not serving as Alpha Phi’s Director of Philanthropy, volunteering in Welch, West Virginia, serving as a part of the Outriggers, or coaching a cheerleading team, you can find Brittney working at the lovely Texas Road House and Moxie. So let’s see what this ambitious collegietteähad to say when we asked her a few questions…
HCJMU:Why did you choose to rush a sorority? What lead you to wanting to be Alpha Phi’s Director of Philanthropy?
Brittney:I chose to rush because my FrOG told me it was a great way to meet people, even if I didn’t want to join a sorority. I absolutely didn’t even know what a sorority really was so I figured, why not? I went through recruitment without the intention to join until I met the girls of Alpha Phi. My heart told me it was the place to be, just like it did when I chose JMU. When I learned about Alpha Phi’s philanthropy, Cardiac Care and The Alpha Phi Foundation, and how dedicated the girls were in raising money to help others, I knew I was going to join. Due to the fact that one of the major reasons I joined Alpha Phi was the philanthropy, I definitely wanted to take the position.
HCJMU: So what’s all this about “APHIasco?” What’s your favorite event?
Brittney: APHIasco is our philanthropy week and it encompasses an entire year of planning and organization skills, not to mention time-management skills that are beyond imagination! There is so much pressure to hit that $20,000 mark in one week that it can be stressful, but it’s well worth it. We have multiple proceeds nights, a male auction, a red dress gala (where members of the Rockingham Memorail Hospital community join us in celebration), Commons Days to raise money and sell “JMU is for Lovers” shirts, and my favorite: our Move Your Phi’t 5K. I absolutely love our 5K because so many different people show up. And it’s not only members of the JMU campus, Greek life, clubs, and sports teams, but also members of the community and RMH come and join us. When I look out at everyone doing the 5K, I know that we just brought a community together as one to raise money for an amazing cause. I’m actually getting
butterflies thinking about it!
HCJMU:That’s amazing! Why don’t you tell us a little about Outriggers?
Brittney: I am a loud and proud Outrigger. I absolutely love my Outriggers family! We work perfectly and cohesively as a team, which is why we love helping other organizations find their balance of communication among one another. The Outriggers team helps organizations communicate better with one another and identify and fulfill their goals. Outriggers has taught be how to be an assertive (but not aggressive) leader. I have learned how to get a large group of people working together as a team without feeling intimidated by the masses. Once I learned the true skills of how to facilitate programs, I literally used the skills in every aspect of my life. My Outriggers family has also made me such a better person. Everyone is so optimistic and happy-go lucky, that they are the people I want to be around everyday. I definitely would not be as confident as I am without all of the people in Outriggers, nor would I be the same person I am today!
HCJMU: It definitely sounds like Outriggers helped make you the person and leader you are today. But you don’t stop there, how was your volunteer trip to Welch, West Virginia?
Brittney:Going to Welch, WV seriously changed my life. I have never felt more grateful for the things I have, such as heat in the winter. We all experienced the poverty that the residents of Welch endure. They have one of the highest cancer rates in the U.S. The help we gave them, from painting to cleaning out buildings, made us feel like we were actually giving them hope for a better future. I definitely look forward to going again and seeing the progress Welch has made.
HCJMU: Rumor also has it that you’ve taken on one more project – coaching cheerleading. How’s that going?
Brittney: I am helping coach a cheerleading team this year (GO GRAYS!) with one of my good friends, Chelsea. They range from 5 years old to 9 years old. Some are pretty shy right now, but I know we will be able to help the girls build confidence in themselves. It feels amazing to have them look up to us and ask us to help them. Our number one priority is their growth as young girls and in cheerleading (of course) and I am so excited to see the outcome!