“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great.” Hearing Virginia Delta Gillian Bura’s recite these words made me smile. This is the same quote displayed on my desk at Pi Beta Phi Headquarters. I guess even before we met we had both had life experiences that encouraged us to keep aiming forward.

Gillian shared that as a collegian, she was not the most enthusiastic about her experiences in Pi Beta Phi. Thankfully her experiences drastically changed as an alumna when Gillian decided to recommit herself to the Fraternity. So what motivates Gillian to be involved? It’s her chapter Big Sis Virginia Delta Rachel Seaton Barnes. Rachel has served as a Pi Phi volunteer, including on an Alumnae Advisory Committee, Collegiate Regional Specialist team and as a leader for the Tidewater of Virginia Alumnae Club. “Rachel’s dedication to Pi Phi has been a huge inspiration to me,” says Gillian. “She juggles her family life, job and has given back to Pi Phi.”

Because of Rachel, Gillian felt a calling to be as involved as possible and has served as President of the Tidewater of Virginia Alumnae Club for the past three years. Her favorite thing to talk about are our Pi Phi Core Values, so Gillian makes sure to incorporate these in the club newsletter or on the club’s social media posts. Not only has Gillian centered herself in the values, but she has also developed greater relationships with Pi Phi sisters because of the values. “It has made my job easier to have a group of women dedicated to upholding those values,” she said.