Sister Tales
Sharing the Gift of Sisters By Kimberly Dailey, IL Iota
In 1969, my mom brought home my baby sister, Laura. She an oven in her culture is a rarity? Usually, only the town baker was my only sibling for 45 years. Then, in 2014 all that changed. has an oven. Ha was thrilled that my mom actually had an oven I’ve been a member of IL Iota since 1991. I was invited to join in her kitchen and she couldn’t wait to learn to bake bread, pies by my mom, Joyce Ann, who had joined at and other treats. SIU was only a two hour the invitation of her college friend, Mary. drive from our hometown so we were able In an instant, I was surrounded by many to pick up Ha to join us for holidays and sisters in education who were determined celebrations. She came home as often as to make a difference. Over the years, we she could and soon became more than a raised money, gave scholarships, supported guest; she was part of our family. local charities and assisted with needs that Those two years flew by and about would arise in our community and beyond. the time we braced ourselves for goodThen, in 2014, our chapter was byes, she was offered the opportunity to approached with an opportunity to host work on her PhD in North Carolina. This an A∆K International Teacher Education would extend her stay for five more years (ITE) scholar, a Fulbright award winner and, though it was more than a two hour who was registered to attend SIU-Carboncar drive away, she was able to fly “home” dale. It was a two year commitment to pro- Kimberly Dailey, IL Iota Joyce, Ha, Kim and for the holidays and breaks. In the seven vide connection for this student while she Laura share the joy of sisterhood years that we’ve known Ha, Laura and I completed her master’s degree. My mom count her as our sister and my parents have stepped up and encouraged our chapter to take this opportunity, gained another daughter. Her Iota chapter aunts look forward to but it would evolve into something much more than just another hearing updates and enjoying a visit now and again. When other project. exchange students ask how she was able to connect with our famHa (pronounced like the “ha” in “happy”) arrived in St. ily, she proudly tells them all about Alpha Delta Kappa. Louis from Vietnam in July, 2014. My parents, who offered to Ha recently graduated with her PhD and a heart for educatake the lead on hosting, picked her up from the airport. Later tion. I expect wherever she takes her expertise, she will succeed. that day, I drove over to their home to meet our new guest. Ha I’m not worried about saying goodbye anymore. She is my siswas very excited about this new learning opportunity and we ter and no matter where she ends up, she will always be home in seized the chance to learn from her. Did you know that owning time to help bake pies for the holidays.
A∆K Purpose To honor outstanding women educators. To strengthen the education profession through commitment to diversity and inclusion practices that respect and value each person for their unique qualities. To nurture relationships and networking opportunities. To enrich personal and professional development. To support altruistic projects, grants and scholarships with time and resources. To embrace cultural differences and make an impact through world understanding. K A P PA N • J U N E 2 0 2 2
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