Jessie Whittaker

Oh, hey guys!

I've been thinking a lot about what I wanted to write, what I wanted to share with you guys. I have to be honest, my experience in TBS has not always been the best, but there are some people that have helped teach me what a true brother or sister is and I would like to tell you about them.

I came to Utah State University in the fall of 2008 and I was bid that first semester here. I had very few friends here, but very soon Jaelise Jensen and I became great friends and we were pretty much inseparable our Freshman year. We have served on Theta Eta's exec council together. We have gone on road trips and have had adventures. Jaelise and I have been through a lot together and no matter what happens she is always there when I need it. I owe a lot to Jaelise, she is one of the biggest reasons that my husband and I ended up together, she has been a huge supporter to me when I am going through tough times (which seems to be quite often), and she always has a hug for me. I don't know how many of you really, truly know Jaelise, but you should seriously take the time to get to know her. She does everything in her power to be not only a friend but a genuine sister.

The first time I went to a district event was DLC 2012. I was freaking out because I had never met anyone from the district before and I was kinda nervous--Okay, really nervous--Jaelise was with me and she was trying to keep me calm and tell me that it was going to be fine and everyone would like me just fine, but I still had my doubts. I don't know why but I've always been very fearful of what my first impression to others is. This trip was the first time that I met several people from the district, but the two people that really helped me that trip are Arthur Aguilera and Hans Heath. Let's start with Arthur, I don't know what it was, but we clicked almost immediately. It was so easy to get along with him, laugh with him, make fun of him (sorry, Arthur :D). After meeting Arthur my nerves about the whole trip just melted away. At one point he tried to convince me that he was related to Christina Aguilera, and I believed him! One of the things that impresses me the most about Arthur is his ability to be fun loving and crazy, but as soon as it's time to get down to business he gets things done. Arthur has a natural ability to be a leader because he is so loving towards everyone and I think that that was what I noticed on a sub-conscience  level when I first met him.
Hans, oh Hans. I love this kid. I really don't know what to say about him, that is how awesome he is. While Arthur was the one who melted my nerves, Hans was the one to make me feel comfortable being myself around the rest of the district. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes I can be a chameleon, changing how I behave to match those around me to lessen the impact of harsh judgements towards me. And with the help from Arthur and Hans that first trip I made to a district event I can comfortably be myself with the rest of the district.

Then there is Zach and Erik. They text me when I need it, even if its just to say hi and they have no idea that I'm having a hard time. That small effort to send me a text has made a huge difference in my life. And it's great to know that I have brothers and sisters in my life that truly care.

I have great littles, Megan and Cierra, these two girls are going to do great things, in the sorority and in life.
There's my biological little sister and taking my place as Theta Eta historian, Kristen. She has such a strong passion for band and TBS. She will be doing great things for this organization.

But there is one girl that I truly believe is the epitome of what it means to be a sister in Tau Beta Sigma. Sarah Ruby Keene is amazing. She has overcome much adversity in her life to be where she is now. Sarah is Theta Eta's president, and she is the best president our chapter could have right now. Sarah has reached out to not only myself, but to all the girls in our chapter. I have seen her befriend those without a friend, and take care of girls having a difficult time. I have seen her take charge of her own life and passionately follow her dreams. She has created a strong recruitment program for the band department by solely coming up with and implementing Chamber day at USU. A day where middle school students and high school students can learn the importance of chamber groups and how chamber music can be just as life changing as ensemble music. While Sarah may seem shy or unsure of herself, she is a strong leader for our chapter, for our band and for our music department overall. She cares for everyone equally, she hates to speak ill if others, and she wants everyone to be happy.
Even though I joined Tau Beta Sigma before Sarah, she is my Wava. On a daily basis, Sarah reminds me why I love this organization so much. She probably doesn't even realize what a profound affect she has on me and on several others, and that makes her even more of a strong leader.


Now, if I didn't mention you, don't think I don't care for you or that you have not had some impact on my life. I could write a novel about all the wonderful brothers and sisters in the west, but know this, I love you, and truly the best are in the west.

MLITB,
Jessie