K‎‎‎‎‏‏‎‎A‏‏‎P‏‏‎‎P‏‏‎‎A    A‏‏‎LP‏‏‎H‏‏‎A    T‏‏‎H‏‏‎E‏‏‎T‏‏A

Hello! My name is Natalie Tang, and I am the President of the Zeta Mu chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at MIT. I remember being very nervous about finding a community in college, but joining Theta has given me a family that has supported, inspired, and changed me in countless ways. Whether it’s impromptu runs throughout Boston to grab fresh bagels, late-night conversations in our kitchens, or the hectic but rewarding hours before a philanthropy event, I’ve cherished every moment with this chapter and the people that make it special. Through Theta, I’m lucky to call some of the best role models, most inspiring leaders, and most thoughtful individuals my best friends. 

As a glimpse into our chapter, I’d love to introduce our values.

1. Scholarship.

Thetas never fail to inspire me through their academic and professional successes. Our members have a wide variety of interests, and you can find them in research labs, build teams, or clubs all across campus. MIT can be a daunting place, especially academically, but the guidance I’ve received from members of Theta has been invaluable to my confidence and growth as a student and a researcher, and this mentorship has encouraged me to discover and follow my aspirations. Seeing other Thetas thrive in their classes (my own big and former president, Alex Lee ‘25, came in 2nd in 2.007’s final competition!), receive national level research recognition (shoutout to 2025 Marshall Scholar Lara Okzan ‘25 and Fulbright Finalist Kate Augustyn ‘25), or land their dream job (too many to list) is so empowering, and I could not be prouder to lead this chapter.

2. Service.

A core component of our chapter is our commitment to giving back to both the MIT community and the greater Cambridge/Boston area.  Our members are involved in many service organizations at MIT, including Camp Kesem, Little Beavers, Amphibz, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), MIT EMS, and also volunteer at local hospitals like Boston Children's Hospital or Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I was lucky enough to lead our chapter-wide service events last year, where we volunteered during Boston Marathon weekend, organized a Charles River trash cleanup, created holiday cards for hospitalized children, helped staff a blood-drive on campus, and more. These events are not only incredibly fulfilling, but I’ve truly felt that they’ve bring our chapter closer.

Every year, we also support our national philanthropy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) through our fall fundraiser. Last year, we held our very first Theta Haunted House, raising over $3000 for CASA—an event that was not only fulfilling, but also was so much fun for our chapter, friends, and family. Arguably our biggest event is our spring philanthropy event, Grill Off, where we’ve raised over $25,000 in the past two years for a cause chosen by our chapter. Lots of work goes into making it such a successful event, but I’ve had some of the funniest and most meaningful conversations while planning and organizing this event with our philanthropy team. I’m truly lucky to be a member of such a wide-reaching community and organization. 

3. Leadership.

Members of the Zeta Mu chapter are leaders both in their disciplines of study and within their extracurricular activities, including academic clubs and varsity sports. Thetas make their presence known across campus, as leaders of organizations like Sloan Business Club, MIT Consulting Group, Camp Kesem, ROTC, MINCE (the list goes on), or as student ambassadors for Sloan, MISTI, or Global Languages, or through their involvement in varsity or intramural sports. The leadership of our members is nothing short of inspiring, and the Thetas before and around me have undoubtedly motivated me to be the best leader that I can. 

4. Friendship.

Above all, Theta has brought me friendships that will stay with me beyond MIT. No matter how unbearably cold Boston’s weather may be, I can always count on a trip to a hotpot restaurant with my family line, and as the weather warms up, I’m already planning hikes in the White Mountains with other Thetas. Especially after moving into our house this year, I’ve spent countless hours in our house’s kitchens and common spaces cooking, working, and talking with other members of our chapter. I know I can always turn to Thetas when I need a shoulder to lean on, when I’m planning my next adventure, or when I need some advice. Joining Theta has been one of the best decisions I have made at MIT, and I am proud to introduce you to the chapter that has been my home on campus for the past three years.

Theta Love and Mine,

Natalie Tang, President