Meet Our Woman of the Week | Jena DeLaney — CHI OMEGA

Jena DeLaney
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Major: Marketing and Business Analytics

"To me, Chi O is family. It's a group of women from all different backgrounds that are there for each other, and love each other for their perfections and their flaws. Chi O has taught me how to be a good friend and love others deeply!"
- Jena DeLaney

About Jena (submitted by Lily):
I met Jena in high school when I hired her to design a t-shirt for a club I was in. When I eventually paid Jena, I sent her the money inside of a thank you note and still to this day, she has it hanging on her bedroom wall. Jena finds beauty in all of God's creations (like a little thank you note) and she is easily inspired. Jena sparkles; she makes me light up. She almost makes me feel like I'm older than her because she has such a child-like quality to her and seeks Jesus with such a wonder in her eyes, yet at the same time she is a strong, sure woman. She has taught me so much about Jesus, even through her own doubts and times of confusion because she has realized that Jesus meets her wherever she is in her life. Steinbeck once wrote: "She had gone beyond prettiness. She was strong and sure and feminine." This quote is one that truly embodies Jena DeLaney.

What is the greatest lesson you've learned so far at Auburn?
The greatest lesson I have learned at Auburn so far is to take risks. Studying abroad twice was definitely a risk for me and it completely changed my life for the better. I now have the mentality of "Why not? What's the worst that can happen?" People are so afraid of failure, but if you fail then you just have to pick yourself back up again and move on! Risks are worth it. If you fail, then you will more than likely learn something valuable. If you succeed, then obviously it was worth it!

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are painting, playing guitar, running, reading, and truly spending time with people. I love people so much.

You've studied abroad a few times. Would you recommend it to others?
I would ABSOLUTELY a million times recommend studying abroad to others! I learned more about the world, and really myself, than I ever thought imaginable. I gained a new and greater perspective on life, and now the things that I used to think were a big deal aren't so much of a big deal anymore (ehem...grades...just kidding, they do matter, but they aren't the end all be all!).

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself living in Ireland. Random, I know, but when I worked there, God completely broke my heart for the people of that country. There is such a need for His presence, and I really feel called there. He showed me the power of the Holy Spirit and how He truly moves through us. God is so cool.