Meet Our Woman of the Week | Mary Landon Whatley
Mary Landon Whatley
Hometown: Opelika, AL
Major: Accounting
"Chi O has been a place where I have never had to be anyone other than myself. When I walk through the doors of the chapter room, I feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. It is filled with women who have taken me for who I am, loved me, encouraged me, and will always continue to do so."
- Mary Landon Whatley
About Mary Landon (submitted by Lindsey):
Words somewhat fail to describe a friend like Mary Landon Whatley. I think we first became friends when we realized we were so similar, it was almost scary. I came to Auburn and founder my wiser half. One of the things I most admire about Landon is that she is wise beyond her years and constantly pushing me to be a better version of myself. She encourages me daily and never fails to make me laugh. She's way cooler than I'll ever be, so I just wear her clothes and hope people will think I'm somewhat fashionable. Landon currently serves Chi O as our Sisterhood Chair and she KILLS it. She has such a vision for how our chapter can grow through sisterhood and always brings fresh, fun ideas to the table! (Shout out to skate night 2k16.) Lando--thank you for being you. Your light shines into so many dark places and you show me more of Jesus everyday. Thank you for loving me so well...and sharing everything with me!
What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
My favorite Auburn tradition is watching the eagle fly on game days. My heart swells with pride, man.
What was the most rewarding part about going on a mission trip to Honduras?
It's so hard to pick one thing that was the most rewarding. The Lord blessed me and taught me so many things that summer. From relationships made to life lessons learned, it was all so amazing. I think one of the coolest and rewarding things, though, was simply the relationships formed. Whether it was with the kids, the staff or the other volunteers, they were all such a blessing. It was cool because people were from all over the world. People were from different parts of Honduras, Denmark, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, and Alabama. The best part was no matter how old we were, or where we were from, we were all united in Christ.
What is one thing you can't live without?
I can't live without Fox News and my bubble baths!
How has Chi O impacted your college experience so far?
The most impactful thing has been the friendships. They have not only impacted me for my four years at Auburn, but they've impacted the rest of my life. To know that I have found my forever friends--the ones who I can laugh and cry with, who will stand by my side at my wedding, who will be there when my first baby is born, who will still take annual beach trips with me when we're old and wrinkly, and who will reminisce with me on the "good old days"--is something that I could not thank the Lord enough for. His faithfulness has been so very clear through my time in Chi O.