70 Social Clubs Caraline’s Comeback Junior Caraline Rogers continues to lead Zeta Rho despite her battle with cancer. Junior Caraline Rogers’ fall semester looked different than that of most students. After receiving a diagnosis of stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Rogers learned to adapt to her new lifestyle while simultaneously acting as treasurer for women’s social club Zeta Rho.Rogers was diagnosed with mononucleosis in May 2024, and her symptoms did not subside over the summer. Before returning to school, her doctors ran tests and scans that revealed that she needed a biopsy the week before the start of the fall semester. On Aug. 23, Rogers’ doctors diagnosed her with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This news would have discouraged most from keeping an office for a social club, but Rogers didn’t let it stop her. She discussed how her circumstances changed her perspective on life. “Being diagnosed with cancer has taught me to slow down and listen to our Creator,” Rogers said. “God is teaching me so much from this. I’m thankful for my experience and look forward to doing God’s will from it.” Rogers completed her responsibilities with the help of senior Ann-Clayton Beason. The two worked together, dividing the responsibilities of the role. Beason covered the in-person duties, such as getting cash from members and making announcements at meetings, while Rogers handled the technical side, including budgeting and ensuring each person had paid club dues, formal fees and more. “I went in [to the semester] saying that this is her thing, and I am only here to supplement what she can’t physically do since she is not on campus this semester,” Beason said. “It has been really fun for me to stay in touch with her and to keep each other in the loop about what is going on. Caraline has shown me so much strength this semester. She has continued to show kindness and has stayed true to her funny self.” Zeta Rho’s president, senior Molly Speight, worked with the sponsors to appoint Beason as a co-treasurer. Speight was grateful that Rogers was willing to continue the semester and believed things went smoothly despite their challenges. “One of our members, junior Emma Sansom, had the idea to get purple cancer ribbons for our members to put on our backpacks in honor of Caraline, which was inspired by Ju Go Ju, who recently had a member experience the same cancer,” Speight said. Rogers’ impact on Zeta Rho became clear through her unwavering commitment to the club. By continuing to serve as treasurer, she set a powerful example and fostered a spirit of determination among the members of Zeta Rho. Written by Addie Echols
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