Senior Year of Formal Recruitment

     Being a senior is a very bitter sweet time, especially right around recruitment time. Fall is our formal recruitment at my school and I am so sad that it is over. We have Meet the Sisters, Philanthropy, and Preference round all happening and then it is a blur. Preference round was when it all hit me that I am a senior and this will be my last moments as a sister and college student of Kutztown University. I couldn't help but cry when my sisters were talking about what my sorority means to them and how much our chapter has grown in the years I have been apart of it. My sorority is definitely not the same sisterhood it was when I joined, but isn't that a good thing. With every new person who joins our chapter we grow, change, and mold to the people who are now part of our amazing sisterhood. We pride ourselves with this quote a lot, "Individually unique, together complete." With my chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma, Zeta Omicron I am proud to say that none of my sisters are exactly the same but we do come together for the same purposes and strive to better ourselves through schooling and being involved.
     Bid day was amazing and we got an amazing group of twenty three beautiful women to welcome into Phi Sigma Sigma. With College Panhellenic Council we also raised our total at our school from sixty five to seventy five women. I am so excited to live this last year in college to the fullest and continue to watch this great sisterhood continue to grow and thrive. All sisterhoods have their ups and downs but it is how you work through them that make the sorority stand strong and true. Together we can have it all!
     

Why More People Need to Address Social Issues on College Campuses

If you read my previous blog post about how my “sorority changed my life” then you know that I was a victim of sexual abuse for 10 years along with every other kind of abuse throughout my life. That experience, along with my core belief in the good in humanity, has shaped me into a person who believes all people should be treated as equals no matter race, sex, or any other characteristics that make humans individuals.

After hearing the moving and undeniably incredible speech by Emma Watson about feminism, I was reminded that feminism, or general belief in gender equality, has become something of a whisper between a few individuals and that in order to ignite a chain reaction of change, it needs to screamed for the whole world to hear.

What better place than a college campus to spark this conversation? During my time at Pace, there were three main Greek organizations of 18 (usually in conjunction or “cosponsored” with others) that spoke about social issues such as rape culture and equality during a majority of their events (shout out to the Beta Delta Chapter of Omega Phi Beta, the Beta Gamma Chapter of Lambda Upsilon Lambda, and the Alpha Xi chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon). I think it is important to note that Greek life at Pace University is only 13 percent of our campus. That being said, imagine if the entire campus talked about social issues such as feminism? Furthermore, imagine if it was discussed occurred across the globe.

It has been said that one voice can make way for change and I believe the former Harry Potter star did just that.

During her speech in front of the United Nation, Watson formally opened the door for conversation about feminism, equality, freedom, stating within her first lines “I am reaching out to you because I need your help. We want to end gender inequality—and to do that we need everyone to be involved.”

And those words ring true. It is up to each and every person to make sure that the conversation echoes throughout the world and in turn truly make equality a reality.

So I urge you all to take a stand and to fight for not only feminism, but also equality in all aspects of human life.

My greatest stregnth

Guys college is stressful.I know they say it's supposed to be the best 4 (or 5) years of your life, and I'm sure looking back it will be. Right now however it seems like the test and assignments will never end, as soon as one thing is done, another pops up. I've been making pretty good grades thus far this semester and my sisters have been there to support me. They have been in the library with me, offering to tutor me in stats, and have been available for any questions. It's an amazing feeling knowing that a group of women want you to succeed and see your success as their success. The support my sisters give me is some of my greatest strength and I can tell it will be what gets me through this semester and my grades back on track. I am so blessed to call myself a Gamma Phi Beta. It's not four years but for life.

Little Lovin'

Now that recruitment is winding down for most everyone,  it's time to talk about what most sisters look forward to at this time of the year: getting a little. I, myself, have had four littles in my time in Phi Sig, six if you include my two adopted littles. My first fall recruitment in, I got a set of twins and they have been there for me through the entire time. I have also had two other littles, one who disaffiliated and one who disassociated during her new member period. Though it's hard to lose a little, it's always great to know that I have two biological littles who have stuck by my side no matter what. 

Two years ago, I received the best gift I could have ever gotten when I came into Phi Sig. Their names are Kristen and Sarah and they are the two girls that make my world go 'round. They were my first littles and my only set of twins that I've gotten. I remember their revealment like it was yesterday. Our sisterhood development chair (SDC) had us decorate large boxes according to us and our personality (large enough for us to fit inside) and our littles had to go up to the box that they thought their big was in. Not only did they both know that it was me inside of my box, but they knew that they were twins. From inside of my box, my heart raced. I could hear my sisters outside of the box saying, "aww" and "they're holding hands! They know they're twins" or "Are you sure that you're twins" or "Are you certain this is your big?" They answered all of the questions with one simple answer "We're absolutely certain!" On the count of three, our SDC had us pop out and both of my twins gave me the biggest hugs imaginable. I cried and I'm not even ashamed to say that I did so. 

During this last recruitment recruitment, I was honored to be able to give the senior speech during our preference round. The following is an excerpt from that speech: 

"While I don’t have my own big sapphire, I do have my twin little sapphires and they are the most beautiful women that I know. They are my rocks. I’ve taught them a lot and in turn, they’ve also taught me a lot. They’ve been there through all of it with me and we’ve truly grown together. Everything that’s good in the world is what dwells inside of their souls. I’m proud of them and I know they’ll go on to do great things both inside and out of this chapter."

I could honestly go on for days about how proud the two of them make me. Sarah has taken on leadership roles within the chapter and Kristen is currently in the process of becoming a firefighter! I don't have a single word to describe the two of them or the joy they have brought me. They truly do have everything good in the world wrapped up inside of them! 

As you all consider getting your littles, remember that they deserve love and to be treated with respect. Remember that littles aren't "babies" they're our equals. Just like anyone else, they deserve our love and affection! It's time to spoil them, beauties! Remember when you got your big? That's what all of the new members are looking forward to! 

Fall 2012 Revealment. Kristen,  me,  and Sarah. 

Sweet Is The Voice of a Sister In The Season of Sorrow

 On my bid day, I was so excited I could barely run to the Kappa house. And just like all new members know, the time flies by. Before I knew it, I had a Big and a Grandbig and I couldn't wait to have a little of my own. I felt like I waited an eternity before we started recruitment, but we finally did....and I met her. 

She was beautiful, blonde, bubbly, funny, smart, determined,...literally the entire package. She was someone who other sororities would fight for and I wanted her from the moment I met her. When they read us the bid list, I screamed when I heard her name and when she came running to the house, I remember her basically jumping into my arms....we were officially sisters. 

It goes without saying that she became my perfect, precious little. We were inseparable. We had sleepovers, wine nights, family dinners, and more. We'd go to parties and socials, she'd borrow my clothes and I'd steal her scarves. We fought like a married couple, and I mean fought, we were both stubborn as hell but soon both of us would miss the other too much and cave. She was the perfect little and all I wanted was to be the perfect big. 

I'll be graduating soon and taking the next big steps in life. And when I think about my future, I think about her as my bridesmaid, being there when my children are born, seeing my kids grow and being apart of their lives. All of the things that any big and little pair hope for. 

But my dreams are now shattered. 

On September 12, 2014, I got the news that my precious wonderful little had passed away from an accident. She was 19 and had the world at her feet. I wanted those sentimental moments for myself but I also wanted her to include me in hers. I had pictured this future after college, and now....I'm lost. 

Nobody wants to ever think this would happen to them. During big/little reveal, you never think you are only going to get a year. I have been so angry that God would put someone so special in my life, someone who I loved so much, and then just rip them away from me. Because that's what happened.....but everything happens for a reason? 

My little had that hanging in her room on a canvas. "Everything happens for a reason" Well, I don't see that reason yet. But I do feel her around me everyday, slowly whispering to keep waking up and take some baby steps. So maybe I will believe that eventually, until then, I just have a void that I can't fill. And it feels like it hurts more everyday, but I trust that now I have an angel who is taking care of me. 

To my precious, wonderful, baby panda...rest sweetly and continue to be my sunshine. Be with me, because even though I'm supposed to always take care of you, I need you to take care of me and keep me going. I miss you more then you will ever possibly know. 

And for the rest of you, hug your littles. Squeeze them tight and never take one second for granted. They are our precious, little sorority babies and in one second, they can be gone. 

In honor of my Brookie 

1995-2014 

"I give you all my pandas" 

Hoping to take twins

There has been so much on my head and heart lately. Big/Little selection is approaching and I would really love to take twins however, I am not currently employed. I have 2 interviews approaching on Friday and I'm really hoping one works out. I don't want to take twins and not be able to give them both everything they want in their baskets, my goal is to spoil them rotten.
I've also been having to make some sacrifices when it comes to my social life in order to improve my grades and no longer be on academic probation. Last spring was hard for me due to my grandfather being ill. I'm doing much better in my classes so far, I need to make good grades for myself and to be a role model to my future little(s). This semester is presenting itself as challenging, but I hope the outcome will be worth it. Hard work pays off, and I pray that I am able to welcome two perfect little's into the Animal Cracker family.

Why Going Greek was the Best Decision I Ever Made

With the recruitment season almost being over, I feel like it would be important to talk about why going Greek was the best possible decision I could have made for myself.

As you've probably read before, I'm a senior and am going to graduate in December. With that being said, there are so many reasons I could come up with for somebody to go Greek but the reason I chose to accept my bid was because I felt like I was home when I was with Phi Sigma Sigma. From day one, I've never had to pretend to be somebody that I'm not. I have no fear of being judged for being myself  and my sisters never judge me.

Along with that reason, there are so many more reasons to go Greek! The networking is unlike anything else! You have sisters from across the country and the world who could help you land the job of your dreams if you wanted! That's always a good reason, right?

My personal favorite reason for going Greek is the friendships that I've made. Not only have I met my best friend who I can't imagine my life without but I've made friends from other Greek organizations, all bonded because we're Greek! I have the biggest and best support system imaginable because of my Greek affiliation!

It has been during my time in Phi Sig that I’ve found my best friends, my future bridesmaids, and women who have supported me through every hardship that I’ve faced. It was during this time that I truly found who I really am and I’ve become a woman that not only am I proud of, but that my family is proud of too. 

All in all, the very few reasons I've mentioned are reasons I'm glad I went Greek. Everyone always has their own personal reasons for joining and staying. These are a few of mine!

Katy Ryan Designs Giveaway

           "Hi! I'm Katy Ryan and I'm a senior at Ohio State University majoring in Operations Management. Katy Ryan Designs started as a self-led project for my scholars program at Ohio State. I decided that I was going to start my own handmade goods business and open a shop on Etsy, so I began exploring what I was going to make and design. At first I thought I was going to make all types of handmade items, but soon became interested in hand stamping and fell in love with the craft. When I opened my Etsy shop in April of 2013 I was selling only hand stamped items and recently I've expanded to offer other types of times as well- like vinyl decals, drinkwear, and elastic hair ties. I am not in a sorority, but when I started making jewelry I found it was a big hit with girls who were, and my friends who are in sororities loved everything I made for them! Big & Little gifts were always really popular on my Etsy shop, so this summer I decided to finally become a licensed seller for Greek items so I can sell items with sororities' names and letters on them! I'm so excited to continue to expand my business and Etsy shop. 

           A little about the process of hand stamping: 

Each letter, symbol, or design is individual stamped with a steel stamp and hammer into the metal. Then, I color in the text and polish and shine each piece. Since each character or design is individually hand stamped, each piece is unique and one of a kind!"

Find her shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatyRyanDesigns 

 

Katy Ryan Designs

A Seniors Pre-Recruitment Thoughts

Lately, there has been a lot of talk in the SGT world about being a senior, but one thing that we haven’t covered is what it’s like to be a senior during her final recruitment. I came into my chapter as a sophomore, but even then, I felt like I still picked things up relatively quickly, even more so after I was in charge of recruitment for a year.

Now that my chapter and I have less than a week until recruitment, I’m no longer asking myself why I have to constantly be at the recruitment practices or why I have to continue to run through preference when I know the ceremony and could do it with my eyes closed. Now that I’m a senior, I’m finally starting to see that I’m doing this, not only because we want the best girls that we can possibly get, but because I want girls to come into this chapter and to continue the legacy that so many of us have worked hard to leave behind.

I’ve come to find that I’m no longer complaining when our amazing recruitment chair asks us to run through our songs again because I know that my time is limited when it comes to be able to sing these songs and chant these chants as PNM’s pour into our room for recruitment.  There have actually already been times when I’ve had to slip out of the room so I wouldn’t break down into tears in front of my sisters because I know that I’m down to the last two weeks of being able to sing these songs.

You anxiously wait for your senior day and for the time to graduate to continue on to the next chapter of your life but what nobody tells you is that these are the times that you’ll miss. You’ll miss sitting in a circle with your sisters as you learn new songs for recruitment. You’ll miss laughing until your stomach hurts and tears are streaming down your cheeks from constantly laughing.  Most of all, you’ll miss the faces of the PNM’s that become new members as they walk through the door on bid day.

 

It’s during recruitment that you want to tell all of the PNM’s that wherever they end up, even if it isn’t in your chapter, that they need to enjoy their college years because they go by in a flash. It’s recruitment time that I’m able to say that I’ll truly miss my sisters and my chapter. In three months I’ll be moving on to the next chapter in my life but I definitely won’t forget the chapter that I came from. 

This photo is of the seniors from the Iota Kappa Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. It's not four years but for life! 

A Word of Advice during Recruitment from a former Greek Life Graduate Assistant

Now that the first two weeks of school have come to a close, many universities have started their recruitment processes for joining Greek organizations (please refer to previous blog post here) for the Fall 2014 semester.

While this is usually an opportunity for each chapter to truly show potential new members what the chapter has to offer, I am going to urge all you sorority women to go one step further and not only show what your chapter brings to your college/university but what Greek Life in general brings to your campus.

Now, I know this may seem a bit unorthodox, but the reality is YES we want to continue to grow the legacy of our individual chapters but without the support of the university in which we are chartered, our chapters would not exist. Therefore, it is just as important to promote “RUSH (insert chapter name here)” as it is to promote “Going Greek” in general.

It is your responsibility as a Greek Life member to not only promote and protect your chapter but also the other chapters that exist on your campus, because  at the end of the day, you all reflect what Greek Life at your university gives to its students to the University administrators. 

In the end, the being unified (also known as “Gruinty” at Pace University”) provides you with the greatest chance to prosper as a chapter, as a community, and as a vital piece to campus life.

With that being said, I hope you all take this opportunity during recruitment to not only talk about your experiences and your chapter, but also describe and promote Greek Life as a whole.