Five Ways to Make Your Post Grad Apartment Feel Like Home

At 24 years old, I am at the stage in my life where I am always on the move. Between going to job A to job B, meeting with my boss to go over my day, the frequent wedding or family shoot, I generally leave in the morning around 9:45 am and usually don’t get home until damn close to 11:30.

Once I get home, I quickly shower and get ready for bed, only to lay awake for at least a good half hour, watching Always Sunny in Philadelphia, until my brain finally wears down and I can sleep.

Then I wake up and do it again.

Despite this, I sometimes get a day off. Those days, while fleeting, are my chance to enjoy my home (and time with my fiancée) for more than just a bed, but as more importantly, as a secure place that makes everything okay!!

Though in many ways, my home has become mainly a place to crash and my car has begun looking more and more like I live in it, the best part of those days off is having time to actually enjoy being in a place designed to make me feel relaxed and at ease.

Since many people, specifically people whom have just started in their careers, have adapted to this nomadic lifestyle, it is easy to forget to take the time to make your apartment feel like home, so when you are there you feel safe, secure, and relaxed.

Here is a list of 5 easy ways to make your apartment “home”:

1. Light: Lights is a great way to make your place feel more relaxing. From windows, to string lights, the options are endless, so make sure you brighten up your space and you will feel right at home in no time.

2. Photo frames: Photos are always a great way to bring a personal touch to your home. The photos are visually appealing and allow for you to reflect on good times.  Add a couple of cool frames and fun pictures  and you will be all set!

3. A designated spot to eat: Sometimes it is the little things, like sitting at the kitchen table to eat, that makes us feel connected to a location. It usually reminds up to slow down and focus.

4, Fun décor:

Little things like great throw pillows, an awesome couch cover, a few cute canvas prints, is all you need to make a space feel personalized.  Use your apartment to reflect who you are and do that with décor.

5. Netflix

Nothing says relaxing at home like curling up on the couch binge watching your favorite show with some wine and ice cream. So skip out on basic cable and subscribe to Netflix, there will always be something to watch!!

Coping With The Loss Of An Active Member

Handling the loss of anyone is intolerably difficult and handling the loss of an active member or any member of your chapter past or present is even more difficult. I get chills and goosebumps as I sit here thinking of ways to do this subject justice. First, I need to remember that I am so grateful as my chapter has not experienced the pain and hardship of losing a sister. However, I have seen first hand the suffering (of chapter members, entire Greek communities, and close friends) that death brings upon those left behind. My hope by writing this post is to bring peace to those suffering and to extend my support to anyone who has ever had to endure this type of struggle. 

Greek Life at SVSU Fall 2014

At my university, over the last two years, we've had to cope with the untimely passing of two specific gentlemen, one an alumni of Tau Kappa Epsilon and the other an active member of Phi Kappa Tau. My entire Greek community felt the heartbreak of not only the families of these two individuals but the pure, pit-in-the-stomach, agony the active members and alumni of these chapters were feeling. We, as Greek life, came together to attend memorial ceremonies, Relay for Life remembrance walks, and even attended the funerals of these individuals regardless of if we knew them personally or not. Being Greek is much more than bid day parties, themed mixers, decorated paddles, socials, fundraising events, and philanthropic endeavors. Being Greek means having not just your entire sisterhood or brotherhood to stand by your side in tough times, but an entire community of individuals who share their support with you in good times and bad. 

Kappa Sigma May 2014

One story that I will share comes from the Sigma Zeta chapter of Kappa Sigma at Northwood University in Midland, MI. I have had the pleasure of being very close with these gentlemen over the course of my college career. I've been able to see the their brotherhood blossom from a simple colony to receiving their charter and becoming a thriving part of Greek Life at NU. If there's one common trend I've been able to observe through each brother of this fraternity it's that they truly have a bond with each other, exactly what brotherhood should be. Recently, one of their active members, Austin, was taken from them too soon. Although I had only met Austin once, I knew immediately that he was one of those all around good guys. He was a genuine person with a desire to make others happy. I asked a few of Austin's fraternity brothers what they like most about Austin and how they will remember him. The responses I got filled my heart with bliss. "He always lit up the room and was always smiling! He was always game for anything and he never worried about what the next day might bring, that's what I admire most about him. He could make anyone, and I mean anyone, laugh. Everyone just loved being around him." said Nick Schummer, an alumni member of Kappa Sigma and very close friend of Austin's. "He was always happy and energetic. He was always smiling. He was someone who could make friends with virtually anyone and hold a conversation with them." said Jay Banks, an alumni member of Kappa Sigma and Austin's Big Brother. 

Austin with his big bro, Jay.

For many, losing a friend or a family member is the most difficult part of life. If I had to explain what it's like to lose a member of Greek Life, specifically a member of your chapter, it's like placing one hundred wine glasses on a tablecloth and having the cloth ripped out from underneath without warning. Ultimately, the glass will shatter into tiny pieces but what happens after that is what makes being Greek such an incredible thing. When you're standing in front of this disaster, wondering how you'll manage to pick up each and every piece you see out of the corner of your eye a glimmer of relief. Before you know it you have one, four, twenty, fifty, possibly even hundreds of people each picking up a piece of the broken glass for you. You are reassured that you are not in this alone.

Austin with a couple of fraternity brothers and close friends.

When I asked Kappa Sigma what they did to support one another other than the obvious phone calls, text messages, and other forms of communication, I was humbled by the response I received. I expected nothing less from this chapter of gentlemen. "At his service we did a passing ritual at his grave site. We had about 30 brothers and alumni members present for this service." said John McGrane, the current President of Kappa Sigma - Sigma Zeta. 30 brothers and alumni, traveling from all corners of Michigan and even from out of the state to remember Austin and stand by each other as brothers to grieve the loss of their dear friend and member of their fraternity family. That is extraordinary. Furthermore, Kappa Sigma will hold a balloon launch at Northwood University on September 1st in remembrance of Austin for the entire Greek Community and student body to attend.

I think what truly hits home for me is the fact that very rarely do you find a group of individuals like this who will travel hundreds of miles to give support when support is needed. Something as simple as standing by your fraternity brother, sorority sister, or any member of your Greek community in a time of need is what being Greek is really all about. Being part of Greek Life has given me and thousands of others the extra family we needed to get us not only through college but through life post-grad too.

This happens more often than any of us would like to think about. From car accidents, to disease, to acts of self harm, we lose people who are so very near to us too often. If you're trying to cope with the loss of a member of your Greek community or even a close friend you made in college, know that you are not alone. Remember the incredible times you've had with this person and share those memories with others to keep their spirit alive. If you're Greek, if you're not affiliated with any organization, or if you never went to college but you're still finding yourself in this same boat of trying to cope with the loss of someone close to your heart, this one is for you. From my heart to yours - 

Reflecting About College While Living in the Present

It is that time of year again. There is a slight chill in the air, some leaves may have started to change their color, the sun is setting earlier each day. Change is in the air, and as the clock ticks down to September, you find yourself dreading the thought of "back to school” not because of the assignments, or the classes, or even ALL those meetings, but because you have already graduated.

For many alumni, and I would say especially those whom are Greek, this time of year always makes us reflect on our time at college, and in many ways, makes us yearn for that same carefree life style.

We look back and remember so many wonderful things about college and a part of us wants to go back to that.

To this day, and mind you it has been just about 2 years, I still get a certain feeling of.... well, something I can't exactly put into words, as I watch from the "social media sidelines" as my friends, little, sorority sisters, even my biological sister start a new year in college.

Here is the thing to remember (especially if you just graduated and your exceptionally emotional about not going back), while your will always carry your college years in your heart, you have to believe that college has prepared you for something even better, something real, raw, and personal, something designed just for you, and that is your life.

So as you watch from Facebook as everyone heads back to the safe walls of their universities, remember that your college years were amazing, they already changed you, so now it's time for them to change others, as you go out and change the world!

SGT Founder Brooke posted this the other day, It goes perfectly with this blog.

My senior speech!

Three years ago I came to San Francisco State, as a transfer student with units of a junior. I had only school on my mind. Yet deep down I knew something was missing during my first semester at state. I didn’t know anyone here. I didn’t think anyone would accept me due to my age and awkward social skills. I wanted to get involved in school and meet new people but I was struggling to find where I belonged. It was not till I was walking through the quad that I realized what I really needed and wanted... I saw  my sororities table and I knew I had to be a part of this amazing organization that not only was involved in campus but promoted woman empowerment and togetherness as equals. I went through the recruitment process in spring 2013 and it was the best choice I have ever made in my life. I fell in love with my Big, and my G big and my entire family. Before I joined my sorority I only had two sisters I now have over 100 who will be there for me through times of good and bad.

Now that I am a senior I look back at my years in the chapter and see how much I have grown as a Phi Sig but also as a young woman. I'm thankful to Phi Sig for the opportunities that it is has given me in my life but best of all it made my secret Disney wish come true. I always wanted a little sister, and Phi Sig gave me gave me two amazing little sisters, and two amazing grand little sisters. Who I know will be bridesmaids at my wedding someday and also nanny for me at the drop of hat. When I graduate this month, I will take love and support my sisters have given me and always remember to Aim High. Phi Sig is not only my family and my home, it’s the place where I’ve felt like I can accepted for who I am.  Its not four years its for life. Because once a Phi Sigma Sigma…always a Phi Sigma Sigma<3

 

Graduation Playlist!

Graduation day for me is just around the corner..ok I maybe stretching it a bit but it is next month. I’ve been thinking about my graduation day and what soundtrack I would want to be playing as I walked to get my diploma. Let alone what songs to play at my graduation party, but there are so many great songs to choose from.  Not to mention it’s hard to pick just one song that can reflect on my college years. With transferring in as a junior, joining Phi Sigma Sigma, there have been so many awesome changes. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me, and this list reflects that, Enjoy!

Graduation Playlist

Breakaway-Kelly Clarkson

Break Free-Ariana Grande

Unwritten-Natasha Bedingfield

Applause- Lady Gaga

We are young- Fun

Best day of my life-American Authors

Long live-Taylor Swift

Rather be-Clean Bandit

Drops of Jupiter-Train

Fancy-Iggy Azalea

Time of our lives-Pit-bull

Heartbeat song-Kelly Clarkson

Don’t stop believing-Journey

Goodbye-Spice Girls

Graduation song- Vitamin C

"Outside" by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding Can Be Consider a Sorority Anthem!

The other day I was driving to work, nothing unusual, and the song “Outside” by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding started playing on z100.

So I did what I always do, I sang along.

As I was singing (badly I might add), I realized that I was starting to think about how I felt in my sorority after graduation, about leaving my chapter, at being on the “outside”, an alumni sister, not an active sister. 

While I am sure this song was most like not written to describe the feelings on recent sorority graduates, it really does describe what it is like being a new graduate of a sorority and in many ways tells you what you need to hear about it.

The main statement in the entire song, which is repeated several times, is as follows:

“I'll show you what it feels like
Now I'm on the outside
We did everything right
Now I'm on the outside "

The line “we did everything right, now I am on the outside” stands out to me because as sorority women, we made the right choice to join and participate in our chapters, now that we are moving on and we have to let the women who followed, the women we helped select and mold, take over the chapter as we watch from a safe distance. 

While it is not as dramatic as the song sounds, as alumni we are still very active in our chapters, I know I still am, it reminds up that at the end of the day that our time as a college sorority women is official behind us, and we now have to help our chapters grow and prosper outside the walls of active sisterhood.

Needless to say, now every time I hear the song I can’t help but think of being alumni in a sorority.

Take a listen and let #sgt know if you hear it too!

Sneak Preview Day!

         Today was sneak preview day on campus for my university. It was an amazing turnout and the campus was filled with a lot of incoming freshman and transfer students. I gave a lot of campus tours today with students and parents and I was asked a lot of questions that I feel are really important to ask. I know a lot of the time some girls transfer to other schools so this list below will be really helpful, when figuring out where you want to transfer to for college. This list applies to any grad level, undergrad or graduate.

1.       Student housing prices? Is it more expensive to life on or off campus? - Especially if you’re not a financial aid student, and you’re paying for school on your own. This is very helpful to know because it will help you plan your budget. Remember also there are different prices for full time students then half time students.

2.      Is my major impacted? - A lot of the time schools majors will be impacted. What does this mean? It will be harder for you to get the classes that you need. Don’t be discouraged to apply for the school when you know your major is impacted. It does not mean the school is bad, it means there are a lot of students on campus who has the same interest as you. Which is a good thing, you will have more people to study and socialize with.

3.      What is social life like? - Its college life so of course you want to know about what to do when you’re not studying. However I really encourage prioritizing your social life with your academics. Get to know the day and night life off campus, not to mention go in groups to meet new people. Safety is key!

4.      Are their internships as well as jobs available for me? Especially for those who are already in college but are transferring this is a question for you. It will give you a leg up on your educational goals when you graduate. Internships paid or non-paid are gold especially if they are in your major. A lot of the times schools with have jobs and internships in departments for students. Or if you want a job on campus, get to know the career center.

5.      Financial aid questions-There are too many for me to put down. Ask as many questions as you want with this field. Such as scholarships, loans, grants, when your financial aid money gets to you, etc. this is a really important one so if you know you need financial aid do not be shy on asking too many questions.

6.      Is the campus safe? - For me when I came to my school this was the question I was asking every campus I visited. I knew I was going to live on campus and be taking a lot of night classes, so the school I choose had to be a safe one. A lot of schools have campus police than walk around or drive around campus to patrol. Also a lot of schools have emergency booths so if a student is not feeling safe, campus police will come to you to walk you were ever you need to go.

7.      What are the student organizations like?-If you’re already in a sorority and are transferring, it’s ok to get to know other organizations. Especially if your school does not have your sorority. Your alumni so this means you can join other clubs on campus. Now if there is your sorority on campus, you are still considered active (if you have not graduated) however when you go to chapter meetings you represent your chapter as well as the organization. If your confused on that contact the sorority’s archon of where you are transferring to, she will answer any questions or concerns you will have.

Best advice: Get to you’re the school you are visiting, such the teachers, campus, student organizations, food options etc.  If you applied to a lot of schools for fall, visit as many as you can. Visit them when your family and friends. Don’t be shy on asking questions, and have fun while you’re going on campus visits! I hope this piece has helped any of you who are considering to transfer to another school.

Falling Back in Love with Your Sorority

        There's a dirty little secret that no one tells you during recruitment, and that is that you will not always be in love with your sorority.  The secret goes something like this: you will not always be excited to go to retreats and mixers, and there may come a time where you dread giving up part of your Sunday to go to chapter. It is a possibility that at some point you will get burnt out on sorority life. That's okay, everyone goes through periods where other things take priority to staying active in the chapter, especially as graduation gets closer. 
       It's a part of growing up, however it doesn't mean that it's okay to just give up and go inactive or early alum, after all you did make a commitment to your organization. In the case that you find yourself feeling "meh" about your sorority for any number of reasons such as, friends graduating, harder classes/internships, or maybe your on some type of probation with your chapter, you should think to yourself "Why did I join, and why have I chosen to stay this long?" 
       The answer is most likely to be a part of something, to make lifetime connections, to have friends whose values are in line with your own. You joined because you knew that there is nothing like being in a sorority. If you're willing to start actively participating in your chapter again you might be surprised at how quickly you fall back in love.

Love Being in a Sorority? There's a Way You Can Do It Professionally!

Sisterhood events, semi-formals, recruitment, philanthropy work. Sororities really offer some of the best experiences in college. But why let the fun end there? There are many ways to keep the exciting memories coming after the first four years. You can join the local alumnae chapter or volunteer as a chapter advisor or chaperone your chapter's dances. These opportunities can be very rewarding, but there is a way to have all of this AND get paid!

Have you ever had a consultant visit your chapter? Those positions are typically contracted full time jobs for recent graduates. I graduated this past May, and received a job right out of college as a Leadership Development Consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma. As I was spending my last semester going to my internship in New York City, attending all of my classes, participating in sorority events, and doing my homework full of reading, writing papers, and preparing for exams, I frantically searched for full time jobs. I started hearing about an opportunity to be a traveling consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma after I had already applied to countless jobs. Even though working for my sorority was not my plan for after graduation, I decided to apply and see what could happen. So far, being a consultant has been a unique and exhilarating experience!

For Phi Sigma Sigma and many other Greek organizations, qualifications include being a graduate in good standing with the fraternity, having strong written and oral communication skills, and having the ability to foster and demonstrate teamwork and cooperation. Being a consultant means motivating and inspiring others to make the most of their collegiate experience while fostering leadership and positive growth. 

In return for the hard work advising and educating members on chapter operations and recruitment, this position sharpens many professional skills such as project and budget management, conflict resolution, event planning, and public speaking. This temporary position is a great stepping stone into any field because of these invaluable skills. 

OK, now for the real perks of the job. Like the title states, this is an opportunity to be a professional sorority woman! Even though I am a representative from Headquarters, I get all the perks of sorority life. I attend fun events for various chapters like a Zumba class with froyo for a health and wellness event, and Make a Wish parties for philanthropy work, and even recruitment video shoots. Not to mention all of the great conferences and training sessions with the headquarters staff! Plus, I am always getting countless free Phi Sig swag. Most of all, I get to see the positive change I make on these chapters. I develop a bond with the sisters who look up to me.

If you are looking for an exciting adventure like this, now is the time to apply for next year. Ask your advisor or headquarters staff about work opportunities, and see what you can do to continue your sorority experience!