My first year as a Kappa, during my new member period, we had presentations every week to teach us about different aspects of the sorority. Most of them were no big deal, dues, rules, etc.... but one presentation has stuck with me through all these years. It was a speech they read to us written by a blogger named TJ Sullivan.
He writes very simply....
You always wear your letters.
To an outsider or even to some new members, this may not hold a lot of value. But as you fall deeper into the world of sorority life, you will start to realize just how significant that lesson is.
You always wear your letters.
When you go out and dance on a table, you are wearing letters. When you make the Deans list, you are wearing letters. Getting a job, becoming a president of another student organization, or just helping someone who dropped their things on the ground, you are wearing your letters.
The biggest misconception about Greek life is that we are just one big party. We throw our hand signs, we have stickers on our cars, and we usually are pretty social. But in reality, the parties, the t-shirts, the hats, spirit jerseys, formals, and socials are merely a perk of deciding to make a commitment to something bigger then yourself.
Think of all the Greeks who have come before you. The women and men who have all taken the same oaths that you have agreed to. A promise to uphold and represent everything your organization stands for. Now step back and think if you have always done that or if you are ready for that. Because from the time you say yes, that's what's expected of you.
In the words of TJ Sullivan, "We’re not asking you to give up anything. We aren’t asking you to become something you aren’t. We’re asking you to become something more. We’re inviting you to become part of a group of people who make a promise to take care of each other, every day. We’re asking you to become the very best version of you that you can be.
We’re asking you to take a leap of maturity and to go to that place where you’re the same, honorable, dignified person on Saturday night as you are on Tuesday morning. It’s a big deal, and not everyone can do it. Forget everything you’ve heard up to this point. Forget how much you might desire this, or how much we might want to bring you into the group. Just clear your mind and ask yourself one question.
Are you ready to never take them off?
Because when you say yes, you’re not just putting letters on a sweatshirt. You’re putting them in your heart. You’re forever stamping your identity with them. Everything you are, from this point on, becomes who we are."
As you new members sink into the Greek life and start exploring everything it has to offer, just keep reminding yourself of that fact. Because at the end of the day, these letters ARE on your heart in everything you do. Make wise choices and remember that now you are more then just yourself, you have become a part of something much bigger. And with this commitment, we are excited to welcome you with open arms.
Me (Molly) and two of my sisters during my favorite Philanthropy event, Trick or Treat on Greek Street!
Note from the contributor : This week my university suffered a tragic loss of a freshman who was killed during a violent altercation. The whole campus has been shocked and saddened with the passing of Michael Gatto and I would like to ask all of our readers to say a prayer for his family and friends as they deal with this horrible tragedy. Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle. Soar high Michael.
