Initiation

This past weekend my sorority held its initiation ceremony. Almost every sorority considers the initiation ceremony as something holy and sacred. At the conclusion of our initiation ceremony, I was so happy to see all of our new members smiling with joy and posting statuses on social media sites about their excitement of officially being a member of Alpha Phi!

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What is Initiation? The purpose of initiation is to teach a sorority's new members about the significance behind all of the sorority’s symbols, Greek letters, motto, rituals, etc., followed by a pledging of commitment to the sorority. Depending on the sorority, new member vows may be recited through a motto or creed, signed in a book, sung through ritual songs, or proven by an activity. A new member is not considered an active member until they profess their vows.

A sorority's initiation ceremony is typically kept a secret, therefore the ceremony is different for all sororities. However, every initiation is the same nationally within a particular sorority. For example, initiation for Alpha Phi at the University of Delaware is the same as initiation for Alpha Phi at the University of Maryland. An initiation ceremony that is the same nationally creates a strong connection amongst sorority sisters. For instance complete strangers who find out that they’re in the same sorority, are able to become instant friends due to their shared bond!

Common meanings behind symbols.

Sorority Pride & Love

If I see a girl wearing a college sweatshirt were my sorority has a chapter,

I immediately try to find out if she’s in my sorority. 

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Joining my sorority has opened up so many opportunities for me. Not only have I been able to connect with alumnae from my own chapter, but I have also had the opportunity to connect with fellow sisters from all over the country! 

Additionally, I have found myself making new connections with ladies whom were involved in other Panhellenic chapters as well. For example, recently I was out at a shopping center where I was approached by a college student from Penn State. She told me that she had noticed the letters on my sweatshirt and that one of her best friends was in Alpha Phi as well. After speaking with her for a few minutes longer, I discovered she too was in a sorority! Talking with one another about each others sororities was exciting and reminded me about the magnitude of pride I have for my sorority. ♥

HAPPY BIG LITTLE WEEK ♥

In lieu of Big/Little week either beginning or quickly approaching for many sorority members, it's time to let you in on why this relationship is so great! 

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Everyone knows a big and little share a special bond. The big/little relationship is different from all other fraternal affiliations because, unlike the rest of your sisters whom you can easily cut all ties with, the bond between you and your lineage is permanent. For a big, a little is someone who you can mentor. For a little, a big is someone who can guide them through sorority life, and overall college life. A genuine big/little relationship can venture beyond sorority life.

My little (left) and I.

My little. Where do I begin? We met within the first week after rush. Sitting across from each other while out to lunch, I instantly knew she had to be my little! I obtained her number and began planning our next time to get to know one another. Not only was I obsessed with the person I discovered my little to be, I realized how similar to me she was. I couldn't wait to decorate her room during big/little week and 100% spoil her. My little is the person I tell absolutely everything to. She is more than a sister, she's one of my best friends.


Everyone's bonding experience is different, however, it is ultimately always memorable. Getting to know your big and little is one of the most exciting experiences in pledging a sorority. During big/little week, as the little, your mind will be racing with questions like, "Who is this fabulous big?!" You spend the entire week receiving mass amounts of attention and getting showered with presents. But as the big, you spend months crafting and preparing for the most stressful week of your spring or fall semester. Once you are officially revealed as big and little though, it is a very joyous occasion!

I am anxious to begin helping my little decorate and welcome my g-little into our family (or "pham" as we say in Alpha Phi). Although I have not spent much time with her yet, I am already in love with her and extremely excited to get to know her more!

I hope that everyone is as lucky as I am as they embark on their searches for a little, and for everyone who already found their perfect match, congrats! Have fun decorating and spoiling your little in the upcoming weeks. 

See how I decorated my little's room below ♥

 

Whether recruitment is in the Spring or Fall for your chapter, it’s never a bad time to show your sisters some loving. Learn some fun DIY big/little gift ideas!