My beautiful new sisters,
Watching you run home on bid day, I could not believe it has been four years since I experienced that amazing feeling. Finding your home away from home, I hope this chapter provides you everything you need to grow into amazing women and gives you the best four (or five, or six) years of your life. As a graduating senior, I have seen this chapter grow into what it is today and it's hard to accept that in seven short months, us seniors will be leaving this chapter in your hands. I wanted to give you all some advice that I learned (probably the hard way) that will help you through the next four years in this chapter.
Get Involved
With philanthropies, with community service, within the chapter, and outside of the chapter. It may seem "lame" and "boring" at the time, but it will mostly benefit you in more ways than one. While you can't put "Sigma Chi Derby Days" on your resume, you can include positions you have taken in the chapter, and organizations you are a part of outside the chapter. Not only will you be bettering yourself from getting involved, you'll be bettering the chapter as whole. Remember, this organization is bigger than just you.
Follow the Rules
This is coming from someone who can't count how many times she's been sitting in a judiciary board meeting. Sure, you only live once, seize the day, have fun, whatever. But know the consequences, and respect them. Executive board is there to help the chapter, and if that means teaching you a lesson by making you give a presentation on alcohol safety or even banning you from a date party, just accept it. Don't be bitter, you probably deserve it.
This Chapter is a Privilege
I beg of you: don't take it for granted. This chapter is built on history and our founders' values. This chapter isn't about all the fraternity formals you can attend in one year, or how many shots you took on Saturday night. This chapter will help you find yourself in the confusing and emotional process that is college. You will have new experiences, and amazing people to be by your side during them. You were chosen for this chapter for a reason: you encompass the type of woman our founders would respect. Don't let this privilege be something that could be quickly taken away from you.
As you go through your next four years in this chapter, remember that you are passing down a legacy to the pledge classes after you. Be a role model for these ladies but when recruiting and remember to recruit girls who are better than yourself. I have seen this chapter grow and mold into something absolutely amazing and after I, and all the rest of the seniors, are gone, you will see the same thing. Make our alumnae proud to come back to our events, because one day that will be you. Remember, it's not four years, it's for life.
With Love,
A Graduating Senior
