Alpha Omicron Pi, friends as the years go by. Loving sisters are we. Loyal, forever, Alpha to thee.
I'm sure that phrase doesn't mean much to you, but it means so much to me. Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) has been a blessing to me and to hundreds of thousands of women before me. Why? I'll tell you why.
Lifelong Friendships
AOII's mission statement is, 'Women Enriched Through Lifelong Friendship.' I don't know about you, but I can only count on one hand the number of friends I have (outside of my sorority) who I know will be my true friends for life. When I joined Alpha Omicron Pi, I quickly saw friendships forming that I knew would last forever. Now am I talking about 84 other women? Not at all. We are girls, we can't possibly all get along that well. I am, however, talking about those sisters that I know will be in my wedding. The ones who will come to the hospital when I'm in labor. Ladies who will stand by my side as a loved one passes away. Friends that will stick by me through thick and thin.
Service
Did I join my sorority based on their philanthropy? Not at all. But I did fall in love with the philanthropy as I learned more about it. AOII's philanthropy is Arthritis Research. No, arthritis isn't just for old people. It's something that affects more women than men, as well as many children. It's a crippling disease that can affect a persons day-to-day life, and get this: there is no cure. We have the opportunity to raise awareness and to help children with juvenile arthritis cope with systems. Oh and Major League Baseball teams host 'Strike Out Arthritis' games every year, where a portion of your ticket goes directly to Arthritis Research. Pretty special, don't ya think?
Family
Every sorority has bigs and littles, but what makes them so special in AOII? I know for my chapter, big/little week is basically Christmas for the littles. The mysterious big tip-toes into the freshman dorms while the little is in class and when the little comes back, it's a glitter and confetti fest! It's all monogrammed doo-das, hand-painted canvases, over-sized tees, and candy galore. It is seriously the best week of a little's new member period. After its all said and done, the bigs are revealed in an oh-so-dramatic fashion and tears of joy are likely to be shed. The new members forever have a big sister and sometimes a 15 member family that will always be willing to pose for a fam pic.
A Better Future
I'm not sure about some people, but I think most of us come to college to further our education and to find a solid career. Yeah, the friendships and late nights are fun (no really they are), but my parents spend too much money for me to not make something of myself. With AOII, you are setting yourself up for success. Just from my chapter I can think of flight attendants, sea world workers, government interns, summer camp counselors, Panhellenic executive members, and so much more. Your sisters will be there to encourage you to pursue your dreams and to be the best version of yourself. Our alumnae are very supportive and are constantly providing connections to amazing internship and job opportunities. With over 200 collegiate chapters nationwide (and in Canada), you are bound to find an AOII sister at your new job.
Home
I know I've already discussed the lifelong friendships you will make and the amazing family experience you'll have, but I have to touch on AOII being a home. Whether you live 30 minutes away or six hours away, beginning college is a nerve-racking experience. It was a relief to have a group of women by my side when I needed to cry just because I was homesick or when I needed someone to help me find all of my classes. In fact, AOII gives our new members panda pals. Your panda pal is your go-to sister for anything and everything. She'll be there to invite you to go eat with a group of sisters or come to her dorm to watch Netflix all night. She'll help you adjust to college life all-around, from weird professors to choosing what outfit to wear on Thursday night. That relationship will make you feel at home with AOII.
So whether you want to be showered with gifts during big/little, have a successful career, or do anything in between, AOII could be the best thing for you. It could be just what you need.
