In the beginning of my freshman year of college, I was against the idea of a sorority. Everything I had learned from social media, movies and television painted sororities in a very unappealing way. This all changed when I learned about Tau Beta Sigma (TBS).
My roommate had gone to a rush and told me the people were amazing and really dedicated to service. I still wasn’t totally convinced to go myself, however, until a sister of TBS called my name as I was leaving an orchestra rehearsal.
“Hey Heather!” she said, “Have you ever thought about joining Tau Beta Sigma? You’d be perfect for it!”
Here was someone who was already a sister telling me that I would fit in. Flattered, I started thinking maybe I should check it out. I finally went to a rush with my roommate. I met some of the best people I know that night and it started my journey in doing something I said I would never do: join a sorority.
It turned out that Tau Beta Sigma is no ordinary sorority. It is a National Honorary Band sorority, founded in March of 1946 by Wava Banes Turner Henry. This sorority encourages young women (and men) to become more active in music and serves the marching band. As a female student of music, this sounded like the right place to be. In my time with this sorority, I have grown as a person in ways that I don’t believe I could have on my own.
Tau Beta Sigma has encouraged me to become more confident in myself. Upon becoming a sister, I was very shy and had trouble opening up to people. I wanted to get to know my sisters better and so I decided I needed to change. This was gradual as I was very very shy. I first started opening up more to my Big sister, who, having chosen me to be her Little sister, I felt I could trust. As my process became more involved, I became more involved with the people. I eventually took a Little sister (pictured above. Yes, guys can be sisters too!) and after teetering on the edge of my shell for a while, I finally bounced out! My Little brought out the best in me and we are always there for each other. He encouraged me to do things I didn’t think I was capable of. I wanted to be the best for him, so I tried harder. I began participating more in chapter meetings and sharing my opinions without holding back. I even gained the confidence to run for an office.
And I won.
In addition to this amazing new self-assurance, I gained a new love for service. With Tau Beta Sigma, I have engaged in many projects to help the marching band and concert bands, as well as music programs outside of our university. Serving the bands is one of the most important parts of Tau Beta Sigma and we do it well and with a smile. Basically, you should like volunteering if you want to join this sorority. It is great for meeting new people and learning teamwork skills, particularly the assembly line if you’re our chapter. We got very good at passing supplies when preparing for a marching band show. And when you’re all working together, some of the best memories are made.
I was sad to go alumni status at the end of the past school year.
As an alumnus now, I know for sure that Tau Beta Sigma is one of the best things that had happened to me in my college career. It has given me a family for life and some of the best memories. Personally, had I not joined Tau Beta Sigma, I don’t believe I would be the same person I am today. I encourage anyone on the fence about joining TBS, or any sorority really, to definitely give it a try. It is one of the best ways to meet people and gain new skills. And you never know, you might leave college with some of the best experiences and friends you could hope for.
