It's definitely no secret that I am a recently inducted member of Sigma Alpha Iota (hereby to be referred to as SAI), and I am ridiculously proud of the fact. The organization is a music-based, all-women's fraternity, founded on June 12, 1903. With our Founder's Day just having passed, I can safely say that most of my recent thoughts have been reflections on my short time with SAI and how much of an impact I've already noticed as being a part of it. All of my fears and negative connotations about Greek life have been calmed (at least, from my firsthand experiences), and I am an absolute advocate for finding a family full of people who share a common passion. Even still, I cannot believe I finally took the leap to pledge; after all, what with the negative connotations fraternities and sororities get, what would my high school self think?
Fraternities/sororities are just a group of party-hardy people with no real goal. Boy, how quickly did I find out that this was false! First of all, SAI is a professional fraternity, rather than a social one. We are united as a sisterhood to promote professional values and the furtherance of music throughout the world. Secondly, we are a dry fraternity: absolutely no alcohol is served at SAI functions. In fact, we value this so highly that while in letters or badge, the highest of ethics is to be practiced. The fraternity must be represented positively. While this sounds like one may have to change their ways, it's all beneficial to the growth of an individual as a professional. Sure, college may be time to let loose and be young, but it's also a time to grow up.
Hazing is an inevitable and embarrassing part of Greek life. Nope. Nope nope nope. I would have steered clear of any organization that causes distress to its members in order to "build trust." Being a professional fraternity means we have an extremely strict no-hazing policy. I have never felt safer within an organization than I do in SAI. Every aspect of membership promotes dignity and professionalism, which is nothing I thought I would have gained from a fraternity.
Greek life is like a cult/it's impossible to maintain individuality. I can't even believe I ever thought this to be true. One look at the sisters of SUNY Fredonia's Delta Lambda chapter completely disproves this myth. I have never met a more diverse group of girls that is able to remain friends. Music truly does bind us, but I have seldom seen a better example of "opposites do attract." Each woman is a mature, music-loving professional, but that's just about where the similarities end.
I have already learned some important lessons from my family: from my "big sister," to dance like no one is watching, and to stand tall with your beliefs; from my "grandbig sister," to always stay fierce; from my "great grandbig sister," that showing emotion is not a sign of weakness; and from my fellow initiates of spring 2016, that stress, time crunches and disputes can truly bring us together.
You are truly beautiful women, inside and out. Thank you for always guiding me.
Becoming part of a fraternity or sorority truly does reward you with a new family for life, with more members than you could have possibly dreamed of. Once you plant your roots, you really will blossom as a person. So, as a celebration of Founder's Day, I extend love and roses to you all, dear readers, and especially to my sisters around the nation. You truly are roses and pearls.
