Who here has heard of Sigma Chi Derby Days? If you have, you know what it's all about. If you haven't, here is an explanation.
The Sigma Chi Fraternity at Ole Miss holds an annual philanthropy that consists of several events that involve each sorority on campus earning points. There is finding the derby (a small Monopoly game piece found with clues given throughout the week), the Huntsman Challenge, the dance competition, the Derby Queen, the Instagram photo challenge, and the blood drive. All are geared towards fundraising money for Sigma Chi's philanthropy, the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The blood drive seems to be the hardest part for any sorority girl to complete. There are four categories of girls: some have too small veins, others are anemic, a few don't meet the weight requirements, and a lot are scared of giant needles taking a pint of blood out of their body. Totally understandable.
You are by no means obligated to participate in any of these challenges, but in the spirit of competition, many girls partake in Derby Days with a sense of pride and duty to help their sorority win. So, the first day of the blood drive I walked my happy little self over to the Sigma Chi house to donate blood and save a few lives in the process. I have to admit, I fell in the last category of typical sorority girls, but I decided it was a good time as any to get over my fear of needles. Everyone told me I would be fine, you can't feel a thing, and it's over in a jiffy.
Yes, I was fine. I did not pass out or lose my lunch like some people did, but it was definitely an uncomfortable experience. First, you get your finger pricked, and they ask you a million questions. By the way, this was after waiting an hour and a half to get my name called. Then, finally you are in the chair. I am not going to go into graphic detail, but I have to say my arm went numb (which I later heard was not normal) and you have to keep on squeezing the red ball they give you. Also, word of advice: just don't look at the blood coming out of your arm.
Had it not been for my friend's boyfriend sitting across from me for comic relief, I would have been freaking out more than I was. Meanwhile, the hardworking employees of Mississippi Blood Service were so used to being around anxious patrons that the pale faces and wide eyes did not even faze them.
On the positive side of donating blood, there is the free soda and sweet treats you get after you are done. My choice: Sprite and Nutter Butter cookies. While eating your snacks you are required to wait 10 minutes to make sure you have no complications and you are free to go highlight your name off your chapter roster and earn points for your sorority.
The best part (besides the free food) is the feeling of possibly saving three lives. Greek organizations everywhere raise millions of dollars to help those in need. To be a part of something bigger than me is an honor and am proud to be a part of a community like this. Even if you end up with a huge bruise on your arm still there a week later, it's all worth it in the end. Stay classy, Sigma Chi.
