Two years ago, I pledged for Sigma Pi Beta Service club and it was the best decision I never intended to make.
Let me explain what I mean-Joining a service club wasn't my first choice. Going into my sophomore year of college I wanted to join a social club and, long story short, it didn't work out. I wasn't invited to a closed rush of any of the clubs I wanted to get into.
Yeah, that sucked. No one likes being rejected. And honestly, I originally joined ΣΠΒ just so I could be a part of something with Greek letters, and at Lipscomb service clubs are open to anyone and everyone who wants to join. No rushing required. Though, we did have pledge week. And it was actually...fun!
Now, as I enter my second year as ΣΠΒ president, I couldn't imagine my life without this wonderful zebra and friend-filled club. Here are just a few reasons why I am so grateful pledged service, and maybe even why you should too.
1. ΣΠΒ is where I met my best friend.
Stames. How blessed I am to have her in my life. We met through ΣΠΒ, and our friendship is one of the things I am most grateful things that has come from my involvement with this club. The top picture is from our sophomore year and the picture below is from earlier this week, as president and vice president of ΣΠΒ now recruiting new members for this school year.
2. The unique opportunities it offers.
I got to be a hip-hop dancing superhero, 80s aerobics dancer, country line dancer, and in a boy band---all in one night. It's not as weird as it sounds. Okay maybe it is...but let me try to explain. We were putting on a charity show (Anteater's Ball) with the other service clubs on campus and there was a need for members to dance in a couple of the sets.
I, being a white, ginger, generally awkward human being am not known for my dance skills. But through months of practicing (while building friendships will all sorts of wonderful people), I was able to perform not one, not two, but four different dances in one night. I was also able to help choreograph one of the dances, which is something I may never get to do again.
3. We help people.
No, we don't go on team trips to Africa (but I wish). Our service is mainly centered in the greater Nashville area and on campus, but this picture is just a representative of my love for service. I've wanted to be a missionary for more than half my life, and this is a photo from high-school Sam stepping out on that journey through venturing to Africa for a month. This just also happens to be one of my favorite photos of myself of all time, because it was well photographed and I'm in my element. Service is my middle name. Or, it should be. And I love being a part, being a leader of a club that is focused on serving others.
4. We might actually be #squadgoals
I love, love, LOVE my ΣΠΒ cohorts. We may be a small club right now, but that just means we get to know each other a lot better and build deeper relationships together. And I love that ΣΠΒ is a co-ed club. One of the things I say most often during recruiting is that "we have boys". A co-ed club like this is so unique on college campuses and building this type of authentic community has been so much fun.
5. I get to be myself.
Yes, that is me dancing in a zebra onsie. I'm part president, part mascot. Judge it if you will, I know my squad's got my back. I never have to worry about being judged by my friends at ΣΠΒ because it is one of the most accepting, authentic, genuine communities I've ever had the pleasure of participating in.
6. And now, I get to lead.
ΣΠΒ has and will continue to give me a chance to lead. As president last school year I learned so much, and I know that will continue as I hold the reins of ΣΠΒ once again. Last year I was so blessed by the people I was able to bring into and make a part of this community, especially my littles who I love so much and am so proud of always. I was so blessed last year to lead a bunch of freshies to Gatlinburg for spring formal, and I'm excited for all the adventures I get to help lead this year.
So in short, ΣΠΒ is pretty cool. And I am so blessed that it has become such an high-key part of my life.
This article is not (just) a shameless plug, but, I mean, if you want to know more, as president of (the best) service club I am here to help you out. Check out our Instagram @SPBzebras or shoot us an e-mail at spbzebras@gmail.com for info on what we're up to this semester.
Peace, love, and zebras.
