Before college I had already made my Greek decision, and it was not to rush the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. When I stepped foot onto campus I was ready to commit to my work so that I could be noticed by my desired org and then pledge.
However, my plan did not unveil as smoothly as anticipated. At the involvement fair, there was a table covered in blue and gold, and I walked past three or four times before one of the ladies called me over. I did not want to be rude, so I stopped with no intention to be impressed. Here was this small organization that people barely talked about, lecturing me on their greater service greater progress. I signed my name on the paper, took a few flyers and casually went about my day.
Later, a friend asked me to accompany them to the Sigma Gamma Rho informational. I politely informed her I had other intentions, but she insisted. After attending my first informational, I was left speechless by the poise and grace of the women. They were serious, sophisticated and a tad scary. Although I was impressed, I kept fighting my calling, attending other Greek events and being closed minded. Later, the same friend asked me to accompany her to a charity event, but what she really asked was if we could use my car. Anyways, I went with her and once again found myself impressed with how organised the event was, nice the women were and I felt at ease around the Sigma women. I continued to attend events and after months of deliberation, I decided I was going to make the commitment and pledge.
When I reflect on my decision, I get a little tingle in my toes. I took the road less traveled. I choose the smallest sorority, the least known sorority, the only one founded at a PWI, the quote on quote "underdogs." However, I joined the best. I learned humility, patience, perseverance, while experiencing some of the lowest moments of my college career. I began to understand the importance of networking and the weight of the legacy I accepted when I crossed the burning sands. Sigma brought me some dark moments, and even more light moments. It taught me, "every sorority is not a sister and every sister is not a sorority". I learned how to be staunch in my decisions and walk through the shadows of life confidently whether with a sister by my side or alone.
Most importantly, I learned to live by the Sigma motto "if you cant lean back, stand up". Lately, I have been in a position where I can not lean back, and more than ever I have learned the importance of standing tall. I have stood tall in England in the face of strangers, uncertainty and in some cases unfairness. I have stood tall at Denison in the face of adversity, racism, classicism and bigotry. I have stood tall in my home communities, when peers see me and speak ill because I am outgrowing them.
I chose To be a Sigma woman because you have to bend your back to be a Sigma. Nothing is handed to you. You must stand tall as a Sigma Gamma Rho. You must depend on your intelligence and not your looks. You must be loyal and be your sisters' keepers. Finally,you must be prepared to hold the legacy of seven unbelievable women. That is why I chose Sigma, because not just anyone can cross the burning sands to be an SGRHO. Happpy 94th sorors. EYYYYYY-YIP!
