"To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be in the best sense, democratic rather than “exclusive”, and lovable rather than “popular”; to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demand; to be womanly always; to be discouraged never; in a word, to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note."
Written by Ethel Switzer Howard, Xi Chapter, 1904
From new members to alumnae, the Chi Omega symphony is very important. It describes what a Chi Omega woman should be and it inspires me to be a better woman. I read my symphony every day and am reminded of what an amazing sorority I have become a part of. Each member interprets every line in a different way and has her favorite line.
"...to place scholarship before social obligation..."
Okay, this is a given. One thing that irked me about joining a sorority was whether or not I could keep my grades up. But it turns out there are girls in my sorority who worry about their GPA as much as me. We also have a certain GPA requirement to be initiated, so there are plenty of girls who I can call and pull an all-nighter with. And when I have friends that want to go out, I also have friends that encourage me to stay in to study for my history test.
"...to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely..."
It basically speaks for itself. Work hard, be nice and be the most genuine person you can be. This is one of the lines in the symphony that inspires me to be a better person. It reminds me that I'm in Chi Omega and I am representing my sorority and university. Anything that I say or do can reflect back on them, and the last thing I want to do is give them a bad name.
"...to be womanly always; to be discouraged never..."
This is my favorite line in the symphony. When I read this, it literally took my breath away and stuck with me for a lifetime. When I'm struggling in life, I always feel as if nothing is going my way. But when I read my symphony, I am reminded that the world is going to keep spinning with or without me, and I get to decide if I'm going to let myself on being discouraged or pick myself up and do something with myself.
Chi Omega has seriously meant the entire world to me, and I have no idea where I would be without it. I have met the best people in it and my family for a lifetime. I will always be "loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity". And a special thanks to Ethel for writing such an inspiring symphony.
