Why do I love being a sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi? There are too many ways to answer that question. There isn't one specific reason why, or a simple way to state it. It's not something that can be put into words. It's the feeling I have when I'm making a difference with my sisters or learning something new with them. It's the feeling when I'm spending time with my sisters at a sisterhood event or hanging out after classes or on the weekend. It's the feeling I get when I get to know a new sister. It's the feeling I get when I think about how my life has changed from the moment I first spoke to a sister and when I accepted my bid. This is I why I love being a sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi:
1. My phone autocorrects “finally" to “phinally." The same goes for “phenomenal" to “phinomenal," and quite a few other words.
2. It's an ongoing joke to “giraffe" in pictures when we're not throwing our hearts or our phi's.
3. I am surrounded daily by beautiful women both on the inside and out, who inspire and encourage me every day. They make me proud to wear my letters. I couldn't have asked for a better place to call home. Because I've known all of them, I've changed for good.
4. Our mascot, the giraffe, shares its big heart with us. The giraffe's big heart only matches how much love we have for one another.
5. My pearls have a whole new meaning. I proudly wear them around my neck and on my badge.
6. Multa corda una causa. Many hearts, one purpose. It does not matter our background or interests. We are all sorority women who have come together to love each other as a sisterhood and support one another.
7. I keep our philanthropies close to my heart. I'm proud of all of the wonderful things that my sisters, both past and present, have done in the world. From Elizabeth Glaser and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation to Rochelle Shoretz and Sharsheret, to one of my own sisters, Suzann Cayne and Never Stand Alone. I look forward to raising awareness and fundraising for each philanthropy. It makes me so incredibly happy to support the work of such inspirational women.
8. LML. This means everything to me. I remember the day that I phinally learned what it meant. It is a part of me. It's a secret that I treasure, and hold near and dear to my heart.
9. I found my home in Alpha Epsilon Phi. This is my home away from home. I never imagined the relationships I would have. I have grown because of my involvement with Alpha Epsilon Phi.
10. Above all else. Like the giraffe, we stand tall above all else. This would not be possible without the amazing women who started it all at Barnard College. I am thankful every day for the strength, courage, and perseverance that Ida Beck Carlin, Lee Reiss Liebert, Helen Phillips Lipman, Rose Gerstein Smolin, Rose Salmowitz Marvin, Stella Strauss Sinsheimer and Augsutina “Tina" Hess Solomon had in order to establish Alpha Epsilon Phi.
Thank you to all of the women I have gotten to know and will know in the future because of Alpha Epsilon Phi. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without all of you and this amazing sorority. I've had so many opportunities and doors opened to me because of Alpha Epsilon Phi, starting from the moment I ran home on bid day a year and a half ago to the Beta Zeta chapter at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I wouldn't change a single moment even if I could, and I will forever cherish the memories I have made and will continue to make. No matter what happens or where life takes us, in the end, I want to be standing at the beginning with you. LML.
Love eternally,
Your sister
