As a PNM, one of the most common questions you will be asked is “What are you looking for in a chapter?” or “Why did you decide to go through recruitment?” Personally, my answer was short and simple…my mom. Growing up, I always heard my mom raving about her sorority sisters and the bonds she held with them even after college. Even with graduation over twenty years behind them, they still found time to get together and catch up, like nothing had ever changed. Her sisters stood by her on her wedding day, watched me and my little sister grow up, and were now about to watch me embark on my very own college journey. When I signed up for recruitment, I knew that was what I needed. There was nothing in this world that I wanted more than a support system like that of my own, and that was exactly what I was looking for in my future chapter.  Walking through the doors of the Delta Dome on the very last night of recruitment, I knew this was where I needed to be. I sat and listened to the seniors speak about their experience in Tri Delta, and I finally saw the bond that I heard my mom talk about so much. This was my place, and these were my people.

Looking back on my past two years in Tri Delta, I can’t help but become overwhelmed with gratitude and amazement towards this chapter. The friendships I have made in this house are indescribable, and bring more to my life than I ever could have imagined. My Big brings me a sense of peace during the stressful times, a shoulder to cry on, and a laugh when I really need it. My Little has given me a partner in crime, a best friend, and the irreplaceable opportunity to be a mentor. My best friend Tracy has become my roommate, my voice of reason, and my soul sister. My pledge class has become my family, my support system, and my best friends. Tri Delta has given me a home away from home and sisters I never imagined I could have. After all those years of wanting the friendships that a sorority is supposed to offer, I finally found exactly that and more.

            As I go into my junior year, I am so excited to see what the future holds for me and my chapter! Between the never-ending study nights, the movie marathons in the chapter room, and the late night heart-to-hearts in the kitchen, I know there are plenty more memories to be made throughout my last two years here. Even though I know I will one day graduate and walk through the doors of the Delta Dome one last time, I know I am not leaving anything behind. These friendships will be carried with me forever, and I will always have a place I can call home.

Delta Love and Mine,

Emma Armstrong

Secretary

As I go into my second year as a Tri Delta, I feel as if my Beta Xi sisters have truly shown me what Delta Love is. The perpetual bond that my sisters and I share was created almost 130 years ago. These founding group of women deserve the biggest shout out!

Isabel, Florence, Eleanor, and Sarah,

            Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Being the first in my family to go greek, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know, I was about to be a part of a community of constant love and laughter. Each and every one of my sisters is special in their own way. Tri Delta has given me the opportunity to embrace my own uniqueness, along with the different types of personalities that are found inside our house. Although we are all so different, I know that no matter who I go to, I can always find someone to talk to and for a good hug. The memories I have made in the past year alone are ones that will be held closest to my heart. My sorority has given me a new sense of pride. My letters have guided me to be proud of who I am, by the impact I am making on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as on my campus. My chapter has become the biggest part of my life. I’m happiest in my letters, most comfortable around my sisters, and have a home away from home. This would not be without Delta Delta Delta. I wish you could see today the chain-reaction that you have made on young women everywhere. Your legacy will continue as we “steadfastly love one another.”

                                                                            Delta Love and More,

                                                                               Corina Alegria

P.S. I’m sure you didn’t intend for this much glitter to be used, we’re (kind of) sorry.

“You’re paying for your friends”

From the moment I ran off stage to my Tri Delta sisters on Bid Day, I have grown to realize that “paying for your sorority friends” is such a huge misinterpretation made by so many people. Yes, we do pay dues each semester, but I have never seen it as paying for friends. The money that I put into my sorority is what allows me to enjoy my Greek experience as much as I have. The dues I pay go towards the amazing events that we host including Formal, Semi-formal, philanthropic events, and recruitment. Money simply can’t amount to the significance of finding life-long friends like I have these past few years. I fortunately was able to experience and appreciate what true friendships were like when I joined Tri Delta. I had never been shown true support, love, encouragement, and appreciation before I had become friends with Madison, Anna, Alex, Rani, Stevie, Kelsey, Kara, Ashley and many more. I am forever grateful for what Tri Delta has given me. I have grown so close with so many girls that if I were to put a price on them, I couldn’t, because my friendships are worth more than I could possible fathom…they are priceless.

“Sororities only do philanthropy work because they are required to”

This stereotype must be one of the most frustrating misconceptions I have ever heard. I didn’t know much about philanthropy until I joined Tri Delta, but once I started learning of its impact, I quickly fell in love with the St. Jude foundation that raises money to find cures for children with cancer. I know I speak for all of the young women in the Beta Xi chapter when I say that above all else, St. Jude is our main focus. We take pride in how much impact we have had on St. Jude. We have spent countless nights making poster board signs, practicing chants, and doing all that we could to prepare for a day’s worth of raising money for the children. We love and adore St. Jude and couldn’t imagine putting as much time, effort, and love towards anything else like we do for our philanthropy. As Tri Deltas, we are given the opportunity to join together and raise money for a great cause. The misconception of philanthropy work being a requirement is unfortunate because, as young women of Tri Delta, we have taken it as an opportunity to help children that are in need! We love what we do and love that we donate 100% of our earnings towards St. Jude.

“Sorority girls are dumb and don’t study”

To be completely honest, Tri Delta has probably helped me stay on track with school more than anything else. We have study hours every week and when it is time to study, groups of us girls will go to the library together or even pile into the chapter room to study with each other. I naturally get very distracted with different outside fun activities and so, for me, having these study hours keeps me accountable with making good grades. Another great thing about Tri Delta is that we have one of the highest GPA’s amongst every organization on campus. As students, we came to SFA to go to school, so as members of Tri Delta, we are held accountable and to an even higher standard for our grades. It is amazing to see the amount of support and encouragement I have from my sisters when it comes to school! More than anything, they always have my back when I am in need of a little push to finish my work or just to give me words of encouragement. My grades have excelled tremendously because of the amount of support my sisters and Tri Delta has shown me.

“Sororities are all about looks”

Before recruitment, I never viewed myself as a girl who fit into the part of how a sorority girl looks on the outside. I enjoyed wearing shorts and t-shirts and not wearing much make-up. When I joined Tri Delta, however, I was surrounded by girls of all different shapes, sizes, hair colors, etc. One thing that all of these girls had in common was that they all shared genuine love for their sorority and each other. I can distinctly remember, from that moment on, I didn’t care about my appearance or the shape of my body anymore because I knew I was surrounded by girls who truly loved me for me. I was shown that Tri Delta is about sisterhood and becoming the best young woman I could possibly be. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to look “perfect”, but thankfully I have sisters who remind me that there is so much more to being a part of Tri Delta than the way I look. My advice to any girl who wants to get involved with Greek Life, but is worried because they don’t think that they fit into the “perfect” stereotypical sorority look, take that leap of faith because, like me, you will find your home where your sisters will love you for you. Just like I did with Tri Delta.

“Everyone in a sorority is fake”

I think it is a common misconception for people to think that in order to be involved with a sorority, you must think, act, and be a certain way. This implies that you cannot be yourself, you must be exactly what the sorority wants you to be. ……. THIS COULD NOT BE MORE FALSE. Before I joined Tri Delta, I had the same ideas in my head that I had to be a certain way just to fit in. It wasn’t long after joining Tri Delta that I realized just how completely diverse all girls were within the sorority. What was amazing to me was how everyone respected and loved each other despite their differences. I was born and raised in a very small town, so seeing this first hand was crazy to me! I quickly learned that we have so many different, unique, and amazing girls that come from different backgrounds and places. But what was more mind-blowing was how awesome it was to be able to connect with such different girls that I had never met. What I love most about Tri Delta is that despite all girls’ differences and unique personalities, one exceptional interest that we all share is our love for Tri Delta and St. Jude. I could not ask to be a part of a greater organization than Tri Delta itself.

I hope this gave you a little insight about the different misconceptions that sorority stereotypes carry. More than anything, I want to encourage everyone to experience the joy of finding their home away from home. The memories I have shared with my sisters will always hold a special place in my heart. I will forever be grateful for Delta Delta Delta and for the chance to finally find where I belong.

Delta Love and Mine,

Annie Crenshaw