New Member of ASA Making History
 

I found this online. A young woman at Murray State is now the first woman with Downs Syndrome to accept a bid to a sorority. Below is the video. With all the negativity regarding Greek Life, I wanted to highlight the amazing sisterhood of Alpha Sigma Alpha and how they have helped this young woman become a member of something so special. Great job, ladies!

This should warm your heart. Congrats to the ladies of Alpha Sigma Alpha and their newest sister Alexis.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUh8E5Az85c

One of my best friends is an ASA at a different school and sent me this. I am so Panhellenically proud of that chapter for doing something so awesome.

I agree! I love that this young woman gets to truly experience sisterhood. Clearly, this chapter is doing something right! Keep up the great work to Murray State University!

I'm going to have to send the link to this video to a friend of mine. Two years ago, I was asked to privately teach math to "Molly" ... who was born when her mother was 53 years old. "Molly" does not have Down's Syndrome, but she is very much developmentally delayed. When I started working with "Molly" she was in 7th grade, but doing math at a kindergarten level. Her mother has since moved with her to Illinois to a college prep school for students with special needs. Knowing how much "Molly" believes that she will attend college on time with her peers, it is wonderful to know that she might have an opportunity to join a sorority. She would be a wonderful sister!

Wow! That made my day -- and apparently history too. I haven't heard of sororities pledging women with other developmental disabilities either.

Congrats to Alexis and ASA!

I hope Molly achieves her dream!

Even for students who don't receive a regular high school diploma or (regular) admission to college, I have noticed programs being implemented in several states that provide a college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students live on campus in a mentored situation and take (often audit) several courses while also participating in campus activities. These students may also have a job on campus and receive support/instruction aimed at independence and/or job skills.

This is different from the students enrolled in degree-seeking programs who receive accommodations through the ADA office. It's a great way to include these students in a community of peers while they prepare for independence and a future job.

Your friend is probably aware of some of these options (not sure what is available in IL), but I just thought I would mention anyway.

My son is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Murray State. They have a great Greek community there .... so proud to be a Racer parent today! :D

here's a little more to this awesome story: http://theodysseyonline.com/murray-s...orority/150507

Reading about this brightened my day! I'm so glad that this young woman was able to find her sisterhood and I hope that she will enjoy every aspect of sisterhood that ASA has to offer! The more inclusive Greeks are, the better and stronger we become as organizations and as a community. :)

I enjoyed reading this. She seems like a wonderful young lady and I wish her much success and happiness.

Aspire! Seek! Attain! I'm so proud of my Murray State sisters and our new member, Alexis.

What does that say about the self-confidence of those girls? And morals? And priorities? So proud of them. Mizpah, ladies!!!