In need of some inspiration..

[sigkapboiler]

I'm hoping that a sister can provide some words of inspiration I can't find myself.

My chapter has been through some turmoiled times the last few years, especially the years before my initiation. Low numbers, sticky situations, you name it. However, a lot of hard work has turned it around. We will finally have a full chapter house in the fall for the first time in over a decade, and we're nearing our panhel cap of members.

However, we still have situations where no matter what, sisters debate on withdrawling from sigma kappa, for one reason or another. And yes, there are those cases where it might be for the best, or unavoided. But, I'm only a sophomore, and I have seen dozens of sisters walk out the door.

Right now, I have 2 of my closest friends in the chapter debating on leaving. One will be a senior living out of house, who thinks it just isn't worth it. The other just feels like the house isn't providing as much as she is giving to it.

This is all probably way too much information, but really, I'm looking for some inspiration. Unfortunately, a quick google search only returns the negatives of sorority life. However, I know there is alot of good in it, and I cannot imagine my life any other way.

I know the greek system isn't perfect, but why are you still a part of it? What does it really mean to you? I'm guess I'm just looking for someone to say the words I just can't get on paper....

[BetteDavisEyes]

I have truly appreciated Sigma Kappa as an alumna far more than I did as a collegiate. I value my time as a collegiate and the learning experience it was and all the memories of my time living in the house (both good and bad) but I have found that the best thing is knowing that I can rely on these fabulous SK sisters I have.

Take a look at this board, for example.

If you look at the General Fun Times & Complaints thread, you'll see us venting, crying, sharing the good and bad of our lives with each other even though most of us have never met.

Look at the Convention 2008 thread. Sisters of Sigma Kappa that have only known each other for months or years through this board are going to meet for the first time in person though many of us know the others quite well based on PM's, IM's, emails, etc.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that Sigma Kappa can be everything you want it to be if you let it. It isn't always easy and there will be times when you'll be hurt, angry, or downright hostile towards a sister but in the long run, the actions of a few don't affect my bonds with the sorority as a whole.

[Drolefille]

I think a lot of students struggle as they go through school. Classes become more and more focused on getting you out that sororities seem to lose importance. But from the beauty of our ritual to the late night Steak'n'Shake trips with my closest sisters I do believe the benefits outweigh the hangups.

Suggestions for you include getting involved as an officer where you can help "fix" the motivation of others as well. Planning sisterhood events like going to dinner before chapter. It's something that doesn't require extra work from you but you can all do it together.

Sigma Kappa means many things to me that don't quite fit on paper either. "sisterhood" feels to obvious, "friends" is too generic, but you know "mystic bond" fits rather perfectly. I've connected with every SigKap I've ever met. And how amazing is it that I could move to Boston or California and have a group of women who would help me out and be interested in my success!

[Aquastar]

For me (especially after my close friends graduated, before me) Sigma Kappa was about pride. I was proud to be someone who could wear our badge and I honestly believed that I worked to be that person our badge described every day. I wanted to exemplify our colors, our ritual, our history, because the interpretation I found was how I believed people should treat each other and themselves in day to day life. Although during my last year at school I didn't find myself very connected to my sisters (unfortunately), I found myself very focused on trying to help others see how Sigma Kappa fit into life as a whole. How chapter meetings prepared you to be a strong career woman; how our standards reminded you that you are accountable for your actions; how our initiation vows were a promise to be woman of integrity, woman who could be counted on. I also kept in my that Sigma Kappa was bigger than my chapter. Always keep that in mind (even though sometimes it is hard to grasp).

You might suggest to the VPNME or the EVP to ask the seniors if they would take some time to talk to the newly initiated members. Telling them about their experiences at Sigma Kappa and the things they have learned through it. It would help the younger sisters to see the good in their organization and it would help the older sisters feel more connected and maybe reminded of why they joined and what they loved about their experience.