a little motivational speech

[cuteASAbug]

I recently acquired the first ever issue of The Alpha Sigma Alpha Magazine, and with recruitment coming up, I thought that this article is as pertinent to Greek Life today as it was over a hundred years ago.

A Little Fraternity Talk
The greatest thing in the life of the college student of today is his or her Fraternity. We all realize how much our connection with our fraternity has meant us, and we have sworn eternal allegiance to the order. There is something so noble, so pure in this love which the young heart gives to its fraternity that one who becomes interested in it cannot help but be touched by its depth and sincerity.

Naturally, we must all have a peculiar affection for our own order, but we should be interested in all Greek organizations and ever ready to aid them in any way we can.

But in this zealous for our fraternity we are apt to become selfish and a little narrow-minded. Because you love your fraternity-mates so dearly, other students, belonging to a different order, seem to you to be less worthy of attention. You feel that there is a rivalry between you and that you must strive for the upper hand. All this must lead to envy, jealousy, and hard feeling, and sometimes to the separation of friends.

Do not let these things be. Realize that you are Greeks, that you stand for the highest and the best in all things. Because you belong to one order do not think slightingly of another; the members of that particular branch hold it as dear as you do yours. Have you thought of that?

You must remember that you are striving for the uplifting of character; that your are bonded together for love, strength, and friendship. Do not allow your petty feelings to run away with you, but put your ideals upon a pedestal and kneel before them daily.

What is more distressing to a Greek than to hear of disagreements between fraternities? It makes us ashamed that there should be those who, though they wear the badge of a noble order, yet are defiling it.

The authorities of colleges welcome Greek organizations. Why? Because they develope (that's how it's written in the magazine) character and friendship. They bring together the students as nothing else in all college life can do, and they make ties which last as long as life shall last.

How we love to let our thoughts wander back to the student days. We go through those initiations and banquets, meetings, and conversations and the hundred other things that memory holds dear. And when we are aroused we find ourselves softened and refreshed by this imaginary contact with our friends.

Now, one word to our alumnae. You do not know how much help and encouragement you can be to the active chapters. Let them feel that they can call on you at all times and you will soon find that they will take you for their friend and adviser. You can direct their rather untrained minds and help them over the rough places very often. In return they will give you their love and will keep you in touch with the life of the whole fraternity and all of the college."

Signed W.
The Magazine of Alpha Sigma Alpha
Volume 1, Issue 1
May 1906