A Very Untraditional Recruitment/Expansion Story

[klk112]

Originally Posted by alum

Randomly! Chi O shut down a couple of years after I graduated.

I never mentioned it in the story. ChiO actually sent us a letter back to tell us that they weren't interested, or else they would have gotten first dibs. The local's founders were the last class to initiate into ChiO in 1992, plus their pledge educator. Wanting to keep their newly found bonds of sisterhood alive, they formed a local sorority and wrote all of the rules and rituals. From what I have heard through the generations, our rituals were "very ChiO".

I think I knew that ChiO has a symphony, but just forgot it at the moment. Come to think of it, I must be forgetful in general because Alpha Chi has one too. Duh.

I will have to see if I can find my digital copy of the ZYS symphony. I have a printed one that is in hinged 5x7 frame with my AXO symphony on my desk at school.

[AOII Angel]

I can't imagine being initiated into two groups. Do you have a preference toward AXO versus ZPsiSig ritual? You don't have to tell us which one you prefer if there is....I'm just wondering. I know I'd compare the two if I were in your shoes!

[AlwaysSAI]

I'd love to read the ZYS symphony...cuz SAI has one too!

And, AOII--I definately have a preference. SAI and Phi Sig are so different in so many ways. There is a ritual that speaks to me much more over the other.

But, I love them both in different ways for different reasons...it's hard to explain.

[klk112]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

I'd love to read the ZYS symphony...cuz SAI has one too!

We are courageous. We charge forward where others would be timid. We are not afraid of the way others may view us. We are not afraid to create from nothing a sisterhood which is strong enough to last. We face the challenges of our lives together, knowing that if one of us should stumble, there is a sister nearby to lift her up.

We are strong. We stand proudly in the face of those who do not believe in us. We gracefully accept defeat knowing that we will return, for that is how we were born.

We are diverse. We are actors, lawyers, biologists, architects, singers, and engineers to be. We realize our pursuit of academic excellence will lead us to personal excellence. We may not always see things the same way, but we are willing to compromise. We discriminate only against those who are selfish, motivated by hatred, and are unwilling to grow. We realize our diversity only makes us stronger.

We are beautiful. We know that beauty comes from within, and we recognize this beauty in everyone. We know it also comes from self-confidence. We strive to bring out the best in each other and in those around us.

We are friends. We are there for each other. We are secure in knowing that we have shoulders to cry on, arms to hug us, and smiles to share our joy. We share a trust that cannot be broken.

We have a simple purpose. We are here to show other that we are not afraid to be ourselves. We are united under a common name. We wear out letters with pride. We are not just the sisters of Zeta Psi Sigma. We are Zeta Psi Sigma.

[AlwaysSAI]

Beautiful, Klk! What great roots to come from!

/hijack
Gosh, this has inspired to me to want to show some sisterhood pride! Here's SAI's symphony.

Sigma Alpha Iota Symphony
-To study and practice the goodness of life, the beauty of art, the meaning of music.
-To sing the song of sincerity and universal peace.
-To speak the words that build, that bless and comfort.
-To play the harpstrings of loving kindness, tolerance, appreciation, and genuine gratitude.
-To strive for the joy of simplicity, for the noble, to be faithful over a few things.
-To listen, to be still and know the harmony from within.
-To falter never in seeking loving service, wisdom, and understanding.
-In a word, to be loyal to Sigma Alpha Iota and her teachings; to find joy, hope, inspiration; to remember that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" and "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men."
-And again to practice.
-This is to be our Symphony.

~Esther Requarth, Nu

I was going to highlight my favorite lines...but I love them all so much...I couldn't pick!

/end hijack


WAITING FOR MOOOOSTARD!

[klk112]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

Beautiful, Klk! What great roots to come from!

/hijack
Gosh, this has inspired to me to want to show some sisterhood pride! Here's SAI's symphony.

The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega
To see beauty even in the common things of life
To shed the light of love and friendship round me
To keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life
To strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness, of joy, of peace
To appreciate every little service rendered
To see and appreciate all that is noble in another
Be her badge what it may
And to let my lyre send forth the chords of love, unselfishness, sincerity.
This is to be my symphony.
~Celia McClure, Delta

[AlwaysSAI]

Originally Posted by klk112

The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega
To see and appreciate all that is noble in another
Be her badge what it may

Has always been my favorite. Mmmhhmmm. Just a fabulous line.

And, I <3 the founding of Alpha Chi--if you couldn't have guessed that from my current affiliation.

[klk112]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I can't imagine being initiated into two groups. Do you have a preference toward AXO versus ZPsiSig ritual? You don't have to tell us which one you prefer if there is....I'm just wondering. I know I'd compare the two if I were in your shoes!

At one time I might have had a preference, but the two rituals are so radically different that it's almost impossible to compare. Both sets of symbols hold special meaning to me. (In fact, I'm planning on getting two tattoos this summer... one of a peacock feather and one probably of three stars. )

The differences really are interesting, and I would love to be able to do some sort of research project to compare many different groups' rituals, even though that's impossible.