I still can't quite believe it! The weekend was so much fun. I met so many wonderful women, and I kept thinking, "these are my sister!"
I arrived at the hotel in the middle of the registration period, so I had time to chat with the members of my alumnae chapters (I'm joining two.). I also got to watch lots of collegians arriving, and that was fun. The weather was terrible, but our girls were troopers!
At 7:00, I was ushered to a hotel room so that arrangements could be made for the ritual. I waited! And waited! Finally, around 8:00, I got to experience the beautiful initiation ceremony. It was lovely. All I'll say is that I will never forget the feeling of having over 100 women watching me take the steps that they took, saying the words that they said as they made their vows to Alpha Sigma Alpha. I was also so pleased and touched by the amazing ways that some of the details of the ritual matched my personal beliefs. AFter it was over, one of the alumna who participated in my ritual said that she could feel my nervous energy, and it was "so refreshing!"
Afterward, we changed out of our ritual attire and into "sorority gear." It was so fun to see all the different lettered shirts! My sponsor allowed me to wear her ASA sweatshirt, so I proudly wore "letters" for the first time. As a welcome gift, she gave me a windbreaker, a scrapbook, and Greek stickers. The evening was so fun! I was a judge for the chapter display contest, along with a national council member and an alumna visitor from District 2 (we're District 3). I really enjoyed my job! Then there was a silent auction with funds going to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and the S. June Smith Center, one of our national philanthropies. Here's the best part! I won two ASA event t-shirts and a Bath & Body Works bath gel. Yay!!!! To close the evening, my alumnae chapter presented me with my very own letter shirt, an ASA history book, ladybug chocolates, and an ASA button pin. The shirt is so cute. It's a black t-shirt, and the letters are sparkly red with sparkly silver around the edges. I didn't get home until 11:30pm, and I was so tired.
The next morning was very early! Breakfast was at 7:30am. The rest of the day was filled with educational sessions and the annual District meeting. I went to "Scrapbooking," "Volunteering for ASA," and "Alumnae Chapter Roundtable." All three were informative and fun. I got to meet terrific alums and collegians. Since I'm usually quite shy, I had to really stretch my "comfort zone," but the effort was SO worth it. Every person I spoke with was warm, welcoming, and friendly. I had to tell my AI story several times, and everyone responded positively. In fact, one collegian was so excited about the possibility of initiating her mom! Her mom volunteers extensively for the chapter. A perfect AI candidate! Until the girl met me, she didn't know that AI existed. I can't wait to hear if her mom becomes an ASA
So I guess this is the end of my AI story. But it is the beginning of my life as an Alpha Sigma Alpha. I'm already working on my first assignment for the sorority magazine, and I am getting information about the Education Coaching Team. It is a District volunteer position, so I will be able to meet collegians from several states. Because the team is focused on issues of academics and new member education, my lack of sorority experience will not be a problem. My experience in Higher Education will help me to help my sisters.
Thank you, all, for your support, your interest, and your respect. I have really enjoyed sharing my story with you.
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