Sorority Life: Better Versions Of Ourselves

“Life is about becoming a better version of yourself.” – Lucy Hale

Whether you’re a diehard fan of Pretty Little Liars or not, Hale’s words still ring true: Life is about becoming a better version of yourself.

These exact same words hold true about our Sororities/Fraternities as well. Our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to become better versions of ourselves. They inspire, encourage & empower us to become stronger leaders. They inspire, encourage & empower us to become stronger contributors, volunteers & difference-makers for our chapters, our colleges’/universities’ Greek communities, our colleges/universities, our communities & the world around us. They inspire, encourage & empower us to set higher standards & expectations. They inspire, encourage & empower us to exceed the expectations of others. They inspire, encourage & empower us to become stronger women.

But that’s not all.

Our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to aim higher in whatever we do. Our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to seek higher aspirations, goals & visions. Our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to be mentors, role models & inspirations to other Greeks, non-Greeks & women who are thinking about/planning on going Greek. Above all, our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to become something better.

“Life is about becoming a better version of yourself.” The same thing can be said about our Sororities/Fraternities: No matter which letters we wear, our organizations inspire, encourage & empower us to become stronger, more confident – & better – women in so many ways.

It’s true. Our Sororities/Fraternities inspire, encourage & empower us to become better version of ourselves.

Sorority Life: A Little More About Me…

Back on April 29, I celebrated my fourth year as a blogger. At the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder how far I’ve come writing about Greek life – particular sorority life – since then (& how much I’ve grown as a writer who’s writing about something that he truly loves with all his heart). I’ve come a long way since those early days & I’ve grown exponentially as a blogger writing about a topic which he loves (& will always continue to love). As a values-based, values-oriented fraternity man who is also pro-Panhellenic, that’s always a good thing.

Times have changed but the primary aims for of love & roses haven’t:

1. No matter which sororities/fraternities I’m writing about, I believe in inspiring & encouraging Greek unity. In addition, I’m praising & showing my heartfelt appreciation for these organizations as well.

2. Whether my articles are about recruitment, philanthropy or Sororities/Fraternities, I’m showcasing various aspects of Greek life in a positive, genuine, accurate & heartfelt way.

3. My posts have always been written with one thing in mind: again, to praise Sororities/Fraternities, not to tear them down. It never ceases to amaze me when people use search engine terms like “ten reasons why this or that sorority is horrible” or “ten reasons why I hate this sorority or that” to find my blog. Sorry to say, but there are NO posts about either of the above here. My articles are always about putting a positive spotlight on Sororities/Fraternities!!

4. I’m presenting articles about Greek life with an open-minded & vibrant (& at the same time, humble & unimposing) approach which Greeks & non-Greeks can identify with & relate to.

As always, all of the posts on of love & roses are a heartfelt celebration of Greek life!!

Alpha Phi: Top Twenty Reasons To Go Alpha Phi

(The following post is a beautiful & heartfelt shoutout to Alpha Phi’s undergraduate & alumnae members.)

Here are twenty reasons why women should go Alpha Phi during Formal Recruitment:

1. Alpha Phi is a second home away from home.

2. Alpha Phi is a Fraternity where women can truly be themselves.

3. Alpha Phi is a Fraternity where women can make their mark on their chapters, colleges/universities, communities & the world.

4. Alpha Phi is about finding new friends & discovering sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.

5. Alpha Phi proves that sisterhood & friendship aren’t for college days alone.

6. Women in Alpha Phi are all of the above: classy, sweet, amazing, fun, intelligent, kind, compassionate, courteous & caring!!

7. Alpha Phi is about being a part of something truly special: over 140 years of more-than-amazing sisterhood!!

8. Alpha Phi inspires & encourages women to become stronger leaders.

9. Alpha Phi inspires & encourages women to become stronger contributors.

10. Alpha Phi inspires & encourages women to become stronger difference-makers.

11. Alpha Phi inspires & encourages its members to become stronger women who believe in making a positive difference for their chapters, colleges/universities, communities & the world through their efforts in academics, volunteering, philanthropy, service, recruitment, leadership development, their involvement in other campus organizations & their involvement in the local community.

12. Women in Alpha Phi set their standards & expectations high by how they lead the way on campus & in the real world. Even today, Alpha Phis make a heartfelt impact through the more-than-amazing things that they do for their chapters, colleges/universities & communities!!

13. Alpha Phis dazzle & shine brightly for their chapters, their colleges’/universities’ Greek communities, their colleges/universities, their communities & the world.

14. Alpha Phis literally make a heartfelt impact when it comes to philanthropy & service. Through their support of women’s heart health, Alpha Phi’s undergraduate & alumnae members show both Greeks & non-Greeks that philanthropy can be an exciting, rewarding & life-changing experience!! (In addition, Alpha Phis make a difference for women everywhere by getting the word out about cardiac care awareness & education.)

15. Alpha Phi is the journey of a lifetime.

16. Alpha Phi is an amazing & unique experience unlike any other.

17. Alpha Phi is & will always be one of the best things that could happen to any woman who chooses to go Greek.

18. Alpha Phi is life. Alpha Phi is love…Better yet, Alpha Phi is both of the above & so much more!!

19. Alpha Phi is about women who are wholeheartedly committed to living their values & reflecting those values in a genuine, positive way. Whether it’s through their efforts in the classroom, through their efforts as chapter officers, through their efforts in recruitment, through their efforts in volunteering or through their involvement in various campus organizations, Alpha Phis don’t just live the words of the Fraternity’s Creed. They also find sincere & positive ways to make Alpha Phi stand out on campus & in the local community.

20. Last but not least, Alpha Phi is a Fraternity where women can make a heartfelt impact like none other!!

Sorority Recruitment: If Not Us, Who? And If Not Now, When? (Part Two)

(The following post is a shoutout to sorority women everywhere.)

If not us, who? If not now, when?

What is good news if we can’t share it with women who are thinking about/planning on going Greek?

What is good news if we can’t take the time to share it with potential new members who are wondering if Greek life is truly for them?

It’s on us to get the word out about when Formal Recruitment’s going to be & when (as well as where) our Formal Recruitment are going to take place. At the same time, it’s on us to get the word out about who our Sororities/Fraternities are, what our Sororities/Fraternities do on campus & in the local community, as well as what our Sororities/Fraternities are all about. It’s on us to get the word out about our chapters & what we do on campus, in the local community & the world. It’s on us to share how our chapters are making a positive impact for our colleges’/universities’ Greek communities, our colleges/universities, the local community & beyond.

Let’s face it. If we don’t get the word out about sorority life, who will? If we don’t get the word out about anything pertaining to Sorority Recruitment, who will? If not us, who? If not now, when?

Who’s going to inspire women to go Greek if we don’t?

Who’s going to encourage women to go Greek if we don’t?

Who’s going to empower women to go Greek if we don’t?

Who’s going to inspire women to see if Greek life is truly for them if we don’t?

Who’s going to encourage women to see if Greek life is right for them if we don’t?

Who’s going to tell these amazing ladies about the great things our chapters do for our colleges/universities & communities if we don’t?

Who’s going to show & tell these amazing ladies how our chapters inspire women to become stronger leaders, contributors & difference-makers for our chapters, campuses, communities & the world if we don’t?

Who’s going to show & tell how our Sororities/Fraternities inspire women to live & lead values-based, values-oriented lives if we don’t?

Who’s going to show & tell how our Sororities/Fraternities set high standards & expectations for excellence if we don’t?

Who’s going to show & tell how our Sororities/Fraternities inspire women to achieve their personal best if we don’t?

Who’s going to showcase our chapters – as well as our Sororities/Fraternities in general – in a genuine, accurate & positive light if we don’t?

Who’s going to prove the skeptics & doubters about Greek life wrong if we don’t?

How will potential new members know about what to expect during Formal Recruitment if we don’t tell them?

How will potential new members know when Formal Recruitment’s going to be – as well as when & where Recruitment Week events are going to take place – if we don’t tell them?

Who’s going to convince women that going Greek is one of the best choices that they’ll ever make if we don’t?

How will women ever know about our Sororities/Fraternities if we’re not doing our job?

Get the word out about Greek life. Get the word out about our chapters. Get the word out about our Sororities/Fraternities & why they’re so more-than-amazing to begin with. Get the word out about Formal Recruitment & what to expect during the recruiting process. Better yet, get the word out about all of the above. Because if we don’t, who else is going to?

If not us, who? And if not now, when?

Sorority Life: Nothing Compares To A Sorority Woman… (Part II)

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who is genuinely & completely committed to living her Sorority’s/Fraternity’s values & ideals in all that she does.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who is a mentor, inspiration & positive role model to her chapter, her chapter’s new members, alumnae, women who are thinking about/planning on going Greek, other sorority women in her Panhellenic community & to a much greater degree, her college’s/university’s Greek community.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who believes in making both her chapter & Greek community look good.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who believes in achieving greatness/her personal best & inspires others around her to do the same.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who is empowered to make a positive impact for her chapter, her Sorority/Fraternity, her college’s/university’s Greek community, her campus & the real world.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who promotes the true meaning of her Sorority’s/Fraternity’s sisterhood to others around her, both Greek & non-Greek.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who lives out her sisterhood on a daily basis, proving to both Greeks & non-Greeks alike how much she loves her Sorority/Fraternity, why she loves her Sorority/Fraternity as much as she does & how her Sorority/Fraternity is impacting her life in a positive way.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who continues doing her part to shatter the stereotypes which non-Greeks have always held about Greek life in general.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who explains & proves all the more-than-amazing things that her Sorority/Fraternity does on campus & in the local community.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who inspires & encourages other women to go Greek or at least see if Greek life is truly for them.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who consistently strives to uphold integrity (as well as her Sorority’s/Fraternity’s standards, expectations & principles) in everything that she does for her chapter, her Greek community, her college/university, the local community & the world.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who genuinely strives to leave a positive first impression on her chapter, her Sorority/Fraternity, her campus & community through her efforts in academics, philanthropy, service, leadership opportunities, recruitment & membership development.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who is dedicated to realizing her full potential as a stronger leader, contributor, difference-maker, communicator & above all, a stronger person.

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who wears her Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters with pride, respect & care. She is her chapter’s – as well as her Sorority’s/Fraternity’s – own best advertising & does her part to showcase her organization in a genuine, positive way on a daily basis. (In addition, she believes that you’re always wearing your letters.)

Nothing compares to a sorority woman who sincerely believes that her Sorority/Fraternity is not for college days alone. For her & other sorority women, her Sorority/Fraternity is for a lifetime.

Last but not least, nothing compares to a sorority woman who is all of the above!!

Alpha Phi: Not For College Days Alone

Alpha Phi is an unique & amazing experience unlike any other. Alpha Phi is – & always will be – one of the best things that could happen to any woman who chooses to go Greek. Alpha Phi is a Fraternity where women make a (no pun intended) heartfelt difference. Alpha Phi proves that sisterhood & friendship are for a lifetime. Last but not least, Alpha Phi is an experience that’s not for college days alone.

I’ll say it once more: Alpha Phi is an experience that’s not for college days alone. Whether it’s joining an alumnae chapter, staying involved with your alumnae chapter or volunteering for the Fraternity in various ways (e.g. as Chapter Advisors, Recruitment Advisors, Collegiate Chapter Managers, Alumnae Chapter Presidents, among other things), Alpha Phi is an experience that can’t be limited to a few years of college. It’s the experience of a lifetime!!

Alpha Phi is a constant reminder that friendship & sisterhood don’t end after graduation. Both of the above remain strong & steadfast after we receive our diplomas & take our first steps out into the real world.

Alpha Phi isn’t about “arrival.” Likewise, Alpha Phi isn’t a destination. Alpha Phi is – & always will be – the journey of a lifetime!! By getting involved in our alumnae chapters, volunteering for the Fraternity & even recommending young women for membership into Alpha Phi, we’re not just staying connected with Alpha Phi. We’re also making a heartfelt difference for a Fraternity which has made & continues to make a heartfelt difference in our lives.

Alpha Phi isn’t for college days alone. Alpha Phi is for a lifetime.

No matter how we stay involved with Alpha Phi after graduation, we can be sure of one thing: Alpha Phi is an experience that keeps on going strong after we graduate!!

Alpha Phi: Top Ten Things To Keep In Mind While Preparing For Sorority Recruitment

Formal Recruitment may be roughly a few months away, but here are some things which every undergraduate Alpha Phi should remember as you begin planning, preparing & practicing for your Formal Recruitment events & activities:

1. Recruitment is something that we do all year long, not just once/twice a year or when we “feel like it.”

2. Recruitment is all about quality, not quantity. Likewise, it’s a matter of who & what types of women we’re selecting for chapter membership as much as it is a matter of how & why we’re selecting these amazing ladies to join Alpha Phi.

3. It’s never too early to plan, prepare & practice for Formal Recruitment. (Seriously, it isn’t.)

4. A more-than-amazing/successful/truly memorable Formal Recruitment is something that we can’t plan for in a timeframe of just one/two weeks. It takes months of planning & preparing – better yet, we should start planning for our next Formal Recruitment immediately after Bid Day.

5. The women we choose for chapter membership are going to determine which direction our chapters will take in the future (for better or for worse). So think about the following: who we want to join Alpha Phi, why we feel these amazing women would be the perfect fit for Alpha Phi & how we’re selecting these ladies (i.e. on Founders-tested, Founders-approved criteria, not for superficial reasons).

6. When it comes to anything pertaining to Formal Recruitment, we should spend our Summer Break coming up with amazing, colorful & creative Recruitment Week ideas/suggestions (or if we know what we’re going to do for Recruitment Week, refining our theme ideas/suggestions).

7. First impressions are always lasting ones & even more so during Recruitment Week. Whether we’re doing Recruitment skits, Recruitment presentations or chapter recruitment videos, don’t forget to show the potential new members who will be visiting our houses/suites why our chapters stand out in such areas as academics, philanthropy, service, leadership development & sisterhood.

8. Simply planning, preparing & practicing for Sorority Recruitment is more difficult than it looks. Honestly, it can be time-consuming, exhausting & stressful; if we’re totally unprepared, it can be a hundred times worse. So be ready to go well before Formal Recruitment even begins!!

9. It’s all about getting the right message about Alpha Phi across to the potential new members: not just talking about friendship & sisterhood but also getting to the heart of who Alpha Phi is, what Alpha Phi does & what Alpha Phi is all about.

10. Last but not least, Formal Recruitment is an opportunity for us to show the PNMs how much we love Alpha Phi, why we love Alpha Phi as much as we do & above all, how Alpha Phi is continuing to shape us into stronger leaders, contributors, difference-makers & stronger women!!

Sorority Recruitment: Ten Things Worth Remembering While Preparing For Formal Recruitment

For who knows how many of you sorority women out there, Formal Recruitment may be about a few months away, but here are some things to remember as you begin planning, preparing & practicing for the Main Event which is Recruitment Week:

1. It’s never too early to plan, prepare & practice for Sorority Recuritment. (But really. It isn’t.)

2. A more-than-amazing/successful/truly memorable Formal Recruitment – as well as a Formal Recruitment which exceeds everyone’s expectations, including your own – is something that you can’t plan for in just one/two weeks’ time. It takes months & months & of course, lots of practice, practice & more practice!!

3. Formal Recruitment isn’t just about how many new members we’re going to get on Bid Day. It’s also a matter of who we want for chapter membership, how we’re selecting these amazing ladies & why we’re choosing these women for our Sororities/Fraternities to begin with.

4. When it comes to anything pertaining to Formal Recruitment, Summer Break should serve as an opportunity for us to brainstorm/come up with some amazing, colorful, creative & relevant Formal Recruitment ideas/themese!!

5. As always: The women who we’ll select for chapter membership are going to determine which direction our chapters will take in the future (for better or for worse). So think about not only the types of women we want for our Sororities/Fraternities – also think about why these amazing ladies would be perfect candidates for chapter membership & how we’re selecting these women, namely on Founders-tested, Founders-approved criteria.

6. Whether we’re doing Recruitment skits, Recruitment presentations, Recuritment videos or sharing testimonials on sorority life, don’t forget to show the potential new members why our chapters stand out in such areas as academics, philanthropy, service & leadership development.

7. Simply planning, preparing & getting ready for Sorority Recruitment is more difficult than it looks. Honestly, it’s time-consuming, exhausting & stressful.

8. First impressions are always lasting ones & even more so during Formal Recruitment. Remember that!!

9. What’s going to win the potential new members over to our chapters? What’s really going to convince them to join our Sororities/Fraternities? Get the right message about our organizations (as well as set the right standards/expectations) in our Recruitment skits/videos/presentations.

10. Last but not least, Formal Recruitment is an opportunity for us to show the PNMs the following: how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities, why we love our Sororities/Fraternities as much as we do, as well as how our Sororities/Fraternities shaped us into stronger leaders, contributors, difference-makers & stronger women!!

Sorority Recruitment: Going Red, White & Blue

For those sorority women who are searching for colorful, more-than-amazing or just plain dazzling Recruitment Week theme ideas/suggestions, I’m sure that you’ll love the following theme idea that I had in mind for ages but haven’t shared until today: America (or if some of you prefer, ‘Merica).

If you’ve always wanted to do an America/’Merica-themed Recruitment Week or are planning to incorporate America-themed flair into some of your Recruitment Week events (e.g. skits, presentations) – or if you’re still brainstorming for the perfect Recruitment Week themes/ideas – now’s your chance to do the following: tell your chapter that you’d love to have an America/’Merica themed Recruitment Week theme, ask some of your sisters how they feel about having an America-themed Formal Recruitment & above all, keep an open mind about any additional Recruitment Week theme ideas/suggestions some of your sorority sisters may have. If the entire chapter is totally down with having an America/’Merica-themed Formal Recruitment, awesome – especially if you & the other women in your chapter have always wanted to do an America-themed Recruitment Week in the past!!

Some things go better with red, white & blue. And some things definitely are more amazing than others, especially if it’s an America/’Merica-themed Formal Recruitment (where we can show our sorority pride & let PNMs know why they should choose our organizations).

Sigma Chi: Now More Than Ever

After receiving an award for my outstanding support of Ball State’s Greek community on Sunday night (which is one of the most amazing honors any undergraduate fraternity brother/fraternity alumnus could ever have!!), I’m proud to say all of the above:

Now more than ever, I’m proud to be Greek.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to be a Sigma Chi.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to be a positive inspiration & role model to other Greek men & women.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to be a steadfast supporter, advocate & enthusiast of Ball State’s Greek community.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to be such a honor & credit to Epsilon Omega Chapter, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Ball State University & Ball State’s Greek community, showcasing my chapter & Sigma Chi (among many others) in a positive, enriching, powerful & inspiring way.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that I’m a fraternity man who is sincerely & wholeheartedly committed to living Sigma Chi’s values of friendship, justice & learning in all that he does.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that I’m a fraternity man who reflects Sigma Chi’s core values in a positive, enriching, powerful & inspiring way to Greeks & non-Greeks alike.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that I’m a fraternity man who doesn’t just meet expectations – he also finds ways to surpass/exceed them as well.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that I’m a fraternity man who continually does his part to be a Man of Good Character.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that I’m a fraternity man who strives to better his chapter, Sigma Chi Fraternity & Ball State’s Greek community out of the goodness of my heart.

Now more than ever, I’m proud to say that Sigma Chi has shaped me into a stronger leader, contributor, difference-maker & above all, a stronger man.

And now more than ever, my award for my outstanding support of Ball State’s Greek community reaffirms my lifelong commitment to Sigma Chi & Ball State Greek Life (among others).