Phi Sigma Sigma: My Top Ten Quotes About Sisterhood

Whether you’re an undergraduate or an alumna, the following quotes still hold true about sisterhood & Phi Sigma Sigma.

“Sisterhood is so many things. It’s a warm smile on a cold & rainy day, a friendly hug, a cheerful hello…It’s all that a good & lasting friendship is, only better. It’s treasured. It’s sacred. It’s knowing that there will always be someone there for you. It’s dreams shared & goals achieved. It’s counting on others & being counted on. It is real…It is Phi Sigma Sigma!!”

“It’s not something you become – it’s something you’ve always been.”

“People ask me why I am in a sorority & I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say. More than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, & obligation or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve your problems. But I have made good friends & found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time.”

“Sisterhood is not letting petty differences get in the way of anything. It is about being true to yourself. It is about experiencing new adventures by entering the realm of others.”

“Sisterhood is the essence of the wisdom of all the ages distilled into a single word. You cannot see it; neither can you hear it or taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It is a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It’s someone to share with, to celebrate your achievements.”

“Women in Phi Sigma Sigma are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

“First you’re a part of it, then it becomes a part of you.”

“Phi Sigma Sigma symbolizes all that we wish to accomplish in our lives. Phi Sigma Sigma represents the struggles we all face as we grow. Why we cling to Phi Sigma Sigma no one can explain, but in the end, we are all stronger for it.”

“Phi Sigma Sigma is about inspiring, encouraging & empowering women to become the best that they can possibly be.”

“Phi Sigma Sigma is & will always be about fostering uncompromising principles, igniting positive change & embracing individuality!!”

Sorority Life: Casting The Spotlight On Little Problems

For all you sorority women out there, be sure to check out Little Problems when you have the chance. (For those sorority women who have done so already, sending out a thank you & lots of Greek love.)

You’re probably asking yourself, “Why should I check out Little Problems?” Here’s why you should:

Little Problems is a more-than-amazing place for you to shop if you want to spoil your whole sorority family. In addition, whenever you shop at Little Problems, portions of each purchase will be donated to a great & important cause (The Wounded Warriors Project). Now that’s what I call a win-win situation if you want to purchase some sweet items for your Big, your Lil, your GrandLil or your GrandBig (among others)!!

Speaking of sweet purchases, their “Like Big, Like Little” koozies are going to be buy one, get half off for a limited time only, so make sure to take advantage of this sale before they’re gone!! For the normal shopping page, just go to the “Shop” tag on the top left corner of the screen; to take advantage of the “buy one, get one half off” deal, just place the order where it says, “Add to Cart.”

Be sure to follow Little Problems on Twitter (@LittleProblems) & Facebook for constant updates. And if you follow Pinterest & Instagram, Little Problems is on both sites as well!! (For all you Pinterest users: http://pinterest.com/littleproblems/)

http://littleproblems.weebly.com/index.html

of love & roses: A Few Words From Yours Truly

Ever since I began blogging four years ago, I’ve always kept one thing in mind: to showcase Greek life (& particularly sorority women) in a positive, genuine, heartfelt & accurate light. And this post – like so many others before & after – was written with sorority women in mind.

If you love fraternity men who say more-than-amazing things about sorority women, check out of love & roses.

If you love fraternity men who show lots of love & appreciation for sorority women, check out of love & roses.

If you love fraternity men who showcase sororities in a genuine, honest & inspiring way, check out of love & roses.

If you love to read insightful posts about Greek life, check out of love & roses.

If you love values-oriented, values-driven fraternity men who are sincerely enthusiastic about Greek life, check out of love & roses.

If you’re looking for a blog which celebrates Greek life – & particularly sorority life – check out of love & roses.

If you love fraternity men who not only tweet about your favorite organizations but also write awesome articles about them as well, check out of love & roses.

If you love fraternity men who truly believe in inspiring Greek unity, check out of love & roses.

http://cmkelham.wordpress.com

Much love & thank you to the sorority women who are checking out not only my blog, but also the various posts which I’ve written!!

Phi Sigma Sigma: Top Twenty Reasons To Go Phi Sigma Sigma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Phi Sigma Sigma is about being a part of something truly special: over 99 years of more-than-amazing sisterhood!!

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

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

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

11. Phi Sigma Sigma inspires & encourages its members to become stronger women who believe in igniting positive change 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 Phi Sigma Sigma set their standards & expectations high by how they lead the way on campus & in the real world, as well as through the more-than-amazing things that they do for their chapters, colleges/universities & communities.

13. Women in Phi Sigma Sigma shine brighly like sapphires for their chapters, their colleges’/universities’ Greek communities, their colleges/universities, their communities & the world.

14. Phi Sigma Sigma believes in making a positive impact through philanthropy & service. Through their support of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, Phi Sigma Sigma’s undergraduate & alumnae members show Greeks & non-Greeks that philanthropy can be an exciting, enriching, rewarding & life-changing experience in so many ways. (In addition, they’re making a difference where it truly matters most.)

15. Phi Sigma Sigma is the journey of a lifetime.

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

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

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

19. Phi Sigma Sigma is about women who are wholeheartedly committed to living their values & reflecting those values to others in a genuine, heartfelt way. Whether it’s through their efforts in the classroom, through their efforts as chapter officers, through their efforts in volunteering, through their efforts in recruitment or through their involvement in various campus organizations, women in Phi Sigma Sigma find beneficial ways to make their Fraternity stand out on campus & in the local community.

20. Last but not least, Phi Sigma Sigma inspires the personal development of its sisters & continues to perpetuate the advancement of sisterhood!!

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!!

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!!

Phi Sigma Sigma: Not For College Days Alone

Phi Sigma Sigma is an amazing & unique experience unlike any other. Phi Sigma Sigma is – & will always be – one of the best things that could happen to any woman who chooses to go Greek. Phi Sigma Sigma is a Fraternity where women foster uncompromising principles, ignite positive change & embrace individuality. Phi Sigma Sigma proves that friendship & sisterhood are for a lifetime. Last but not least, Phi Sigma Sigma is an experience that’s not for college days alone.

I’ll say it once more: Phi Sigma Sigma 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, Alumnae Chapter Officers, among other things), Phi Sigma Sigma is an experience that can’t be limited to a few years of college. It’s the experience of a lifetime!!

Phi Sigma Sigma is a constant reminder that sisterhood & friendship 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.

Phi Sigma Sigma isn’t about “arrival.” Likewise, Phi Sigma Sigma isn’t a destination. Phi Sigma Sigma is – & will always be – the journey of a lifetime!! By getting involved in our alumnae chapters, volunteering for the Fraternity in so many ways (such as those volunteering opportunities mentioned above) & even recommending young women for membership into Phi Sigma Sigma, we’re not just staying connected with the Fraternity. We’re also making a difference for an organization which continues to make a heartfelt difference in our lives.

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

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

Phi Sigma Sigma: Top Ten Things To Keep In Mind While Preparing For Formal Recruitment

Formal Recruitment may be roughly a few months away, but here are some things which every undergraduate member of Phi Sigma Sigma 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 Phi Sigma Sigma.

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 Phi Sigma Sigama, why we feel these amazing ladies would be the perfect fit for Phi Sigma Sigma & how we’re selecting these women (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 Phi Sigma Sigma across to the potential new members: not just talking about friendship & sisterhood but also getting to the heart of who Phi Sigma Sigma is, what Phi Sigma Sigma does & what Phi Sigma Sigma is all about.

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