Greek life and sisterhood
Don't believe the stereotypical films. Greek life is about friendship, leadership, fun and community.
"May you have the joy in it all, dear children, that we (founders) have had all the way!
May you love one another as happily always as we four have done in a life-long fellowship without a break! And may your descendants in Alpha Omicron Pi bring to you the glory that you yourselves are to us today!”
-Stella George Stern Perry, founder
Greek Life and Alpha Omicron Pi.
With love and roses, Alpha love and mine: how to exceed the expectation with love, friendship and sisterhood.
Where to even begin? I discovered how rewarding and fulfilling the experience of 'going Greek' is whilst at Coe College. I never knew quite what to expect whenever I submitted my application for formal recruitment in the summer of 2014, especially regarding Recruitment Week (Rush Week) itself. Upon participating in Rush Week and subsequently receiving a bid to enter the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sisterhood, and then running down the stairs into the arms of my new sisters, I realised that I never should have felt daunted or uncertain - this was a friendship group founded on strong principles and historical virtues. It was a place to demonstrate kindness and compassion, leadership and ability whilst having a lot of fun with sisters in the process. I was challenged and encouraged to grow; the sorority's motto of 'exceed the expectation' is proof of that. My chapter, Alpha-Theta, had a sub-motto of 'always together through love and loyalty' and I believe this beautifully sums up the bond of sisterhood and friendship I experienced and the great memories I have of my time there.
Participating in AOII brought opportunities and responsibilities to engage with students on campus, whether they were fellow Greeks or not. It also meant that participating in philanthropy and pursuing academics were paramount. It played a frequent role in my weekly routine, whether through regular events such as Chapter meetings on Sundays, or wearing our letters on Wednesdays and also at other times such as volunteering, academic and educational workshops, Sisterhood events and casual get-togethers both on and off campus.
Sisterhood meant that you always had a shoulder to lean on, open arms for a hug, or a friendly ear to listen to you. You were always guaranteed to have a smile on your face at any time. My sisters were a lovely group of sweet, caring and funny ladies and a true source of inspiration and support. With them, I could feel accepted and be myself. With them, I was able to give back to the local community and also to my campus through volunteering, for as a Greek you are expected to adopt a leadership role and serve the community around you. With them, I could happily throw myself into my academics and my internship, knowing that I would not be judged for having an interest in education and a desire to achieve and succeed - instead, I was encouraged to keep at it.
I was able to participate on the Chapter's Communications Committee and also achieved Honours for my academics through AOII - I am a 'Red Rose' Scholar due to my GPA and a member of the 'Pi Club' having achieved a GPA over 3.14.
Some notable events and happy memories I have through AOII:
I have recorded a podcast discussing Greek Life at Coe and what AOII means to me, plus summing up with reflections and memories. You can listen to it below via the pink button.
For more information pertaining to Alpha Omicron Pi, including its history, background and mission, please click on the button below to visit the official website.
To visit my college chapter's website and read about my chapter, my sisters and our events, please click on the button below. In addition, we have an active presence on several social media platforms. Feel free to visit these using the social media icons below.
Where to even begin? I discovered how rewarding and fulfilling the experience of 'going Greek' is whilst at Coe College. I never knew quite what to expect whenever I submitted my application for formal recruitment in the summer of 2014, especially regarding Recruitment Week (Rush Week) itself. Upon participating in Rush Week and subsequently receiving a bid to enter the Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sisterhood, and then running down the stairs into the arms of my new sisters, I realised that I never should have felt daunted or uncertain - this was a friendship group founded on strong principles and historical virtues. It was a place to demonstrate kindness and compassion, leadership and ability whilst having a lot of fun with sisters in the process. I was challenged and encouraged to grow; the sorority's motto of 'exceed the expectation' is proof of that. My chapter, Alpha-Theta, had a sub-motto of 'always together through love and loyalty' and I believe this beautifully sums up the bond of sisterhood and friendship I experienced and the great memories I have of my time there.
Participating in AOII brought opportunities and responsibilities to engage with students on campus, whether they were fellow Greeks or not. It also meant that participating in philanthropy and pursuing academics were paramount. It played a frequent role in my weekly routine, whether through regular events such as Chapter meetings on Sundays, or wearing our letters on Wednesdays and also at other times such as volunteering, academic and educational workshops, Sisterhood events and casual get-togethers both on and off campus.
Sisterhood meant that you always had a shoulder to lean on, open arms for a hug, or a friendly ear to listen to you. You were always guaranteed to have a smile on your face at any time. My sisters were a lovely group of sweet, caring and funny ladies and a true source of inspiration and support. With them, I could feel accepted and be myself. With them, I was able to give back to the local community and also to my campus through volunteering, for as a Greek you are expected to adopt a leadership role and serve the community around you. With them, I could happily throw myself into my academics and my internship, knowing that I would not be judged for having an interest in education and a desire to achieve and succeed - instead, I was encouraged to keep at it.
I was able to participate on the Chapter's Communications Committee and also achieved Honours for my academics through AOII - I am a 'Red Rose' Scholar due to my GPA and a member of the 'Pi Club' having achieved a GPA over 3.14.
Some notable events and happy memories I have through AOII:
- Running of the Stairs - whilst initially daunting, running down the stairs to the glitter and screams of my sisters made me realise I was in fact running into a home on campus.
- Big/Little Reveal - finding out who my Big sister would be was tremendously exciting. Sarafina and I are sisters. She was always so kind, supportive and caring and we always had a good chat and laugh whenever we saw each other. Her hugs are actually the best.
- Pledging - Pledging to respect, honour and personify the Ritual pillars of AOII was a solemn occasion which made me realise the duties of being Greek.
- Inspiration - discussing Greek Life, how AOII changes you and having a chat and laugh with my sisters the night before Initiation was brilliant and very informative. It was also when Bigs and Littles exchanged crafted, personalised plaques for pinboxes.
- Initiation - An awe-inspiring moment. I 'came home' that night, and felt at home.
- Sisterhood - monthly events which enabled us to come together and hang out, whether over brunch, films or the annual 'Panda Lock In' night of fun activities.
- Melon Fest - a fund-raising event involving crafting and engaging in sports with melons. Yes. You read that correctly. I was drenched in melon juice from head to toe after a melon fight.
- Crush Sale - our fund-raiser for our sorority's philanthropy of The Arthritis Foundation.
- Greek Week - competing against fellow Greeks on Coe for a week. (Spoiler: we won!)
- St Baldrick's - it was a privilege to support several brave sisters as they shaved their heads for the St Baldrick's Foundation, a cancer-research and support organisation for children in America.
- Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon - CRDM aims to raise money for the University of Iowa's Children's Hospital through the Children's Miracle Network. The money we raise as participants goes directly to local children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Fundraising goes hands in hand (or feet with feet) in a stand together/dance together day for twelve hours as families share their stories with students participating from Coe, Mount Mercy and Kirkwood Community College. #FTK
- Ritual - I cannot give details, but this is an occasion for my sisters and I to come together to remember and respect our sorority's traditions and pledges to AOII as decreed by the founders.
I have recorded a podcast discussing Greek Life at Coe and what AOII means to me, plus summing up with reflections and memories. You can listen to it below via the pink button.
For more information pertaining to Alpha Omicron Pi, including its history, background and mission, please click on the button below to visit the official website.
To visit my college chapter's website and read about my chapter, my sisters and our events, please click on the button below. In addition, we have an active presence on several social media platforms. Feel free to visit these using the social media icons below.