Sorority Recruitment – Alumnae Reflections
Chi Omega (written by Amber Sime ’16):
Being involved in Fraternity and Sorority life truly shaped my experience at Babson.
Chi Omega gave me the foundation I needed to grow throughout my college years. It gave me relationships with committed, like-minded women who provided endless support. Chi Omega gave me the resources that I needed in order to succeed academically, socially, and professionally. I could not imagine Babson without Chi Omega. I have so many fond memories that I will never forget, from the bid days to all of the Chi Hops (our bi-annual philanthropy event) to sisterhood social activity such as formals and retreats. I will definitely miss being on campus and having Chi Omega sisters by my side every day. However, being in Chi Omega has made me more confident in meeting new people.
As I move to San Francisco and start a new adventure, I know that Chi Omega has taught me how to be a better version of myself, and that I always have my sisters to rely on. My advice to anyone who is thinking about joining a fraternity or sorority is to take the chance because it will be the best decision of your life.
Kappa Kappa Gamma (written by Dre Garner ’16):
I like to think of my Kappa Kappa Gamma experience in 6 phases.
Phase 1: I was unable able to go through recruitment during my first year on campus. That inability was as much of a blessing as it was a curse. I lived in a four person residence hall room and was able to see in a year-long process how being in Fraternity and Sorority Life could change three completely different people in such similar ways. I saw happiness where there had been insecurity, excitement instead of boredom brought on by a repetitive daily activities, and a specific kind of confidence that can only come from an excess of love and support.
Phase 2: When I finally went through recruitment as a sophomore, I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to go. Recruitment tested that. It taught me that what we think is what we want isn’t always what we need. Just when I thought I knew everyone in Kappa Kappa Gamma, I met someone who would become my Big Sister. In sororities and fraternities, you’re given a “Big” who acts as your mentor, teaching you ritual, tradition, and guiding you through your college years. I didn’t think it was possibly to love someone so much so instantaneously, but as sorority women say, “you just click.”
Phase 3: Accepting a bid to join Kappa Kappa Gamma was one of the best experiences in my life. Every week, during new member education, I was able to spend time with my new sisters and my adoring new member class. Each week we got to learn and experience all that is and has made Kappa Kappa Gamma for the last 35 years on campus and 145 years since our founding as an international Women’s Fraternity. In six weeks, those 145 years became a part of my own 20 years lived experiences. Just like that I was a part of an “international sisterhood.”
Phase 4: The experience of Studying Abroad might not have been new for me, but having the chance to become a Sorority leader was. Australia was calling and so was Kappa Kappa Gamma. I worried that going abroad would make me less of a member despite all of my enthusiasm; so when my sisters encouraged me, I couldn’t let the opportunity go. Before I even got to Sydney, I met a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma from Syracuse while walking the streets in Tzfat. This reminded me that no matter what chapter I was in, my sorority supported me and every sister to take risks and seek adventure when we were ready.
Phase 5: After my return from Study Abroad, my chapters’ adorable t-shirts and my creativity helped give me the opportunity to work for a custom apparel company. Through University Tees, I have met, befriended, and become co-workers with 14 members of Kappa Kappa Gamma from schools across the country. We share ritual at conferences, ask each other for advice daily, and trust each other automatically. These bonds transcend any geographic or categorical boundary that would otherwise have made us strangers.
Phase 6: Being a Senior has made me realize two things: 1) How thankful I now am to have joined Kappa Kappa Gamma in my sophomore year. Despite initially feeling like I missed out, I was more confident and met one of my best friends by joining when I did. She is there for me always and lifts me up when I’m not even down. 2) That four years, or in my case 3, isn’t enough. However, I could not be more excited to see what exciting adventures I experience as an alumni of KKG.
Sigma Kappa (written by Sarah-Lizz Myers ’16):
I joined Sigma Kappa in Spring 2015, and no one could have told me how important Sigma Kappa would still be in my life as an alumna. I can tell you from personal experience that our bond is definitely greater than our four (or in my case one and a half) collegiate years.
While searching for a job, I met a Sigma Kappa alumna at our college’s career fair. A few weeks later, one of my sisters encouraged me to reach out to her about the company. After three phone calls, several texts, and one “congratulations” from a sister I’d met once, I was offered and accepted my first job! This sister took time out of her day on multiple occasions to prep me for my interviews. Now we are working together in Boston at a great consulting firm. Beyond that, my sorority’s advisor, a Sigma Kappa alumni who helps to make sure that our chapter is adhering to all national traditions and procedures, works across the square from my office. She has helped me personally and professionally including helping me through my dog dying, two family deaths, and health issues my last semester of college. She has also continued to answer my questions about living in Boston and general other matters in life. This is not a one time interaction. She continues to stay in touch and be supportive!
Of course, the dear friends I made because I took a leap of faith and joined Sigma Kappa my junior year continue to be my cheerleaders, my late night texts when I’m worried, and the women I look up to everyday. These women, including a Sigma Kappa alumnae who didn’t know me but invested in me, my advisor, and my best friends, I have the confidence and support to be all that I am and continue to stay true to our values: Friendship, Loyalty, Service, and Personal Growth. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and how being a Sigma Kappa alumna will continue to open amazing doors for me and my sisters around the world.
If you have any questions about Babson Greek life or the recruitment process, please email panhel@babson.edu.