Ring, Why don't you,,,,,,RING!!!!!!

You Attended Rush

You Submitted Your Packet

You had your Interview

And now......you wait, And Wait, 

AND WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This part of the process is torture! Every time the phone rings, your heart skips a beat. You double to check to make sure the ringer is turned all the way up on your phone. Back when I was waiting for the phone to ring, I had to make sure the phone was not OFF the hook. My girlfriend and I (who also applied) went to Denny's to grab a bite to eat. We were BOTH nervous as all get out. We both figured, no sense of being nervous on an empty stomach. We ate, talked about being line sisters, laughed, and then rushed home to make sure we wouldn't miss our phone call. 

Look, I get it. The waiting period is brutal. A day can seem like a week. A week can seem like a month and two weeks can look like a year.  My advice? Keep yourself active. If you are in undergrad, then study for that test, or put your head in those books.  Go to the gym. Go out with our girlfriends/guy-friends. If you are applying for the alumni/alumnae level, keep yourself occupied with work or your family.  Keep yourself busy, Busy, BUSY! TRUST ME, once you get that phone call that you have been "Chosen" for membership, your time as you know it will be limited. So enjoy the free time while you can. 

A constant question that I get often is how long do I have to wait. Well, it depends. How many people were at your rush? Were there a lot of prospects there? Why does this matter? Look at this way. Let's say there were 300 people at the Rush.  Two hundred fifty applied for membership and turned in their application. After going through all of the apps, 225 qualify for an interview. That's a lot of interviews. Once the interviews are over, the members need to narrow it down to prospective members. There are a lot of factors involved, for example, does the organization have a legacy clause?  Does the College /University have a cap/limit of how many prospective members the org can accept? This all takes time. Good luck to all of you, and once you cross into Greek-Land, come back share your story with others. I have also been known to send "Neophyte" gifts to new members, so you NEVER know. :) wink!

Got Questions???? I Got Answers! (Part I)

Hello out there! It's been a while since I last updated my blog! Things have been hectic with school and all, but now that things are winding down, I can answer a few of the questions that you posted on my blog.

1. Q. Now that I am in graduate school, does that mean I can no longer apply for membership into a Black Greek Letter Organization?
A. No, that does not mean you cannot apply. Most BGLO has Alumnae membership intake. This requires that you hold a Bachelor's Degree from a College and University and you have graduated with the minimal, yet required GPA needed for membership. I have many friends and sorors who have gone through the membership intake process at the Alumni/Alumnae level.

2. Q. I am the first person in my family to attend college. How can I show interest, so the members on the campus know that I am interested in joining their organization?
A. I have answered this question time and time again. The BEST way for the members to know you are interested in joining their organization is by attending their events. Trust me, after while they will notice your face, and realize that there may be interest there on your part.

3. Q. I am BEYOND the average undergraduate age. (Over 25). Do I still have a chance of becoming a member through undergrad?
A: Yes, As long as you meet the requirements, you have a chance of becoming a member. None of the BGLO discriminates based off of age, race, or religion.

4. Q. If my mom, aunt, and sister are all members of XYZ org,  can I automatically become a member of the same organization?
A: If you have family members that are members of the organization who wishes to become a member of, then I would suggest that you speak with them. All BGLO have specific rules in terms of "legacies" Your best bet is to talk to your family member to see if the organization they belong to honor legacies.

5. Q. Who can write my letter of recommendation?
   A. This can be best answered at the informational/RUSH. At the information/RUSH, they will go over the details about who can write your letter of recommendation. Side note: I would recommend that you ask for a LOR from a person who you know PERSONALLY! I have been asked to write over ten letters of recommendations, and how many have I written? TWO!

6. Q.  What happens if the chapter that I want to join is suspended or just coming from a suspension? How can I become a member after the suspension is up?
A. Generally speaking, most BGLOs have it set up where the nearest Alumnae/Alumni Chapter is in charge of bringing back the chapter. The best advice I can give you is to keep your eyes and ears open. If a chapter is coming from a suspension and the Alumnae/Alumni chapter voted to revive the chapter, trust me you will know about it through fliers, social media, programs, social activities, community service opportunities, etc.

7. I want to join XYZ, but they have never had a chapter on my campus. Can I still join?
A: That is indeed a possibility; however it's a long process. First, you need to get approval from the College/University. You also need to reach out to the nearest chapter in the area. (Alumnae/Alumni Chapter). Starting a new chapter is not only time-consuming but VERY expensive.

8. Do I have to "Step" to join?
A: I get this question quite often. No, you are not required to "Step."

9. I do not have the required GPA because I experienced a family tragedy, I took a class that was too hard which killed my GPA, or my teacher gave me a grade that I did not deserve. What can I do?
A: Nothing. No, let me take that back, FOCUS ON YOUR GRADES! I have said this before, and I will repeat it.  You are not in college to pledge. You are in college to get a degree. So I will once again say to focus on your grades for now. If you can pull them up, then, and only then, should you focus on pledging an organization.

10. Q. I can't find anyone from the organization that I want to join to write me a letter of recommendation. What can I do?
A: Nothing at this point. Take a year to get to know the members of the organization. This can vary from attending events, performing community service events with the orgs, etc. Most of the BGLOs requires it's prospective members to receive a letter of recommendation from one of its members. So I would suggest that you get to know them. Oh and this doesn't have to be from the chapter that you are seeking membership from. This could include your past teachers, members of your church, neighbors, etc. If you do not know any members, then you are not putting yourself out there enough.

If you have any other "burning" questions, drop a comment here, and I will try to answer them in my Part II

So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night (2016)

This year has been one for the books. An upset election, racial tension rising, and for me, my father lost his battle with Dementia. As I sit here and reflect on 2016, I can't say that I am sad to see it leave. I am anxiously awaiting to see what 2017 has to offer.

I pray for you, our country, and President Obama and his family as he leaves office. He did the best he could with the challenges of having a Republican Senate, and House. Although I am sad to see him go, I am grateful to know that he can get some much-needed rest, and can take Mrs. Obama on a and I quote "Much needed and long overdue vacation."

I know a lot of you are preparing for Spring Semester, Rush, in hopes of getting picked to join the organization of your choice. I wish you all the best with that. As I have stated in my previous blogs, just be yourself, and I am sure you will be fine.

On another note, one of my favorite Delta Vendors, TIG: MIR is closing its doors. I am SO sad. Ironically I just placed a HUGE order to the vendor two weeks ago. Most of her stuff that is generally $50-$60 a piece is now $5-$20 each. I went back and stacked up on a LOT of items. I think I bought ALL of her remaining pieces in like EVERY.SINGLE.COLOR! When she announced on New Year's Eve, I was crushed. After getting out of my feelings (LOL), I started to buy, buy, buy! And to get stuff that was initially 60 bucks and they are now FIVE BUCKS? Girl BYE! As I stated, I snatched up every color, in TWO DIFFERENT SIZES (in case I lose weight, LOL).  I ordered $700 worth of items for.....Drumroll please.......$120! WINNER!!!!! Here is a preview of some of the things I purchased. I can't wait to rock them this summer.

Welcome Back To my Initiating Chapter!!!!

Bonjour Mon Ami!

I am excited to announce that after a SEVEN-year hiatus, my chapter is back on the yard. Twenty-six young ladies crossed the sands into Delta-Land at my alma mater.  I was sad that I wasn't able to see them. However, I was ecstatic that my husband's ship (line brother) was able to attend and live streamed it for me to see. A lot of sorors who were initiated in my home chapter all came down for their initiation and their NIP (New Initiate Presentation). It was a beautiful sight to see. Seeing them on center stage took me back to when I crossed. I was also able to see my prophytes, my neos, and my line sisters as well. I cannot wait to return to my home chapter to meet the neos in person.

One of my prophyte's daughter just became a delta s well. She just chartered a BRAND new chapter. I am so excited for them. I am sure it took a lot of hard work, and dedication.

So, if you are in a position where there is not a chapter on your yard due to either suspension, lack of interests for many years or there was never a chapter on the yard, don't give up! With persistence, a lot of hard work and dedication, you can make it happen!

Giving Thanks!

Happy Friday Peeps!

Yesterday I was blessed enough to share my home with one of my High School Besties! It was great to see her, reminisce about old times, and break bread with her. I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

I was thrilled to see my timeline, IG, and twitter page filled with Sorors crossing into Delta-land. Some came from chapters that just came back on the yard, brand new charter members establishing a new chapter, PWIs, HBCUs, etc. I was also happy to see pictures and videos of new members or other Greek Letter Organizations (AKA, Alpha, Omega, and Zeta). Some are still going through their process, and I am sure they can't WAIT until they cross over into Greekland. So what are you all thankful for this year?

Why Pledge? (PART I)

Pledging a Greek Letter Organization was one of the best decisions I ever made. Some may ask me why? What is "so special" about becoming a member of one of the Divine Nine? Well first off, although I am a member of the Divine Nine, I must also note (as I have done before) that I am a member of other Greek Letter Organizations. Several of them mind you. So here are a few reasons why I enjoy being a member.

1. The bond that I have between my line sisters. When I first met my line sisters I didn't know them. NONE of them. We were all strangers put together, with different backgrounds, majoring in various subjects in college,  but we all had one common goal. To become members of the same sorority. It was scary at first. Well at least for me it was scary.  I am also VERY cautious of who I allow in my personal space. I didn't know these women from Eve, yet I knew that was about to change. I realized after being chosen that I had to let my guard down for me to get to know these women. We grew to not only know each other but respect and LOVE each other. It was beautiful. The experience that I had with these women, I would NEVER trade for anything else. They had my back, they dried my tears, held me down, encouraged me, and they were, and still are my support system.

2. The bond that I had with other Greeks. When you become a member of an organization, it's more than just the "Three" Letter across your chest. You now have this AMAZING Divine 9 community to bond with.  The love you are shown from the Greek community is fantastic! We support each other including going to each other events, participating in community service projects together, going on road trips as well as bonding together.

3. Becoming a member allowed me to have Leadership opportunities. I  have held various offices with my sorority including President, Vice President, Chaplain, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Chapter Photographer. It was a joy working with other members in the chapter. These qualities have helped me after college, in my career, and different facets of my life.

4. Shopping! Okay, so this is like a shallow answer, but hey, I can't talk about being a member of a BGLO and not talk about Paraphernalia! As a young girl, there was this cute little Store in Evergreen Plaza (Chicago, on 95th and Western) and my mom would shop at one of her favorite stores called "Montgomery Ward." Right across from Montgomery Ward there was a these cute Black Store that sold Greek Items. While my mom would shop in MW, I ask her if I could go across the aisle to the store. They had the CUTEST things in there — elephants, Plaques, Shirts, Jewelry, Books, Artwork, etc. When I FINALLY crossed, my oldest sister bought me an elephant from that store. The reason why I TREASURE that elephant so much is for two reasons. ONE because my sister purchased it for me, and two that store no longer exist (Evergreen also doesn't exist anymore), and it brings back so many memories of when I would go to the store and daydream about purchasing items from there.  Since crossing, I have bought SO much Pari it's ridiculous. LOL! But truth be told all of my treasures have a story behind them, and each story is precious and unique. The story ranges from my first elephant, my first jewelry, my first shirt, etc.

5. Connections! When I first moved to Arizona for school reasons I first became a member at large.  This meant that I was no longer affiliated with a chapter, but I am financial with the National Chapter. After a year I found a chapter and transferred my membership from being a Membership at Large to a member of my local chapter. While I was in the last semester of my graduate degree, another local chapter of my sorority invited me to sing at our Joint Founders Day event. I performed, and a few weeks later a soror from the chapter contacted me to see if I taught music. I thought she was asking because she wanted to know if she wanted me to go to a job fair with her. It turns out, she was a brand new principal with a brand new school opening up in the Valley and wanted me to apply. Nevertheless, I  applied, interview and was given the job. She was a fantastic boss. The only thing we had in common before she hired me was we were sorority sisters. After hearing me sing she contacted me to see if I also taught music. After working for her for a year, we grew very close to the point of traveling to South Korea with each other for a Sorority International Sisterhood event together.

That's all I will list for now. Watch out for Part II!

Ciao for now!

V

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