It's that time again.....

You attended rush, received all the information that you need to apply for membership, received an application, and you can't believe the time has finally come. The time has come for you to fill out your application for membership in your desired sorority or fraternity. You're anxious, nervous and excited at the same time. The BEST advice that I can give you at this time? Double, Triple, Quadruple check your work. Make sure all your "I's" are dotted and your "T's" are crossed. The last thing you don't want is for you to be disqualified over a small error on your part. Make sure you have enough time to submit your application. If the organization requires you to mail it in, I would suggest spending a little extra $$ by using FedEx or UPS, with tracking information. That would at least give you confidence that the organization received your application.

Good luck to all of you, and once your application is off, the HARDEST part is....the waiting. You wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait. It was HARD for me, so I get it. TRUST ME! But as I said in previous posts, make yourself busy during this time. I know for me, I jumped every single time my phone rang, because I didn't know when or IF for that matter they were going to call. And the waiting can be a LONG TIME. This can depend on if the org has a set schedule, the number of applicants that submitted an application,  screening each app. etc. As for me, right when I was about to give up and came to the realization that wasn't going to receive a phone call, they finally did call at 1:35 am.  I remember how HARD it was for me to sleep that night because I was excited, yet nervous about my upcoming interview. I remember getting out of my dorm room bed, turning on my light, and laying out multiple outfits for my interview. I was too excited and nervous to go back to sleep.  I was a zombie going to my 8 o'clock class that next morning, but I was cheesing like no other. I GOT A PHONE CALL which meant I was one step closer to my goal. Now all I needed to do next was NAIL the interview.


Ciao for Now,
V

New Year, New Beginnings, New Members

Happy New Year Everyone!

I wish you all a beautiful and prosperous 2019. I know this new year will bring a lot of questions, anxiety, hopefulness,  and anxiousness for those of you that are vying for membership in a BGLO. The first thing I would tell you to do is, breathe. You got this. Hopefully, you have been preparing for this for a while. Although I have touched on how to prepare for Rush in previous posts, I will highlight a few things. Here are my top five.

1. Get there Early! If you attend a college or university where the org of your choice is very popular on campus, chances are a lot of people will be going out for membership. This is especially the case if you are trying to gain membership from an Alumnae/Grad chapter. Get there early so you can choose a great seat.

2. ASK QUESTIONS! Most orgs have a Q & A at the end of their presentation. I know it can be intimidating to ask a question in front of a bunch of strangers, but how else will you get the information? Chances are there are others who have the same burning question, but they are too shy to ask. Great way to stand out as well. (wink, wink).

3. Meet other people at the Rush/Informational. This is a time for you to connect with your future sorors or fraternity members. Hopefully, you have been doing that before rush however it's essential that you continue during rush as well. Small talk is always welcomed. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you don't know, then at least connect with those who you do. Remember to gain membership for most of these orgs; they will be voting on you.

4.  Business Attire PLEASE! I am guessing that everyone has a different definition of business attire, so I ask that you visit my post that focuses on this. There was a time when I would say wear Sunday Best - referencing how people dressed for church, but now Churches allow people to wear Jeans, Sweats. Etc. So instead I will say this. Dress as if you are going out for a job that you really, really, REALLY want and you want to impress your future boss. I stress this because I have seen people attend rush in Jeans, Sweats, Leggings, and I was just shocked. I was business sharp when I visited my rush. I wanted my future sorors to know that I was serious and that I meant business.

5. Relax! I know this is easier said than done, but I have said this before. Every single sorority/fraternity member was once a prospective member. They sat in the very seat that you are sitting in. Smile, be approachable and take it all in.

BONUS: I hope you saved enough money because joining these organizations are NOT CHEAP by NO MEANS! No, they don't have payment plans, and for the most part, you have to have all the money up front.

I hope this helps and wishing you all the best in your quest in becoming members of Greek-land.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Hey Everyone,

It's Christmas Eve (almost Christmas Day since it's 11:52 pm) and I just wanted to pop in and say Merry Christmas to you all.  I have received many emails and comments to all who have crossed over into Greekdom this month, and I tried my best to respond to all of you. If not, CONGRATULATIONS to you all, and welcome to Greek Life. Enjoy your time with your family now, because the REAL work will begin after the holidays. (Especially for those of you that are in undergrad.

To all of those December Graduates, CONGRATULATIONS to you as well, and wishing you a wonderful future, be it in Grad School, or as you venture off into your career.

These last few weeks have been hectic for me. My chapter hosted our annual Christmas Party, followed by our annual Colorful Christmas (otherwise known as Christmas with Santa). The events were well attended, and we had a lot of fun.

I will try my best to pop in more often as time allows, but I wanted to make sure to wish you all a wonderful Christmas Holiday.

Paraphernalia Shout Out for Renee Marie

Now and then I stumbled across a vendor that I love, and THIS vendor right here??? Is one of them. I blogged about them before, and since then they have added some HOT new must-have items. What I love about this vendor is the quality of their work, the way they package their items, and the uniqueness of their items. I know three sorors who have returned to the fold after being absent from Delta for a few years for various reasons. To welcome them back, I wanted to get them something, and after seeing these items, I found the perfect "Welcome Back to Delta" gifts.

DST BLING STRETCH RING

DST LATTICE STRETCH RING

This brooch is for me, I can't wait to rock it to my next Delta Event. 

DST COCO BROOCH

I came across this nice surprise in my package as well. A Delta "Pop Up" card. Isn't it beautiful??? I have never seen anything like it. Thank you, Renee Marie, for this beautiful Card. (It is available for purchase on the website, a pack of 10).

Happy New Sorority/Fraternity Year!!!

Hello Everyone,

I hope all of you had a wonderful, restful, and joyous summer. I did. I did a LOT of traveling. I performed in several weddings, and also was hired to photograph weddings as well. (Photography has been a hobby of mine for several years, and I decided to turn it into a side gig).

For those of you who recently joined the Divine Nine, I am wishing you a wonderful and successful 2018-19 Sorority/Fraternity year. Now the REAL work begins, so roll up your sleeves, and get ready to work, work WORK! Yesterday was my chapter's first chapter meeting and it felt great to be around my sorors. I am looking forward to a wonderful Sorority year and we are off to a great start.

Today was a day I decided to reflect on the meaning of true sisterhood, and how I feel about being a member of one of the Top African-American Organization. As I rolled out of bed this morning, I geared myself up for the day's events. It is the first Delta Chapter meeting of the year, first Sigma Alpha Iota Chapter E-Board meeting of the year, and the first meeting of ASTA. When I decided to join a sorority, I had my heart set on wanting to join the ranks of an organization that was about Sisterhood, giving back to the community, and making a difference. Participating in Greek Step Shows, Going to Parties connecting with sorors from across the globe for me is just the "icing on the cake."

When I was a college freshman, watching the Greeks on the yard was a fantastic site to see.  The Alpha's stepping in their Black and Gold, AKA's looking pretty and meticulous in their pink and green, the Q's stepping harder than ANYONE with dog tags around their necks, and hopping carrying on to the infamous "Atomic Dog," and so on...... Although to some, this is their first introduction to Greek Life, that was not the case for me.

The reason for this post is to state that being a member of a BGLO is more than strolls/struts, calls, hand-signs, and colors. Most of these "traditions" are considered unofficial and did not come into existence until decades AFTER the organizations were founded. What prompts this post was after when I found myself speaking to a group of young collegiate who were stating their reasons why they wanted to join the various Greek organization. I have heard everything from, "they are the best steppers on campus, they get major "play" (I didn't even know they still use this word) at parties. They say that other Greek Orgs on campus will notice them, and they want to be a part of the pretty girls, they seem so cool and down to earth, etc. Never once did I hear, I want to join because they have the highest GPA on campus, they won student organization of the year, love the community service projects that they are currently involved in, etc. I find this funny because it never fails, when it comes down to the interview process, their answers change.

If you are joining at the collegiate level, I get it! Trust Me! You are getting admired on campus by your peers, standing out in a crowd because of those letters.  But being a member of a Black Greek Letter Org is more than just the college experience. What is life like after you graduate? For the first few years, you may find yourself going back to your school to connect with people that are still there — the prophytes that pledged you, or your neos that you pledged. You want to keep it cute at your school's step shows, homecoming, reunions, etc.  Hey, I get it! I have been there. Or you might find yourself NOT going back for several years because you are trying to secure a job, career, and start your adult life. Student loans are knocking HARD at your door six months after you graduated, so you are trying to make sure you, you have a job to make that first of many payments. Some members of BGLOs continue to serve in their organizations, and some take a break for financial reasons. (As I have stated before, being a financial member in a BGLO can be pricey, no need to sugar coat it)!

Now can you have fun afterward? Absolutely!

Ciao for now!

V

Greek Celebrations!

July was VERY busy. My ship (line sister) got married, and I was blessed to be a part of her wedding as a soloist. I went home to visit my family in Chicago for two weeks before heading to St. Louis for my Ship's wedding. I was beyond excited and couldn't wait not only to see her become one with her husband, but I couldn't wait to see my shippies.  It was the first time all of us were going to be in the building together in over ten years. She was a beautiful bride, and I am extremely happy for her and her husband. During my time there, my initiating chapter decided to have a BBQ after realizing a lot of sorors were in town for the wedding. It was a MAJOR celebration, and it felt good to be with my home chapter sorors. I also surprised my ship by taking pictures and creating a video for her as well.

My Ship is Married Y'all

My Beautiful Shippies (Line Sisters)

My Ships and my Prophytes

 Epsilon-Xi Chapter BBQ

A week later, it was time for me to pack my bags again to spend time with my sorors at our Regional Conference. This year it was in Pasadena California, so I was thrilled that it was going to be a short flight. For those of you that are new to Greek-land, I HIGHLY recommend that you attend regional conferences and national conventions/boules. There is absolutely NOTHING LIKE being among thousands of sorors, frats and learning the inner works of the organization. The weekend was filled with joy, laughter, and celebration. I had a great time participating in the regional choir, meeting new sorors, watching the "Deltas Got Talent" show, and just bonding with my chapter sorors. I enjoyed watching my neos' experience their first regional conference for the first time.  My chapter also won Chapter of the Year (Medium).

Deltas Got Talent

Deltas Got Talent

PMAC Chapter winners of Chapter of the Year (Medium)

 The highlight of this particular conference for me was discovering one of my chapter sorors deciding to run for Regional Director. When the recommendation came from the floor, my jaw dropped. I was totally surprised.  It was even more of a surprise when she WON!!!! I was beyond thrilled. 

       

 Congrats to our New Regional Director

After having a successful regional conference, two weeks later our PNP (Past National President) U.S. Representative Macia L. Fudge was invited to speak at "The Power of US: Woke, Willing and Ready to Win along with U.S. Rep Emanuel Clever.  She was an amazing speaker. After the event, we hosted a "Fireside Chat" with all State Delta chapters present. 

After posting the pics on social media, I was ecstatic when I saw that Soror Fudge actually LIKED my photos. I just LOVE HER SO MUCH. (Although I may be a little biased since she was the National President when I was initiated into the sorority).

Blessed and Highly Favored

Today was a great day! We had our monthly chapter meeting and I was looking forward to bonding with sorors. It was also the last chapter meeting for my chapter President, Sandra N. as she was ready to pass the torch to our NEW chapter President Kim G. The month prior my chapter hosted our annual end of the year Chapter BBQ. Unfortunately, I felt ill and was not able to attend. Apparently during this time is when the Chapter President announced several awards to deserving sorors. For this who could not attend during that time, she held those awards until the next Chapter meeting. Imagine my surprise when she called me up for an award. I guess since I missed our annual end of the year BBQ  my chapter president presented me with the my award which was the "President's Award." She stated that she would have presented me with the award at the BBQ, but since I was ill, she decided to present it to me at the last chapter meeting. I was not expecting this at all. I was honored to have received this award. I had a great time working tirelessly for a chapter I love SO much!