Being a part of one of the LARGEST Black Greek Letter Organizations, I am asked this question quite often. How does it feel to be a member of an organization based on sisterhood? What does it mean? Is it all what people say it's "cracked up to be?"
When I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I instantly gained several "sisters" from my chapter. I bonded with these ladies for many days, and many nights which allowed me to get to know them on a "personal" level. We learned each other habits, our wants, likes, dislikes, and bonded over the love of becoming members of this excellent organization. We laughed together, cried together, argued together, complained together, prayed together, ate together, went to school together, studied together, and learned together. We never judged each other, and we were there to help each other when needed. I would NEVER trade my experience or my journey to this beautiful sisterhood for anything in the world. Our bond is like no other, and we will stick to each other until the end. Even after we graduated and started our adult lives, I know that whenever I need ANY of them, they are there for me. What I especially love about the sisterhood we have, is whenever there is a wedding, baby shower, or even an anniversary, when we get together it's like we never left each other's side. The last time I was with my beloved chapter members was when one of our neo's got married in Chicago last May. Two of my ships got hotel rooms together, and when we all got together, we turned into those giddy 19/20-year-old girls that we once were in college. Reminiscing about college life, our bonds, our process, and the overall Delta experience was fantastic. Being an adult now with most of us are married with children, and meaningful careers which make it hard for us to connect with each other often. However when we get together, it's like we haven't skipped a beat. That is the real bond of sisterhood/brotherhood. I know if I ever found myself in a bind, I have several sorority sisters I can call, and they would be there for me in a heartbeat. THAT is a true sisterhood.
I love seeing my hubby get together with his fraternity members from his home chapter. They laugh and joke about their experience of Alpha life as well. One great thing about being married to someone who is also a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization is "they get it." They understand the bond that is shared amongst the members. They realize that although as husband and wife we share everything, but the road to XYZ land is one thing that is an extraordinary thing that is NEVER shared outside of members of the chapter.
Does sisterhood/brotherhood exist only at the undergraduate level? NO! This experience is also shared at the graduate level as well. My best friend just became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. a few years ago, and the love and bond that she shares with her line sisters/shippies reminds me so much of how it was when I pledged over a decade ago. They have PJ parties, road trips, celebrate each other's birthdays, etc. If anything I would say that I am a little envious because when I pledged in undergrad, I was made by members who were from Chicago, St. Louis, Wisconsin, and other states. When it was time for graduation, they all either went back home to start their careers, moved out of state for graduate schools, went into the military or moved out of the country. With my BFF, she joined an Alumnae Chapter in the suburbs of Chicago they are much older (obviously), and they are still together in the Chicago-Land area. Seeing her pictures on Facebook made me realize how blessed she was to have her ships/home chapter within reach.
Although I grew up in a large family, and I had two blood sisters already, I enjoyed expanding my family by joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Whatever organization you are interested in joining, have comfort in knowing that IF you are accepted, you will now have a large circle of new sisters and brothers you can count on. And that my dear friend is a BEAUTIFUL thang!
Stay Blessed!
V
Hello! I am so glad I found your blog! As an upcoming Freshman your advice is well appreciated. I plan on pledging DST as well. Thank you for answering all the questions I was too scared to ask.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Soror V! As a neo in my graduate chapter of DST, I must say it is great to all of my line sisters in one place, although a few of them have relocated since we crossed. Even though we're all adults, we're a unique group of various ages, thus life stages. Some are retirees, a few are recent college grads, some are single, some are married, some are moms, some are not. Since we crossed in 2012, we've had about weddings,2 coming this year, one birth, twins coming this year.I look forward to building lasting memories with them, enjoying this bond of DST.
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ReplyDeleteHappy Sisterhood Month Soror!
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at the last line at my school there were only about 8 sophomores and my sophomore year is coming up and I want to know what you think my chances are of me getting in. There is talk of there being a line next year.
ReplyDeleteQuestion on sisterhood and joining later. I was heavily influenced by my high school teachers who were Deltas and I reall wanted to join Delta. When I did my research I was excited and motivated by Delta history. However it was not in the cards for me in undergraduate school. In my professional career I have found the Delta around me to be harder, less nice and welcoming p, while my AKA coworkers have been more kind and served as mentors. After being denied by Dellta twice, would I be accepted by AKA if I submitted an application for AKA. I also asked, because I was once asked by several AKA before I told them that I had submitted application to Delta. I definitely feel some kind of way when what I wanted to pursue was not interested in me And I had been recommended for the other serversl times by its members. Am I wrong to consider it? Would I receive any respect by members of both? I want to do more than have my name on a roll. I want to add to the legacy of the organization and my family as well.
ReplyDeleteHey Vicki! Thank you for taking the time out to post such informative information on your blog. I'm also wanting to pledge soon and have some questions that I would like to ask you. Is there any way that I could get in contact with you by email? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time!
ReplyDeleteI just completed an MBA program and wonder if there is an age limit?
ReplyDeleteDivine 9 organizations do not discriminate and reject someone because of his/her age. If you have a Bachelor's, you must try to join an Alumnae/Graduate chapter.
DeleteHello! Your blog is awesome and enjoyable to read. I was just wondering if I could ask your opinion on joining two sororities? I'm a sister of delta xi nu(MGC) and I've always been interested in DST.
ReplyDeletePlease and thank you for your time!
I'm interested in a particular Alumnae chapter of a sorority. The catch is the nearest chapter is 3 hours away. Can I still join a alumnae chapter of interest that is 3 hours away?
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