It's That Time Again

Yep, it's time for a good 'ol stroll down Phi Mu memory lane again! Earlier today, my college chapter gave officially welcomed our six new Phis with shiny, gold Phi pins! The pinning ceremony is one that is held every semester, about a week after Bid Day. This is when the new members recieve their pledge pin. Pinning is what we call an "Open Ritual", so parents, friends, families or significant others are welcome to come. Fraternity boys even come to welcome the new girls into the Greek community, and usually bring flowers or a song! Of course Antonio came to show his love for Phi Mu (and maybe just his girlfriend too...)
There were a number of other alumni there and it was great to catch up with all of them! I also really enjoyed getting to know the new members a little better. I've been to so many between now and then, that I felt like I could have recited the ritual along with our chapter President! Of course, it brought back lots of memories of my own pinning, 5 years ago...
I was honestly pretty terrified for my own pinning. The whole chapter, along with alumni and families were present and it was quite overwhelming. I also had to recite a pretty long paragraph in front of everyone, which I'm pretty sure I recall fumbling a little bit. It was really nice to be able to share the moment with my parents. The pinning ceremony is an opportunity for families to see a more serious, devoted side of Phi Mu, that is much different from the stereotypical partying Greek Life scene. It was also really nice that I got to share the day with one of my soon-to-be-favorite-people Lauren. It felt amazing to begin the process of becoming a part of something so special. Though the day of my Pinning ceremony was definitely a special one, I had no idea it would be only the beginning of one of the best decisions of my life!

A Little Sentimental

*Warning: mushy sorority-related post to follow*

As I've said before, there are times when I desperately miss the good old college days. Hanging out in the middle of the night and laughing with friends, cooking with your roomies, having little to no responsibilities, a shoulder to cry on or laugh with always being a short walk (literally, down the hall) away. As I've also said, almost all of my great memories from college involve Phi Mu in some way. And, as my old chapter welcomed six new members, or Phis, last night, I started to get a little sentimental to my own Bid Day...

I rushed during my Freshman year in Spring 2005. Even though I know that really wasn't all that long ago, seeing the "Spring 2010" Bid Day t-shirts last night made me feel pretty darn old anyway. It's a long complicated story, but I unfortunately didn't originally match in the Top Eight new members that Phi Mu was able to welcome at the formal Bid Day ceremony. I was honestly pretty bummed, but went to work that night and tried to get over it. When I got off, I had a message from Phi Mu asking me to come to one of the sisters' apartments and talk or sign papers to keep rushing or something.

Honestly, I was sort of still bitter and almost didn't go, but I am so glad I did! When I opened the door to the apartment, I was greeted by noise makers, confetti poppers and giggling girls - I GOT A SURPRISE BID! It turned out that Phi Mu actually had 13 spots to fill and I was lucky enough to earn one of them! I had a great time that night meeting a bunch of active sisters and even some fraternity boys (ironically, from Antonio's future frat!) That night was the beginning of a lifetime of memories and great times. I got so close to my 12 pledge sisters, as well as the many, many lovely ladies who came after me.

When I became an alumni in 2008, it was a bittersweet celebration. On the one hand, I was graduating and moving on the bigger and better things. I was also carrying along with me such a meaningful and special experience. On the other hand, I was saying good bye to so many beautiful women, who I had gotten so exceptionally close to over the years. I was lucky enough to go through the ceremony to become an alumni with a lot of the girls I pledged with. I was also closing a very important chapter of my life. In the five years since that surprising night, I have seen over 70 amazing girls become sisters and I couldn't be more proud to call myself a Phi Mu! I leave you with a quote that I think sums up greek life, for all of those skeptics out there...

"From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."