Guess what? Last week in ZTA we figured out who our little sis's were! Every year older members are paired with new members as "big sisters" and "little sisters." Essentially, this relationship is designed to integrate younger members into the chapter as well as establish bonds between the older and younger classes. It's one of the biggest commitments older members agree to throughout the year because they must be willing to provide a generous amount of time and effort to foster a meaningful relationship. A bad relationship has the potential to ruin a younger members perception of the chapter - so it is essential that all "big sis" and "lil sis" relationships are nurtured and ardently cared for (kind of sounds like gardening, right?).
Although I already have a "lil sis" from last year, I received the unique opportunity to take another one this year. My (older) "lil sis" is Alexandra, she is a Pre Med major at Drury and my new "lil sis" is Jessica, also a Pre Med major. Both are outstanding young women who will grow to be excellent leaders in the chapter :).
Not only am I interested in building a relationship with her, but I am also excited to get to know her entire new member class. Already, I have befriended several girls - and I love them all! The more I learn about them, the more I am impressed with their strength and dedication. They are already taking active roles by volunteering for leadership positions and by participating in every event - in a way, they are influencing me and causing me to think twice about my behavior as a chapter member.
It's easy to get burnt out once you reach junior/senior year - the girls you once looked up to have left the chapter and often you are too busy to attend events outside of meeting. It's easy to remain in the background and fall back on excuses... but as must as I want to do this, I can't. The truth is (despite all the busy-ness and occasional drama) I am proud to remain an active member. After all, who will be the role models for the younger girls? Even though several of mine have graduated, that doesn't mean there isn't opportunity for more to take leadership! I love every sister and love the sisterhood we share.
Sisterhood is something that cannot be explained. The bonds I have and will create with these women will last me a lifetime (cheesy!). Two weeks ago, the church I attend finished a sermon series titled "life is meant to be shared." The core message was:
"We are to embrace community with others. God never intended for us to live life alone. If we don't have others in our lives, it's actually impossible to live out many commandments from Scripture."
We may not base all of our sisterhood on scripture or the commandments, but we need each other just as the Christian community needs its members. We need each other to get through life - and that starts with individual relationships - such as one with
my "lil sis."
"Help[ing] one another, is part of the the religion of sisterhood"
-Louisa May
Alcott
my family :)
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