We know you have your reasons for joining, and we also know that the reasons you’ll stay will be entirely different. Trust us on that one. People tend to join for the image, the props, and the social stuff. They stay around for the friendships and because they find a place where they can impact the lives of others. It’s a family. We know this. Soon, you will, too.
Soon, these letters will be yours. But, there’s one lesson that we need to impress upon you before you sign your name on the dotted line, pay that first fee, and get that first t-shirt. It’s the single most important thing we’re going to ask of you, so you need to listen and understand it, now, before you say “yes.”
It’s the one most important thing that any fraternity or sorority can impress upon its new members. It’s the one lesson that every group must impress upon its newest members. Truly, our survival as an organization on this campus, and nationwide, depends on you understanding this one simple lesson and taking it to heart.
It’s more important than our history, our traditions, our structure, or our rules. Because, if you don’t understand this most fundamental lesson, then none of the other stuff will matter. If you don’t get this one “golden rule of fraternity,” then your son or daughter won’t have this kind of organization to join someday, and all of this will just be a fuzzy memory.
Here it is. Ready?
From the moment you say yes to this organization, you are always wearing your letters.
I’m going to repeat it.
From the moment you say yes to this organization, you are always wearing your letters.
We’re not talking about t-shirts, or sweatshirts, or hats made in the colors of the group. We’re not talking about a tattoo on your ankle, some party favor, or a badge you wear on your dress shirt.
What we mean is that when you say yes to lifetime membership in this group, everything you say, do and represent from that moment forward is a direct reflection on this group, your brothers, and the thousands of members who have come before you. Everything you put out to the world is a direct reflection of this fraternity. Every decision, every achievement, every mistake you make happens to all of us from this point forward.
When you go to the grocery store, you represent us. If you fall asleep in class or earn a weak grade, you represent us. When you drive down the road and slow down so a pedestrian can cross the street, you represent us.
When you turn 21 and hit the town, you represent us. When you become a leader of another campus organization, you represent us. When you insult someone or talk badly about another fraternity, you represent us. When you break up with someone and make decisions about how you behave during that difficult time, you represent us. When you go on Spring Break, you represent us.
When you go home and sit at your mother’s dining room table, you represent us. When you get a job and go to work for a company or organization, you represent us. When you commit your life to that special person, someday, you represent us.
You are always wearing your letters.
From this day forward, always. Every day, in every situation. They never come off.
As surely as if you tattooed these letters on your forehead. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a jersey with our name on it, or a business suit at an interview. You have to assume that every person you meet will form a permanent opinion about fraternities – good or bad – based on how you interact with them. Every good thing you do builds us up. Every dumb thing you do tears us down.
We live in a time when the actions of one man or one woman can kill a group like ours. One person who acts in a way that is inconsistent with our shared values can end a hundred years of tradition and pride. One choice you make on a Friday night can take away everything that generations of men have worked to build.
All the stuff you see that belongs to us can be boxed up or thrown out, because of the choices you make.
If this seems a little intense, that’s good. Because it’s serious. If it sounds like too much responsibility, or if you don’t think you can behave in a way that reflects well on us at all times, then walk away now. Do us the favor. We won’t think less of you. In fact, we’ll thank you. This sort of commitment isn’t for everybody.
But, don’t say yes unless you understand.
We’re not asking you to give up anything. We aren’t asking you to become something you aren’t. We’re asking you to become something more. We’re inviting you to become part of a group of men who make a promise to take care of each other, every day. We’re asking you to become the very best version of you that you can be. We’re asking you to take a leap of maturity and to go to that place where you’re the same, honorable, dignified person on Saturday night as you are on Tuesday morning.
It’s a big deal, and not everyone can do it. Forget everything you’ve heard up to this point. Forget how much you might desire this, or how much we might want to bring you into the group. Just clear your mind and ask yourself one question.
Are you ready to never take them off?
Because when you say yes, you’re not just putting letters on a sweatshirt. You’re putting them in your heart. You’re forever stamping your identity with them. Everything you are, from this point on, becomes who we are.
You will make mistakes, and brothers will remind you of your commitment. There will be times where you will see other brothers forgetting their promise, and you’ll need to remind them. That’s part of this whole “fraternity” thing. We work together to make ourselves better men who stand for something. We carry each other. We matter to one another.
If we’re doing fraternity right, then we’ll make you a better man. If you’re doing everything right, then you will make us a better organization. So, please think about it. Take it seriously. Because if you say yes, these letters belong to you as surely as they belonged to our founders. If you say yes, these letters become your responsibility forever.
That’s the promise.
In September 2011, I will be cutting 12+ inches of my hair to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Until then, I will be raising money to donate to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, which is “...a movement for cancer-free lives today, tomorrow and forever”. Every dollar donated to the Alberta Cancer Foundation supports cancer research, prevention, screening, and education, as well as the treatment and care of cancer patients in Alberta. Pantene Beautiful Lengths helps the ACF by creating wigs (made from donated hair) to give to cancer patients across North America. I chose to get involved because my family has been affected by cancer a number of times, and as a result, I am a high-risk candidate for breast cancer. I would like to diminish the chances of not only myself dying of cancer, but others as well. Furthermore, my grandpa is currently suffering from lung cancer, so this particular campaign is extremely important to me. The most important thing I have learned throughout this process is that awareness is the first step to change. If the public is not aware of what my cause is about or why I am supporting that cause, it is less likely that they will support me. Learn more about my causes by checking out:
Whether it was a big event like AnchorSplash, Barn Dance, Anchor Ball, or just hanging out casually, I always knew that I could count on having fun and escaping from the stress of school! While I may not have had a close relationship with all of you, I just want you to know that I have enjoyed knowing each and everyone of you and value the time and conversations that we have had together. You are all strong, confident women and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in all that you do in the future. Just remember that I might have graduated, but I still want to stay in the loop with everything that's going on in your lives! LITB, xoxo S
ted an annual affair known as International Badge Day. This event celebrates sisterhood and the shared values of all Panhellenic women - leadership, volunteerism, and scholarship. This year we are celebrating International Badge Day on March 7. For sorority women, March is an important month - not only do we celebrate International Badge Day, but March 1-7 is International Ritual Week. This weeklong event encourages Greek women to connect with their sisters and foster a deeper understanding of our rituals.
The lovely judges of Anchor Splash 2010 (all Fall '08).
