As a sophomore, it is less common to rush and I do regret not rushing as a freshman (rushing is the process of joining a sorority!). But, better late than never! One year ago I did not think Greek Life was for me and did not consider myself to be a "sorority girl". After watching my new friends at college experience greek life at Madison, my opinion changed as they shattered my preconceived stereotypes of what it meant to be a sorority girl. I now understand that there is not a single type of young woman who fits into a sorority. Rather, each chapter is different and encourages members to be themselves; I am so lucky to have found my fit in Alpha Phi.
Rushing is quite the process at Madison! We started last Sunday with First Rounds, which took 10 hours. That day we visited all 11 chapters on campus and were able to meet and chat with current members in their houses. At the end of the day, we ranked our favorites. Monday was another long day, 9 hours, as we completed Second Rounds. Second Rounds entail returning to up to 7 sororities that invite you back. We spent a little more time talking with the members and participated in a short activity to benefit their philanthropy. Again, at the end of the day we ranked our favorites.
Next up was Preference Rounds, where we returned to up to 3 sororities on the following Sunday. This round was more intimate and each chapter shared a special ceremony with us. At the end of the day, we ranked once again. While my decision was not easy, I knew I made the right choice and hoped for the best on Bid Day!
Bid Day was just yesterday, Monday, September 9th, and it was a day I will never forget! We reported to our assigned meeting spots where our envelopes with invitations to join our respective chapters awaited. I was surprisingly calm; I know that everything happens for a reason and that there is a plan for everyone. I kept this in mind as I opened my bid to Alpha Phi. I was ecstatic! Alpha Phi had been a front runner for me throughout the two week process and I enjoyed every minute I spent there; I am so excited to be an Alpha Phi! After a short ceremony, all of the new members were off to the house to meet our sisters for photos and socializing. Rushing was a great experience and I am so thankful I made the decision to participate.
Alpha Phi. I feel blessed to call this my new home filled with 150 new sisters who have already welcomed me with open arms. The Red Dress Gala and the Escape from Alphatraz events are held annually to benefit our philanthropy, Women's Cardiac Care. APhi stresses the importance of community service, which has always been an important part of my life. In addition to giving back, I know my time in Alpha Phi will be filled with social events and many memories while balancing my academics at UW Madison. I am proud to be a member of the 2013 Pledge Class and join a sorority comprised of beautiful, intelligent and compassionate women who constantly strive to be better. I look forward to sharing my experiences in Alpha Phi as I learn more about this amazing chapter!
This is third sisterhood! My older sister, Chaneen, is currently in Ecuador for the fall semester and is enjoying her time immersing herself in the Spanish language while continuing to work towards her degrees in Agricultural Education and International Agriculture. My younger sister, Jeni, is loving her first weeks at the University of Minnesota as she begins her studies in Spanish and Animal Science. My second sisterhood is ever-growing and I am continually amazed by my fellow pageant sisters; Kara competes for Miss SD International this weekend, my Miss Teen United States sisters are accomplishing great things in and outside of the pageant community and my Miss United States family is experiencing unprecedented growth and success! I cannot wait to see where my newest sisterhood, Alpha Phi, will take me over the next two years.
Always,
Victoria
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| My Pledge Class! |
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| Me and Talia! |
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| Danielle and myself outside the house! |
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