Virginia Tech’s formal sorority recruitment is before spring semester. My first semester of college, I didn’t make many friends, so I was really excited to rush. It was an experience that truly changed my life. The very first day of Recruitment, I met one of my future pledge sisters (both our last names began with a “V”). By the last round, I knew 100% that I wanted a bid from Alpha Gamma Delta. An ice storm the next day may have cancelled our Bid Day, but I still trekked across campus to pick up my bid. My semester as a “new member” was a whirlwind of meetings and mixers and was highlighted by my Initiation (then Initiation day to a long walk off a short cliff when I got food poisoning at our banquet on top of already having Strep throat). I ate 90% of meals with these women, and we went out to bars and parties together. Every day for three and a half years. I lived in my house my last two years of college and relished having 26 of my best friends (for the most part) at my disposal whenever I wanted them. We even used to be super awkward and cuddle while watching TV. It’s only weird if you haven’t done it.
During Recruitment sophomore year |
With our sisters at Georgia Tech |
I love Alpha Gamma Delta. I truly believe in what we stand for. My time wasn’t always perfect (we were on collegiate and International probation for about 2 and a half years), and my chapter is no longer active (it was closed the year after I graduated). But I made some of the greatest friendships of my life. I witnessed first hand the amazing things women can do when challenged or called upon. One of my dear friends even inadvertently introduced me to my husband at a party that another sister hosted. I had two sisters stand with me on my wedding day with over a dozen more watching. We’ve supported each other through break-ups, babies, and burials.
I still wear my letters (which might be creepy considering I’m about to be 25). I’m proud to be an Alpha Gam for life. I was at the mall in Fayetteville earlier this year sporting a lettered t-shirt from my senior year. An elderly lady at Macy’s stopped me to tell me that she was also an Alpha Gamma Delta from a chapter in Pennsylvania. How amazing is it that she and I had nothing in common at first glance but shared the bond of sisterhood? Every time we open a new chapter, I sign up to be a Pearl Sister, or pen pal to a new woman starting out on her Alpha Gamma Delta journey. I even drove to Columbia, South Carolina, to meet my Pearl Sister at the Initiation Banquet for our new chapter at USC.
Now my heart is exploding with love and warm-fuzzies, and I want to move back into my sorority house.
Chelsee W says
Love this! I love when I meet fellow sorority sister, it always happens at the most random places lol Glad to know someone else still enjoys wearing letters as much as I do:)
Jess Beer says
1. Song in my head for the rest of the day, minimum. Possibly month. Thanks, jerk. ๐
2. We need another reunion with more people. In Blacksburg of course.
3. I’m praying our chapter reopens by the time my baby sister goes to VT, which of course I’ve already told her has to happen.
4. I am so sad I never got to live in the house and cuddle with you. Damn graduating.
Jen says
I love looking at these pictures, such wonderful memories for you I’m sure.
Janna Renee says
I felt the same way after creating my post!! It is making me miss my sisters so much!!
Munchkins and the Military says
Hubs & I both still wear out letters. And he’s 30… LOL I always meet people who say “My mom was a Phi Mu”, but never any actual sisters.
Amanda says
I’m 25 and I still wear my letters! Thank you so much for linking up with us today! I loved getting to read about your experience. I can’t believe there was an ice storm on your bid day! xx
Brittany Pigg says
Congratulations on successfully getting that song stuck in my head! Lol. I love your blog!
Loyally,
Brittany
http://www.ohheybrittany.com
Lauren says
I am 30 and I still wear my letters! (I think I hold the creepy award now!) xo Lauren of http://www.cornwellfam.com
Jenn @ West Sac Honey says
I’m 28 and wear my letters.. I’ll always wear them! SFSU Alpha Gam! Saying hi!
Courtney Fraley says
Yea, boo for the song that is now stuck in my head. I’m a current member of AGD Alpha Iota in Cleveland, Ohio. My feelings were the same writing my post. I love AGD and so happy to be a sister.
Courtney
Passionately Curious
Ashlee says
I’m going into my Junior year of college and am about to move into my sorority house this Saturday (eeek!). I’m a Tri-Delt. I cannot tell you how much I related to this post, even though I’m not an Alpha Gamma Delta. My sisters and I are so close and are forever growing closer it feels like. It is so wonderful to hear that you have managed to stay close to your own sisters since graduating. That makes me hopeful for our futures too!
I wasn’t much of a social butterfly during high school and joining my sisterhood has opened me up in so many new and positive ways. Getting my bid was the best. Work week and recruitment are starting in a matter of days and I can’t wait to see what new girls we get to call sisters!
Thanks for this post!
Trice at Seriously, I Know says
I’m 25 and I still wear my letters. Honestly, I miss ordering new shirts with fun patterns. I have thought about getting a quilt made out of all of my old Alpha Gam t-shirts.
MrsMcDancer says
Love this post! No matter the letter, sorority girls do it better ๐ My Grandma was an Alpha Gam and she met up with her sisters even when she was in her 80’s. I keep her pin in the jewelry box next to my Theta pin. They may not be the same sorority, but the Greek bond is there!
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
I love meeting fellow Alpha Gams via blogs! So great to read all of these fantastic posts about your great Greek experiences.
KK