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Let's face it, no one wants to go back to school. Although the meetings are long and can sometimes last two hours, we're excited to be back with the ladies that we call our sisters.
2. Deciding on the rush party theme.
After many long, heated discussions, the theme is chosen.
3. Greeting all the potential MITs at the rush party.
Rush week is stressful. We have to be on our best behavior to make a lasting impression, but we love our parties. They're filled with friends, food and fun.
4. After the bids are handed out, you see someone who got one.
OK, OK. We know we aren't supposed to hover those who just got a bid, but it's hard! We want to make sure they know what an awesome opportunity SAI is. We continuously go up to them, congratulate them and tell them our favorite things about SAI, even though they've probably heard them a million times.
5. After the pledging ceremony.
For those becoming MITs, this is the most exciting time. Getting to hug your Guiding Star after a super serious ceremony is one of the best feelings in the world. It is definitely a feeling that I won't forget.
6. Initiation.
So much information that you can't tell anyone. It is the worst but it also bonds us all together as sisters.
7. Paying your initiation fees/chapter dues.
At first, we regret a little. Then, we realize how thankful we are to be a part of such an amazing organization. You can't put a price on sisterhood.
8. Thanksgiving dinner.
If you're lucky enough to have Thanksgiving dinner with your sisters, then you know it is the best and the worst. The food is delicious, but then you have to clean everything up. You're also way too stuffed to move.
9. When you find out that someone knows who has you for secret Santa.
I am extremely lucky to come from a chapter that has such amazing traditions at Christmas time. Our present exchange is one of my favorite things.
10. Leaving for the holiday break.
Four weeks without my sisters sucks. The holidays means buying yourself all kinds of SAI stuff on Etsy!
11. Returning from the holiday break.
Time to show off all your super cool, new presents you got while you talk about how much you missed them and about how much has changed at home since you were last there!
12. The three stages to an SAI sleepover:
Pizza.
We are tiny girls with big hearts and even bigger stomachs.
The boy talk.
We are a group of girls having your typical sleepover. It wouldn't be that if there was no talk of boys.
Don't be the first one to fall asleep.
You never know what you'll wake up to.
13. When someone disagrees with your great idea.
Let's face it, we are group of girls. There are going to be arguments and sometimes fights. No matter what, we get through it. At the end of the day, we love each other and we are a family.
14. Formal.
Ah, formal. Planning it is way too stressful, but it is a time to have fun and reflect on the year. We love getting dressed up and eating fancy food, too.
15. The last meeting/senior ceremony.
This is the worst part of our little family: saying goodbye. The women that we have looked up to are leaving. The ceremony doesn't help either. It basically sets us up for tears.
Becoming a member of SAI has been one of the best decisions I've made. I have met incredible ladies who hold a place in my heart forever. The memories they have left on me and continue to leave on me are priceless. My love and passion for music has only grown because of them. They have taught me how to be a better student and person. For this, I love them all so much and I am going to miss them tremendously when I leave.
Love and Roses,
Bethany.
