Phinally Home

Many special occasions are involved in Greek life on campus, but none compare to the spectacle of initiation into a sorority. Weeks of planning, secrecy, and preparation are involved to create this memorable day. In order to complete the transition from a pledge to a full-fledged member of the Omega Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi, I underwent various training, workshops, and rehearsals.

Each sorority on campus assigns a new member educator to teach pledges the background of the sisterhood. This process typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks prior to initiation. Cara, the new member educator for my pledge class of Alpha Epsilon Phi, prepared us for initiation with a series of pledge meetings. Most of these sessions were informal discussions about our acclimation to campus and sorority life. Other meetings covered more serious topics, such as alcohol awareness and our sorority’s philanthropy, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

I never guessed initiation would be shrouded in secrecy, but it wasn’t referred to by name until the day of the event. The executive board never even specified when it was going to take place. We were simply told by the president to dress in all white and arrive at the house at 8:30 a.m. on a designated morning. After an emotional speech from the president and learning the secret motto of the chapter, my pledge class learned the sorority’s handshake. These are two sacred rituals that felt extraordinary to acquire as a new member of Alpha Epsilon Phi. Each girl secured her initiation by signing her name in a book that is passed down from each pledge class.

A special initiation gift from my mother: a giraffe charm. Giraffes are the mascot of AEPhi. Source: Bryna Herskowitz

The initiation ceremony increased how much pride I have in my sorority. Though my mom and dad were not involved in Greek life, I am quickly learning all of the benefits it has to offer. Since initiation, I have gained a greater respect for the opportunities given to me through Alpha Epsilon Phi. I now realize how special it would be if my future daughter pledged Alpha Epsilon Phi. I will always cherish the day of initiation since it solidified my status as a sister and confirmed that I was “phinally” home.