When I lived on hotel Dolson 4 my freshman year, I heard one of my RAs say that if any sorority would fit me, it would be Alpha Chi. I believed her, so I decided to try formal recruitment.

The next day, I got a text from my Rho Gamma, telling me I hadn’t been called back to any of the houses. A lot of girls were rushing with me, so not everyone was going to make the cut. Luckily, she encouraged me to attend recruitment events for Sigma Alpha Iota.

And the rest, as they say, is history. 

I got accepted into SAI that year and served as their Editor for my junior and senior year, two years in a row.     

Much like Vespers, Greek Recruitment is part of the Millikin experience that gives life a lot of color. I never went through Panhellenic formal recruitment again. Even so, I still went to the Plunges and the Dives to support my friends.  

Plunges, with the guys in the frats, are so crazy. I can’t believe these guys, especially those in TKE, have the gall to stand outside in the cold wearing nothing but shorts, socks, and shoes. Pure testosterone off the charts. And I love watching every moment of it.

More often than not, I’d see someone I know shouting for all to semi-hear where they’re going home to. It makes for a pleasant surprise.   

The girls can go just as crazy. Every dive, each sorority has a unique dress code. This year, Alpha Chis were cowgirls, Pi Phis were angels, and Tri Delta had gotten back from across the universe. 

Most heartwarming part: all the Rho Gammas returning home. Their littles would be holding signs asking where their bigs were, and then it all climaxes to all the RGs being welcomed back with open arms. 

Unlike the Plunge, the girls gather in a group of three or four approach the center circle. As soon as they say where they’re going home to, a colorful swarm swallows them whole.    

Both Plunges and Dives end with cheers, shouts, and the occasional cowbell. 

Even if I’m not Greek-affiliated, per say, it’s still fun to attend these things. 

While Sigma Alpha Iota is a Greek organization, it’s not affiliated with Panhel. We don’t have a house. We’re not allowed to have paddles. And we only have recruitment once a year. 

But we don’t need a house to have a sisterhood.  

I love spending time with my SAI sisters. My little is such a peach. And I can always lean on them when times are trying. 

This year, when we had a sisterhood at the Curtis Apple Orchard, I felt like I had grown a little closer with one of my sisters. 

She had grown up picking apples and knew how to use the- what I refer to as-apple lacrosse stick. And she knew what kind of apples were ripe for picking. Every day afterward, I saw her a little more like a friend and as someone I could look up to.            

I always looked forward to SAI recruitment week. It’s the one time of year where I can play Just Dance at the PMC, paint flower pots in honor of Georgina Potts (get it?) and have La Gondola cinnamon bread until I can’t stuff anymore down my stomach. Just thinking about it makes me feel as hearty as having hot chocolate by a fireplace.

But what I’ll miss most about SAI is the camaraderie between my sisters past and present. Although I’m not a music major, I’m a sister all the same. They’re a supportive bunch, and we’re always here for each other. I even have classes or two with a few of them.  

Once I graduate, I can join an alumnae chapter. Whatever I choose to do, I’ll always have fond memories of my time at Nu chapter.

Until that graduation day comes, I’ll continue to serve my chapter and support my sisters in whatever way I can. 

Love & Roses, Millikin. As always.