Ever since I could remember, I have always loved giving back. Whether
it is to an organization, a community, or just a person in need, it has always made me feel good about myself. Once I hit high school, I did not really get
involved. Not because I didn’t have any interest, but I never felt like it was
recognized by teenagers. When I entered my first year at Brock University, I
was told by everyone who I knew to “get involved”. But how was I supposed to
get involved? I was a small fish in a big pond, a “freshman” again. My first
semester was nothing special, consisting of going home almost every weekend,
and having to move to a different residence. After December break, I told
myself second semester would have to be better. I then found out about Alpha Pi
Phi sorority when a few girls on my floor were talking about going to a meet
and greet. I thought to myself, there is no way I will ever fit in, let alone
join a sorority. Boy, was I wrong… A year and a half later, going into my third
year of Child and Youth Studies, I don’t know what I would do without it. I can
guarantee without this sorority, I would have dropped out of school by now and
would have cowardly gone home with my tail between my legs feeling like a
failure. Instead, I can proudly say I am a sister of the best sorority in the
world. I am a proud member of Alpha Pi Phi Beta Chapter’s Delta Pledge class;
with 10 other beautiful girls I like to call my cheerleaders, honorary
therapists, future bridesmaids and my best friends. I have regained my love of
giving back to the community. Alpha Pi Phi does so much for the St. Catharines
and Niagara region, which is what we call philanthropy. Any sort of work
benefiting others around us is philanthropy. Philanthropy does not only hold a
special place in my heart, but is one of the four Pillars that our sorority
stands for. Whether it is helping out first years moving in to their residence
buildings, the Shinerama car wash for cystic fibrosis research, donating blood,
staying up all night at
Relay for Life for cancer research, pairing up with the
fraternities on campus, Zeta Psi or Alpha Epsilon Pi, or our fellow sorority
Omega Sigma Chi to raise money, these are just some of the few events we take
apart of.
Most recently, we have paired up with The Folk Arts Centre of St.
Catharines, to help raise money for new comers to Canada to help make their
immigration experience a little easier. Our main Philanthropy we take part of
each year is the Walk For Memories benefitting Alzheimer’s Research. The
Alzheimer’s Society is the sorority’s official Philanthropy- of all chapters.
It is amazing that we as a whole can all walk together as sisters every year,
whether it be in Ottawa, St. Catharines, Kingston, Peterborough or Orillia. Our
founding mothers chose this as our official philanthropy, as Alzheimer’s has
all affected their lives in some way. This also holds a special place in my
heart, as my great grandmother is suffering with dementia. Every penny makes a
difference every year, and we are always a top fundraiser in the Niagara
region. If reading this, I hope you understand more about what our Philanthropy
pillar is all about. Sororities are not all what you see on television or in
the movies, we don’t just party, we give back, we help out, we make a
difference in the community! I strongly suggest you come out and give us a try
during recruitment this year, no matter what age or what year of university.
During recruitment, you will get to see what we are all about, including our
Philanthropy. This year, rush the PHINEST and get on board to the best sorority
ever!
Phi Love Forever and Always,
Sister Williams-Sparaga B-050
