Getting Involved!

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