Why are you a Sigma Kappa?

BY JANEL K. REEDY, THETA CHI
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATION

Why are you a Sigma Kappa? Sure, we all have a story about how we navigated recruitment and eventually became a Sigma Kappa. But, that isn’t what I am asking. Why are you a Sigma Kappa today? Why do your old, tattered letter shirts stay buried in a drawer and continue to claim space each time you reorganize? Why does a smile creep over your face when you spot your badge while hunting for your pearl earrings? Why do you insist on driving by the house/dorm/suite/lodge whenever you visit campus?

What is it about your Sigma Kappa experience that pulls on your heart and makes your membership so dear to you – something that you could never part with? Certainly, the memories play a role for all of us. For some, those memories are of events and places. For others, like me, those memories are of the people. When I think of what drew me to become an active chapter member and now an active alumna, it’s the people. They are what have shaped me and what have shaped my perception of Sigma Kappa. I love Sigma Kappa for the women who created it and the ones who continue to make it a viable and valuable experience for women of all ages.

What have the women I’ve met in Sigma Kappa done for me? Why do they collectively embody the spirit of our organization? Each one has truly lived our values of personal growth, service, friendship and loyalty. They have done so in a way that our Founders would be proud of. If our Founders were here to witness my Sigma Kappa journey and get to know these women, they would say, “This is what we envisioned.” 

My Sigma Kappa sisters have taught me how to harness my passion, to take my energy and emotions and create a solution to a problem or situation. By inspiring me, they have taught me how to inspire others. They have had faith in me, provided encouragement, and offered constructive criticism. They have thanked me for my hard work and given me more opportunities. But, most importantly, they have provided true friendship by building me up when I was down and trusting me to do the same for them. I am a Sigma Kappa because of the people in it!

Why are you a Sigma Kappa? Put on that letter shirt, make yourself a cup of tea, and dust off the old scrapbook or photo album and see what you come up with. I would love to hear from you at communication@sigmakappa.org.

Originally published in the SKoop, click here to view.