Helene Dang
It’s that time of year where the majority of fraternities and sororities start preparing their new members to get initiated to their place they can call their “second home.”
Alpha Xi Delta are one of those sororities that are preparing for their new members to be initiated on Saturday, Nov. 9. For those who aren’t quite familiar with the sorority, it is a social organization that commits to getting the best out of their college and life experience by getting involved and socializing at events on and off campus.
Founded in 1893, and established at Idaho State University in 2007, Alpha Xi Delta are one the families on campus that have been a “home away from home” for young ladies to grow and realize their potential. From participating on campus events and activities like homecoming week, supporting their other fellow Greeks, and being involved with the community such as spreading awareness to their philanthropy, Autism Speaks, they take the opportunities that are given to them to better and challenge themselves in their leadership positions and academics.
At the start of the fall semester, Alpha Xi Delta was one of the sororities that had recruitment week around mid-September. Since then, they have 11 new members that are preparing for initiation and they couldn’t be more excited for them. I asked each new member what influenced them to go to recruitment and joining the Greek life and how it has changed their college experience here at Idaho State University.
Allison Bevans, a new member went to recruitment to challenge herself.
“My influence to joining was to make new friends primarily. I didn’t know anyone doing it but I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and am so glad I did!”
Another new member, Chayse Nelson said, “Alpha Xi Delta has helped me become more involved with Idaho State University. It has pushed me to participate and lead in all the school events. My sorority has also gifted me with lifelong friends that I really appreciate.”
The goal of recruitment is to give students a chance to put their best foot out there and be themselves, giving the sororities a chance to give young ladies an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and to challenge themselves.
From there, the new members were trained to take on leadership positions such as helping put a Chili Feed Philanthropy Night to teach others about Autism Speaks, coordinating social and volunteering activities and events on campus and out towards the community and overall having fun with in their sorority activities.
Just recently, Alpha Xi Delta had their retreat at a cabin at Bear Lake, Utah. The point of retreat is to reveal who their “Bigs” are. For those who don’t know what Big and Little relationships are, it’s a special sorority/fraternity relationship where you receive a “Big” and “Little” sister/brother you can always look to.
Shelby Mathews said, “I would have to say that my favorite memory so far would be big/little retreat. One of the big reasons I joined the sorority was so that I could get to know other girls here at college that would be there for me no matter what and push me along the way. This retreat was the first event that I really began to understand the idea of “sisterhood” and was able to see these bonds form that will be present forever.”
We can’t wait to see these ladies grow as they take a commitment to be in a sisterhood that is not just for four years, but for life.
