Why DPhiE

Recruitment week has come and gone yet again this semester, and as always it makes all of the sisters reflect on our past in Delta Phi Epsilon and what we are looking for in the future of this sorority. In my senior year, I’m feeling pretty sentimental about it all. I joined DPhiE in the fall of 2013 as a spur of the moment decision. As a sophomore, I wasn’t very involved on campus. Okay, I wasn’t involved at all. I went to class, spent all of my breaks on the third floor of the library, and then I went home. I didn’t care about Shawnee State. The person who later became my Big played a huge role in getting me to even consider coming to a recruitment event. We worked together and she basically pestered me until I almost thought about it. Then the night of the event I just decided, why the heck not? I went after work and was only at the event for about 20 minutes but I quickly realized that I liked what was going on there. Before I knew it, I had accepted a bid, was going through the New Member process, and became a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon.

A question that all of us get asked a lot is, “Why did you join DPhiE?” In the end, I don’t think I could answer that question because at the time I had no idea why I was joining except it was just something to do. So I really can’t give you a heartfelt answer. However, I can tell you why I stayed in DPhiE

I stayed for the confidence. Before DPhiE, and even right after I was initiated, I was shy and quiet, and still not very involved. But the more I got to know people, the more events we put on, and the more I just let myself explore new things, my confidence level completely changed. Without DPhiE, I wouldn’t voice my opinions or speak up to ask a question when it involves strangers listening to me. I wouldn’t have gotten on a plane to London without ever flying beforehand or even thought about studying abroad. And I would not be the President of this chapter today. This confidence I have found with all of my sisters is something that I will be forever grateful for.

I also stayed in DPhiE for the support. When I joined DPhiE, I wasn’t in the best place, and this sorority, these women that are always there, offered me a home away from home. When things got bad, I would have a note pressed in my hand after a meeting telling me that they were saying an extra prayer for me. I would get a random sweet tea left on my desk at work, or just a shoulder always waiting for me to cry on; and there were a lot of times I needed those shoulders throughout the past years. Without DPhiE’s support, I honestly do not know how I would have handled things.

Most importantly, the biggest reason I stayed was for the connections. I never had sisters before this, and that means I never knew what I was missing out on. I have an absolutely amazing Big that has been my rock and role model for going on three years now. I would be lost without her. I have one beautiful Little that puts a smile on my face every time I’m with her no matter how busy we are and how little time we get to spend together. And I have a set of best friends I could not have found anywhere else; someone to craft with, someone to laugh with, and someone to explain my life using a bowl of pasta at Applebee’s. The cliché is that your sisters will be your bridesmaids at your wedding. Well when I get married (you know, in 15 years), I not only have my bridesmaids, but my event planner as well (thanks Brittany!). I never had connections like this before and it’s something I never realized that I needed.

I shared a quote the other day that I feel like sums up my experience in this sorority. I want to share it all with you as well. "People ask why I am in a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say. More than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, and obligation, or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve all your problems. But I have made good friends and found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time."

So why have I shared all of this? When recruiting new sisters, one of our biggest concerns is who is going to be involved their entire college career and who is just there for recruitment. It is always important to have a commitment that will be there until a sister becomes an alumnae; and then after that as well. The quote everyone hears is, “it’s not four years; it’s for life.” For me it will only be three years. Those three years will be filled with new experiences, new challenges, and new best friends, who just happened to be my sisters. DPhiE was not just something that I was a part of; Delta Phi Epsilon is a part of me.

            Amber Montavon

            President

            Gamma Class