A band of sisters joined together in lifelong achievement, standing together holding similar values and beliefs. Sororities are something that most of us wondered about as children when watching movies and reading books that glorified the prestigious status of the Greek community. Though this vision of Greek life can incite judgement in some people, in reality, Greek life is very different from the stereotypes. A group of girls joined together to support one another through anything, as your long lost sisters. Sure, one may get the typical experiences like mixers with Fraternities, the pledging and initiation process. But under all the hate and generalizations the Greek community endures lies something deeper than just getting wasted with Greeks, partying with Greeks, and more drinking with Greeks.
All the sororities and fraternities on campus offer great opportunities for any student. Through Greek life, you can form valuable networks, find job and volunteer opportunities, learn invaluable skills, and so much more. There is a true sense of community and sisterhood connection that can be found in all the sororities on our campus.
A new emerging Sorority at uOttawa is taking on the challenge of showing the values of sisterhood, to battle the Greek stereotypes. Their values lie in sisterhood, scholarship, service, loyalty, leadership and character development. The purpose is to help develop a strong relationship among the sisters and shine light on what is really important in life, especially in this critical stage in our lives. This sorority is Alpha Phi Lambda.
What’s a bit different about this sorority is that they just started this semester. They started with 5 passionate young women: Sharan Bhella, Amelia Cranfield, Bismah Haq, Jane Williams, and Roshni Lad. Though Alpha Phi Lambda has only been around for a short time, they have accepted 5 new class members to double their member count. But why start a new sorority when there are already many amazing ones at uOttawa? The International sorority of Alpha Phi best represents the moral and social values of these ladies, which is what is most important to them. Alpha Phi Lambda’s President Sharan Bhella says, “When I was searching for a sorority to join, Alpha Phi just seemed to be the best fit for me. It is an older institution that has had a lot of success in the past and has incredible potential on our campus.” Alpha Phi was founded in 1872 at Syracuse University by 10 ambitious and brave women. Alpha Phi Lambda is currently a local sorority acting as a petitioning colony for Alpha Phi’s International Women’s Fraternity and hopes to become a recognized chapter in the future.
uOttawa sororities often dedicate themselves to a cause. Alpha Phi Lambda participates in community service efforts, specifically to benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You may see the girls dressed in their letters doing a ‘Sucker Run’, handing out candy and condoms in exchange for donations on Ottawa party nights. Though they may be freezing their buns off this winter walking around the Byward Market or outside clubs like Union Station, they are doing it for a great cause! You might also see their name on headlines, along with other fraternities and sororities, of club events, with ticket proceeds going to the Heart and Stroke and other organizations.
In such a short time, the ladies of Alpha Phi Lambda have managed to successfully get their name out there, while staying on top of their studies. University life can be hard: working, participating in extra-curriculars, spending time with loved ones, and finding the time to study. It seems impossible. But with the help from her fellow sisters, Alpha Phi Lambda President Sharan Bhella finds the time to make it all possible and make Alpha Phi Lambda sisterhood something special.
If you’re interested in pledging, why not take a look at Alpha Phi Lambda’s winter recruitment (next semester) or find a sorority at uOttawa that will surely enhance your university experience! Find out what Greek life is really all about and maybe you will see the community in a different light.
Alpha Phi Lambda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alpha…
Twitter: @AlphaPhiLamdba
Listing of Sororities: http://www.sfuo.ca/clubs/clubs…
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