Memories by McKensie Griffis
I remember walking into Alpha Xi Delta on preference night 3 years ago. I truly cannot believe how time has flown, and how my nervousness that night led into excitement on Bid Day. That excitement has led me to take on new friendships, experiences, positions, and to reflect now on one of the best decisions I have ever made. As I’m entering my senior year, I look back on so many moments and memories I’ve had in Alpha Xi Delta.
One memory that stands out to me takes me back to my freshman year to my very first days in Alpha Xi. The first time my new member class spent the night at the house all together on the first Friday of the year. We had Bid Day that past Tuesday, and we had only known each other for a few short days. That Friday, being welcomed into the house by older sisters and our New Member Orientation Director, Riley, is still a distinct moment in my early days of feeling welcomed into the chapter. My member class immediately bonded that night by watching Mean Girls, telling stories and getting to know one another, and of course, making each other laugh endlessly.
I met sisters that night that would go on to be my roommates, sisters, and lifelong friends. I remember getting dinner at the West Village Dining Hall, and then going to the house after for the sleepover being super nervous. We got to spend time with our rose buddy the whole weekend, and I remember going to get smoothies after a Pure Barre class sisterhood retreat the next morning. I had only been in the chapter four days, and sisters who were two years older than me were already laughing with me and supporting me like I had known them for years. There are so many firsts. The first time I walked into the Alpha Xi Delta house during recruitment and met Varsha, who is now working with me as Membership Vice President. The first time I spent hours upon hours in the library for finals with Ashmita and Caroline. The first time out of the country, I had Miya as my roommate and a group of Alpha Xis by my side on study abroad. From the little moments to the big moments, Alpha Xi Delta has become my home away from home. I cannot believe this is my last recruitment, and my final preference ceremony coming up in a few short days. It makes me so sentimental, but so incredibly excited for the legacy of this chapter that the next initiated women will build for years to come. I could not be prouder to call myself an Alpha Xi Delta, and I can’t wait to see what lifelong memories are to come.