SIGMA SEVEN’S If I Could Go Back

By Mary L. Bankhead, M.A., M.S.

In today’s world of hustle culture, the next new thing, and Google, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind and overlook one of our most precious resources: the wisdom from those who have walked the paths we are now traversing. Our sisterhood spans nearly seven generations of Sorors with invaluable knowledge, and we will soon welcome Generation Alpha into the Sigma Family. As our membership continues to diversify in age, we encourage members to “sit at the knee” of and learn from the experiences of our Ruby, Life Member, and Cultured Pearl Sorors. We hope to inspire the transformational power of listening, learning, and reflecting on the stories of those who have walked the path of life before us.

Bessie Fono

Delta Alpha Sigma | Augusta, GA

Ruby and Life Member #480

With 53 years of Sigma membership, I share the following words of love and wisdom for the Sigma Family:

1 | Keep a positive attitude.

2 | Listen — you can learn a lot just by listening.

3 | Come in ready to work, especially with what your gift or interest is.

4 | Find a Soror who you feel at ease talking to as a mentor.

5 | Ask questions when uncertain about something.

6 | Illuminate that Sigma love.

“You can’t dance at every party.” This means you cannot do everything, go everywhere, or meet everyone’s expectations in Sigma; and this is okay! Devote your time to the parts of Sigma that give you life, and the flame within you will burn forever.

Viretta Vann

Zeta Pi Sigma | Greenville, NC Ruby and Life Member #2182

“Be bold, be strong, and learn who you are. Learn how to stand on your feet and speak for yourself. I was online Fall ‘78 and I started out with 5 and end up going over by myself. As a result, I ended up becoming strong, bold, and stood up for myself.”

Yolanda Mattox

Alpha Sigma | Indianapolis, IN Ruby Member

1 | Go to Conferences, go to the business meetings, and learn the business of Sigma. If you don’t understand ask a Soror, they would be glad to help you understand.

2 | Remember your why. There was something that attracted you to Sigma and made you want to join. Always keep that in your mind.

3 | Every Soror isn’t going to be a Sister. Don’t let a “mean girl” Soror run you away from Sigma. Sigma needs your talents and abilities to become greater.

4 | There will be times when Life gets the best of you. Don’t shy away from the sisterhood then. Stay active, come to all the public events and service projects so much that the chapter will think you are financial.

5 | Don’t get stuck in “chapter-hood.” You will miss out on meeting some amazing Sorors that way.

6 | Undergrads matriculate to the grad chapter in your area. Get a mentor in the grad chapter if you don’t already have one.

7 | Don’t forget about the Cultured Pearls! These women have so many stories and history to share. Take the time to talk to them and soak up all their knowledge.

Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays

Gamma Phi Sigma | Houston, TX

Ruby and Life Member #497

“Give your best to Sigma and it will give its best to you. Remember why you joined and never let anyone turn you away from this sorority.”

Cynthia Metoyer

Beta Mu Sigma | Phoenix, AZ

Ruby, Cultured Pearl, and Life Member #615

Amplify greater in all that you do. Amplifying greater to me means living out Luke 6:27-28 and Proverbs 18:20-21.

Luke 6:27-28 - But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

Proverbs 18:20-21 - Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

We are Sorors, Sisters, Women! We know that in life, we will not please everyone all the time, but if we are willing, with God’s help, we can follow His path of living life with others. Sometimes we offend unintentionally, and maybe intentionally, but with God’s help, we can amplify greater in all that we do by living a great and noble way of life.

Valerie Johnson-Reed

Lambda Omega Sigma | Spring, TX Ruby Member

“Get to know the older Sorors who have knowledge and wisdom. You will learn many valuable things from being in the sorority, but don’t limit your interactions with just your chapter, get to know other members of the sorority.”