'The universe knows exactly who you are and what you need'

I was born in Fort-de-France, Martinique and my youthful years were spent in Haiti.

Quite the timid one, I was often misunderstood, but I would soon find my wings through the infinite marriage of my journey to my beloved Sigma Gamma Rho.

I first wore my blue and gold insignia at the age of 10, while still in middle school, when I attended an elite, private institution whose motto was PATCH (Punctuality, Altruism, Travail, Conduit, and Honesty. We, the students, lived by it, for it, and it formed us to be who we are today.

At the age of 14, I gathered six friends to form a group called “RoGuiNaKHeDo.” The name is derived from our first names put together: Rose-Emelyne, Guirlaine, Nadiege, Annouchka, Kethia, Helange and Dominique.

We felt there was more to life than being just roaming teenagers. Our interests differed from the usual crowd and we wanted to give back to our communities. We wanted to bring a smile to the less fortunate and help people. We held a few fundraisers. We visited one of Haiti’s worst hospitals, in hopes of bringing awareness to the struggling healthcare system and the conditions to which women were giving birth because they couldn’t afford healthcare.

We also wanted to shed light on teen pregnancies, which was very common in the poorest neighborhoods, and the school necessities for children of the very less fortunate. We conducted workshops for our fellow students, bringing awareness on teen pregnancy, HIV and any other teen issues that affected their lives.

However, most people in the society we lived in weren’t ready for us. They weren’t ready for our dreams to see daylight and our attempt to change the world. We were just seven 14-year-olds with dreams that were just too big.

Over the years, we attempted other avenues to keep helping, however life drifted us away. Some of us left the country, while others continued to volunteer with the school to make a change, either by signing up to help plant trees or by volunteering at school events.

In 1994, I migrated to the Bronx to finish my education. Up until then, I had made education my refuge from the daily life and society. I was unaware of Greek life. However, I still felt there was more to my life than to just being a good student and striving for perfection without finding a purpose. Someone once told me that I was a dreamer because I attempted to establish my own group and that my thoughts of reality were just dreams.

Indeed, I loved my dream world. I worked hard to develop a passion for being among women who wanted to live life with a purpose, who believed in something, who believed they could achieve something greater, granted they all have similar mindsets and have similar interests.

In searching and inquiring, someone vaguely mentioned the words “Greek organizations” and I became eager for answers. I searched and read histories and learned about their colors.

I came upon Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc., representing an illustrious group of women who are striving to uphold their sorority’s history. I smiled and my heart skipped a beat as I was getting more acquainted with who Sigma women were.

I discovered how different they are. They are educated women who have a big heart; who love life and the little things that make it worthwhile; who cultivate self-respect and respect of others; women with an open mind who pay no mind to pettiness; women who have gone through molds and motions and at the end of the day realize that there’s nothing wrong with being themselves - sensitive, genuine, vulnerable, yet strong and on fire to serve.

They carry the royal torch. I quickly made an inquiry for membership through the Delta Nu Sigma Chapter in Westchester, New York and when members responded, I looked at my blue and gold insignia that I carried with me on this day and decided that it was time that my living hope was to positively impact those whose hearts have been touched by my words over the years.

I, therefore, clearly made the decision to pursue my desire of inspiring others through becoming a Sigma woman.

As I continued to dream by upholding my promise to my sorority, I became aware that I wasn’t really a member of just a Black Greek organization with a rich history, I belonged to a family of women who, one way or the other, have found their path just like me to Sigma.

I belong to a group of women who work hard day and night on projects or fundraise for scholarships.

I belong to a group of sisters, who, no matter where we are, our letters, colors, our motto and our promise will keep us bonded. With my sorority and my chapter, I have found my voice. People are listening and are aware of the causes and are helping.

When at first I said, “The universe knows exactly who you are and what you need,” I truly believe in its power because it is to no wonder when I moved to Atlanta with my family, I became a member of Eta Sigma Chapter, the very first Sigma Gamma Rho chapter established in the city. I have much pride for being part of such a rich history and being able to uphold the torch of greatness. After seven years being a part of this phenomenal sorority, I can only say that my journey with Sigma has only just begun.