Leading up to this late night event, the Sisters of Epsilon Kappa had been going through a considerable amount of stress and emotional turmoil. It was a time when we all needed a chance to remember how connected we all are in the bond of our Sisterhood. Alli called for this mystery event so that we could mend our bonds. The event took place on the roof of a building in Westwood, overlooking the dark night lit by the city lights. Underneath the gazebo were piles of pillows and blankets, lit by white string lights. On one side of us stood 5 lit candles representing our Qualities, and on the other stood 8 lit candles for our Essential Factors, For the beginning of the night, we sat around, close to each other to stay warm, with blankets and in comfort of each other. In our intimate setting, we unleashed our worries and embraced our Sisterhood. After a few minutes of getting cozy- Alli turned on the Enya music. This is when we all reached- out and touched the Sisters who have touched our lives. We all sat in a circle with our eyes closed and a few at a time stood up outside of the circle. These Sisters were asked, “Touch someone who has been a good Sister to you.” With eyes closed, all you could do was focus on that hand touching your shoulder as the words hung in the air. These words represented the things that I have done as a Sister and the taps on my shoulder represented the people I have affected.
“touch someone who makes you smile”
“…someone who has more potential than they think”
“…someone who makes you laugh”
“…someone who you have cried with”
“…someone who knows all your secrets”
“…someone who you want to get to know better”
“…someone you love”
We all took turns sitting and standing. When Alli read aloud the directions, the most rewarding part was getting the opportunity to run around the circle and touch those Sisters. I couldn’t make it around the circle in time to tap the shoulders of all of the Sisters who have affected my life in that night. Even if we had gone on all night, I would not have had enough time to explain to each Sister why and how I have been touched by that individual. I realized in that moment, that these men and women have changed my life in the experiences that we have shared with each other. This event was a great way for us to each, anonymously, be acknowledged by the Sisters that we have affected, reminding each of us how important our role is to Epsilon Kappa, and how deeply we have strengthened these bonds on a personal level. We also had the opportunity to realize how each Sister has affected us individually. I am so thankful that my Sisters have reached-out and touched my life.
- Ashley McFadden, Alpha Mu
Western District Vice President of Membership, 2011-2012
Epsilon Kappa Secretary, 2010-2011
