CWRU Alpha Phi
Zeta Pi Chapter
Sisterhood
Sisterhood isn't something you can explain concisely, it's something you experience. It's walking through campus and seeing a face you don't see as often as you'd like, but smiling every time you do. It's running into the dining room ready to eat that night's dinner and hear about everyone's day. It's dedicating an evening to crying then laughing, then crying from how much you were laughing or vice-versa. It isn't pristine and it isn't perfect, but we wouldn't trade our sisterhood for the world. Whether you're up, down or in between, Alpha Phi is somewhere we have learned what it is to feel sisterhood as opposed to attempting to define it.
Our chapter is built upon friendships new and old that grow whether we're together or apart and has given us a space to look out for one another as we bring out the best in each other and ourselves. Though we shine individually, it's when we're with our sisters that we shine the brightest and we're fortunate to be a part of a sisterhood that truly lasts a lifetime.
Scroll down to learn more about a few of the programs and events that make up a bit of the Alpha Phi experience.
Big Little Program
Big and little, biggie + leetle, large n smalls, mom and child - no matter how you say it, phamily lines are the ties that bind.
Joining a chapter full of 100+ women all eager to meet you can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've got bigs, grandbigs and great-grandbigs to help lead the way. Whether she's your best friend, your mentor, your second mom or all three wrapped into one package, a big (and in our experience, our littles too) is your partner-in-crime that can make the scary new adventure that is Greek Life something worth exploring.
Every new member receives a big sister, usually a member of the previous pledge class, during her first semester before initiation and typically has the opportunity to take a little during her third. Before receiving their bigs, our new phis have the opportunity to get to know all of our older members through our Ivy Linking and Senior Lily Programs, giving them the opportunity to go on fun dates with their new sisters and providing them the chance to bond with our seniors, who are usually in their last semester as a active member in the spring.
Check out below to see what our sisters had to say about their bigs and littles!
“My pham line is there for me through thick and thin. I could never put into words how appreciative and grateful I am for Maheen and Ishani and for us to be bonded through our pham line. I feel their constant support in all aspects in my life, the good & the bad, and we’ve created wonderful, fun, and crazy memories together! To our infamous boba dates to naming our pham line the Baby Cows, I’m so grateful I can call them my big and my little!”
Anoushka (PC '20) on Ishani (PC '19) and Maheen (PC '21)
"My big, Cam has made my experience in Alpha Phi the best! She has been my role model, cheerleader and most importantly, my best friend. I couldn’t ask for a better big who has made my experience in Alpha Phi everything I could hope for and more."
Madison (PC '21) on Cam (PC '20)
"I am truly lucky to have Katrina and Claire as my littles, biggest supporters, sidekicks, and aesthetic inspirations. There's never a dull moment with them (whether it be making candles, trying vegan food, or having nightly shenanigans) and they truly make Alpha Phi feel like home."
Sharon (PC '17) on Katrina (PC '18) and Claire (PC '19)
"My big, Sharmila, has been my rock ever since I joined my pham line. She is always there for constant laughs advice, and support. I know she has my back no matter what "
Riya (PC '19) on Sharmila (PC '18)
"The best thing about having a big to me is that even if you don't talk everyday, you know they've always got your back, and will always look out for you and support you no matter the situation. My big, Bridget, has always encouraged me to be the best version of myself and gives me advice on anything I need from nursing to friendships!"
Maddie (PC '21) on Bridget (PC '20)​
My little Amanda has really been an amazing addition to my time in Alpha Phi, even now in my senior year. Being two years older than her, she has helped me remain connected to the chapter and helps me get out to do fun things other than school. When I first met Amanda, she was already so dedicated to her passions and it has been really inspiring to see her transfer that same dedication to the chapter and being a leader for others.
Abigail (PC '19) on Amanda (PC '21)
Sisterhood and Social Events
As if we needed reasons to spend more time together, each semester, our Director of Sisterhood and VP of Member Education and Programming put together a series of sisterhood events that give us time to take our heads out of the books and pencil in some quality time with our fellow phis. You name an activity and we've probably done it together - holding each other up while ice skating, laying back on beach days, staying up until 4am at chapter sleepovers, discussing movement like #MeToo, getting lost in corn mazes, organizing impromptu 30-person Mitchell's runs and rocking face masks while relaxing at spa nights.
Outside of our sisterhood events, our Director of External Events plans mixers where we mix and mingle with members of our Greek Community. We've run through haunted houses with the brother of Delta Sigma Phi, stretched into downward dog with the sisters of Phi Mu, and enjoyed pancake breakfasts with the brothers of Phi Kappa Theta. Additionally, our Director of Internal Events and VP of Risk Management throw our annual end-of-the-school year formal, planning unforgettable evenings at locations like the Cleveland Aquarium, the Arcade or Tudor Arms Hotel.