The Soror and The Sorority: AriaDaLinee
AriaDaLinee@IMVU
As we all know, Greek life is a major aspect of IMVU, and the community is constantly growing and welcoming newly established organizations as well as IMVU chapters of real life organizations. We had the pleasure of meeting with one of the founders of the IMVU chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, AriDaLinee, for an interview. This gave us the chance to learn about why they chose to make a chapter of a real life sorority, their pledging process, and what we can look forward to from them as an organization.
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The founding of ZPhiB. Zeta Phi Beta was originally founded on January 1, 1920 and the sisters, AriaDaLinee@IMVU and BrianaAcosta@IMVU, came together on May 28, 2016 to create their IMVU chapter. Aria researched all sororities in the Divine Nine by reading up their history and watching videos, but was drawn to ZPhiB the most leading to its establishment. We asked why they decided to open a chapter of a real life sorority instead of creating something new, Aria responded, “I feel as though sometimes creating a brand new sorority from scratch has its luster, but there's no real element behind it. Much respect to those who do it though - But for many of us, we prefer one that is already established with rich history and purpose.” History and tradition is seemingly very important to Aria and her sisters.
Being different. Now we know there are a lot of sororities on IMVU and you may be asking what makes them different than the others, so Aria responded, “By being the 3rd sorority of the Divine Nine. Everybody and they mama try to be the first two - AKA and DST. I mean, in my own opinion it is kind of overrated the way that goes. For ZPhiB, we aren't focused on mass recruiting members and having a big sorority. We're focused on quality. We may be one of the least sought out sororities as opposed to the others but we have the best ladies connected to us. To each other, we have genuine bonds with one another. They are not easily broken. We pride ourselves on that.”
The ZPhiB vision. ZPhiB have a very specific vision on what they want to emulate within the Greek community. They uphold the principles of sorority life which are scholarship, service, sisterly love and finer womanhood by being a community-conscious, action-oriented organization. They have a positive movement as they align very closely to the real life processes and beliefs of women in this sorority. This involves planning events to raise awareness to world issues, such as illnesses, social issues, and human rights. They also have a very unique plan in motion to create a youth group for females on IMVU, aged between 13-17 years old. Aria explained, “Our goal and mission for this group is for them to have Big Sisters to look up to as role models as we enrich them in leadership skills, personal and professional development and even IMVU activities like learning how to create, edit, run a successful event, etc.” - Now that sounds encouraging and exciting!
How to pledge with ZPhiB. First and foremost, ZPhiB do not go out searching for pledges. They expect pledges to research them and approach them, expressing interest. Aria is often in the ZPhiB office when they are accepting pledges. Drop by for a chat with her, and get your interview set up. You will have to pass through the interview stage prior to pledging.
The pledging process. ZPhiB have a four week span dedicated solely to the “pledging” process set out in three stages. Stage one runs through the first two weeks of pledging and that’s where pledges learn about the sorority as well as all D9 organizations. Stage two runs through the third week, emphasizing on the value and importance of being a woman and what it means to ZPhiB. Pledges are expected to participate in discussions on several topics to help in their development. Stage three runs through the fourth week, focussing on the crossover and practicing for the public probate. Take note, pledging ZPhiB is not for all. Only those who excel will crossover, while others may be cut.
Aria stated, “The Sigma Phi Chapter of ZPhiB isn't just pledging, it's a journey to finer womanhood.” She described the process as, “going through a change within you that makes you a better person - it helps you learn more about yourself and you're receptive to the bonds that form between the women who are alongside you. It's an experience that uplifts you and refines you into being the finer woman that you're to become."
The pledging expectations. ZPhiB expects to see motivation and determination from their pledges, dedicating at least an hour daily for class as they keep in touch with their line sisters. They expect pledges to show they really want it, rather than being wishy-washy. They understand that each person is different with some having more flexible schedules than others, but taking that hour out for the sorority shows the commitment to moving forward with ZPhiB.
The brotherhood. As far as fraternities and brotherhood go, ZPB is the only D9 sorority that is constitutionally bound to a D9 fraternity which means any member of the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma on IMVU will be your brother. This ZPB chapter does have a brother chapter which is specifically connected to them. It is an upcoming Phi Beta Sigma chapter that they dedicate one another to helping eachother out. It is an important bond they have in real life and Aria wants to bring that to IMVU. It can be tough as many people seek out AKA and DST for sororities & APA and KAPsi for fraternities. Phi Beta Sigma is one of the least sought out but they’re hoping to have a good turn out.
As you can see, this sorority as well as its belief system and what it upholds within the community means the world to Aria. We wish her and her sisters nothing but the best on their journey and we hope that we have opened your eyes to a new option within the Greek community.
“I appreciate the time you've taken to hear about me, my sorority/chapter, my lovely sorority sisters and even our amazing pledges. It's great to get more people informed about us especially being one of the less popular D9 sororities on IMVU. We've got new members coming and greatness in store for us and IMVU. Thank you again!” - AriDaLinee
