FAMILY TIES THAT BIND The Common Bonds of Alpha Sigma Tau By: Joanna Barrett (Epsilon Epsilon 2007/JWU North Miami) Contributors: Kate Sweeney (Gamma Theta 2004/Penn State Behrend), Justina Solties (Gamma Theta 2007/Penn State Behrend) Pennsylvania natives Juli, Melissa, and Jill are sisters by blood and Sisters by choice. They went their own ways when it came to choosing a college, but when they were seeking a community of their own at school, they all agreed Alpha Sigma Tau was the place for them. Though their collegiate chapter experiences varied a bit from one another, they ultimately received the same sense of belonging, community of support, and elevated sense of self from their Alpha Sigma Tau experience. It’s been thirty years since Juli Herring Miller (Beta Nu 1989/Bloomsburg) was initiated into Alpha Sigma Tau. Like some first-year students, Juli found herself unhappy and out of place during her first semester of college. It wasn’t until she found a home in Alpha Sigma Tau that she felt like she belonged. Little did she know her decision to join the Sorority would also have an impact on her two younger sisters who would follow in her footsteps and seek out Alpha Sigma Tau as their home-awayfrom-home. Like many younger sisters, Melissa Herring Bower (Alpha Pi 1994/Slippery Rock) and Jill Herring Flatley (Beta Iota 2000/Millersville) both looked up to Juli and took note as Alpha Sigma Tau played a leading role in her happiness and fulfillment at college. Melissa credits her stronger connection to Alpha Sigma Tau to Juli’s lead. Jill, the youngest sister, adds, “Watching both of my sisters going through these positive experiences that I wasn’t knowledgeable about brought up curiosity for me. After hearing my sisters’ sentiments, there really was no second-guessing my choice to join Alpha Sigma Tau.” Juli, Melissa, and Jill went from being biological sisters to also being sorority Sisters, and it added another layer of connection between the siblings. They are now lifelong members of a 120-year-old organization that inspires women to seek a higher standard. “Even though there was a five-year age difference between us, I called Juli a lot to lean on her as the older sister. F AL L 2019 • T H E ANCH O R
She listened to me share my experiences and what I was learning. She shared with me her experiences, as well. Despite our age difference, we chose a similar path in a lot of ways, and we value sisterhood, sorority, family, friendships, and our careers,” says Melissa. Through being members of the same organization and sharing the values of Alpha SIgma Tau, Jill adds that the sisters “now have a double bond with each other.”
A Family Affair The impact Alpha Sigma Tau has had on these women runs deeper than their relationship with one another. Other generations of their family have also seen how much positivity Alpha Sigma Tau has brought to the Herring sisters. “For me, joining AΣT was one of the best choices I’ve made, and I see the impact it’s had on me and for our family. Our mother recently shared with me that she is proud that we all joined AΣT and are successful in our lives.” Juli continues, “She knew AΣT was a good choice for her girls.” Alpha Sigma Tau is also bringing the siblings closer together with the next generation of Herring women. Jill shared that she recently spoke with her niece (Juli’s daughter) about the benefits of joining a fraternal organization. The three sisters were able to share their own experiences, and connect with Juli’s daughter while reminiscing on their own cherished memories. Jill reflects, “The fact that Juli, Melissa, and I were able to show her what sorority is about is meaningful to me.” 24
