The Significance of Our Symphony
The Chi Omega Symphony was written by Ethel Switzer Howard, Xi Chapter, 1904. Switzer was a pledge when she wrote the symphony (way to start her membership with a bang!). In my opinion, the Symphony explains what a true Chi Omega is and what she stands for while encapsulating our founding purposes which are friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement, and personal and career development.
Ever since I joined Chi O last August, I was immediately drawn to the symphony. I thought it was so beautifully written, and I love seeing it come to life in the people I meet in Chi O.
The symphony begins with “To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed.” Although starting college and joining a sorority are big steps to take, it is important to stay humble and true to yourself. I think the first line is a great reminder of that.
Since the beginning of my time in Chi O, we are constantly told “to place scholarship before social obligations.” Of course, there are a lot of social events that Greek life and college in general have to offer, but most importantly, we are in college for an education! Chi O always strives for us to work to the best of our abilities in the classroom.
“To be, in the best sense, democratic rather than ‘exclusive’, and lovable rather than ‘popular.” I would say this line is one of the most popular lines from the symphony. It teaches you that it is more important to be inclusive and enchanting instead of attempting to compete in a non-existent popularity contest. One of my favorite things about Chi O is that it is so common to have friends in pledge classes above you who are so welcoming and loving. I am so blessed by my friends who are older than me because they have been such a big help to me while I was trying to navigate my freshman year.
The next line of the symphony is my personal favorite. It reads, “to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully.” I cannot even begin to list the people that come to mind every time I read over this line. It is also such a great reminder for the personal standards I should hold myself to each and everyday.
“To have her welfare ever at heart” is a phrase I struggled with the meaning of for a while. Although I have led myself to believe that we, as members, should act in a way that reflects the goodness and sincerity behind Chi Omega as a whole.
The symphony is such an integral part of Chi O both nationally and at Mississippi State. I am very thankful to have it to apply to my life and see it in every one of my sisters. All of the lines come together to paint this beautiful picture of a historic and thriving fraternity.
