To the Seniors

Congratulations to the Class of 2012, and Forte ;)!

I realize that I may not be posting this blog entry much as a publicity (since I am no longer one, hehe) but more as a personal note to my dear Sigma seniors who just graduated. So pardon me if it's a bit random, (although I'm sure nothing can beat the randomness of "From Carlson, By Starlit")

Considering that many seniors will be staying in New York after graduation, I have no doubt that there will always be chances to reunite, whether in the city or in the great old Rochester. Nevertheless, I think I’m more worried about spending my last year at UR without the sisters who have become role models and mentors in my life.

Forte, Ebullience and Vitalia

Stop rolling your eyes. I know the class of 2012 is only one year above me, and most of them still make as many questionable life decisions as I do, but that one year makes a difference. You girls and I are basically the same age—so we can still relate to one another—but we’re also at two different points in life. In the past almost-three years at UR, whenever I needed an answer to one of my existential questions, all I needed to do was grab a green tea latte at Starbucks with any of you. We all know that we are nowhere close to the perfect role models, but lack of perfection doesn’t mean that we don’t have something to teach others.

“Who’s going to grab coffee with me next year?” I’ve started wondering to myself and actually, that's the thought that terrifies me the most. 

Ebullience and Comet

I’m not ready to be a senior and I’m sure there are other juniors who feel the same way. “Well, personally, I’m ready to be a senior. There’s a certain ease on campus that they carry,” remarked one of my classmates. What if I don’t think I carry that ease yet? Do I just fake it? I’m not sure if any juniors will come to me for advice next semester, since I think I’m pretty ill-suited to doling out bits of practical wisdom. However, I want to listen. Maybe that’s where the air of “ease” that my friend mentioned comes from. Ease comes from knowing you survived three years at this institution, and you can handle it—and thrive, even—for another year. So, if an underclassman comes to me with distress on her face about her finals, I can be empathetic because I went through the same worries. But I also did just fine, and I can at least try to assure her that she will too­—and give her my old study guides. Because that how you guys helped me through my years here.

Misaki and Vitalia

Anyway, to the class of 2012, I’m not sure to whom I’ll turn when you’re all gone from campus. Maybe I’ll finally call my mom more. But thanks for the coffee dates, shoulders to cry on, arms to hug, laughs to share, boozy brunches, frantic emails and text messages, study guides, late-night study sessions, memories that should probably be forgotten and memories that should never be forgotten. The class of 2013 will pass it on next year.

SyriAe and Andante

One more time, congratulations to Forte, Ebullience, Vitalia, Misaki, Andante, Comet, SyriAe!

Iota Chapter would not be where we are right now with all your work, dedication and passion. Thank you for everything you have done for us and you will forever be our sisters, heart and soul. We do not want to say good bye because tomorrow when we stand there to become a part of your world, we would look for those familiar faces, who would draw their hands out and share their experiences with us. Please come visit us often (it's Rochester, I know) and hang out with us when we come visit. And whenever you have time, don't hesitate to chat, skype or call us, maybe?

[From a super-sad-because-there's-no-one-at-Starbucks-anymore Cavatina]

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Iotas at Installs

Time flies. Before everyone actually realized, we had our last chapter last week and soon enough, it was time for our annual Installs. We all had a fun evening to officially welcome "Aquilina" and "Reaper" into the syzterhood and to celebrate a year of hard work that everyone has put in.


It was a brilliant idea (by Vitalia, I think) to suggest that we should all wear red this year. All the sisters looked extremely nice and Sigmalicious in their red dresses, while the neos looked adorable and fresh ;) in their white attire. Although, Miki and I were stopped multiple times at the restaurant and were asked about who were were and what we were doing (imagine a room full of Asian girls wearing red, I'm not surprised that people were curious, lol)

We started of the evening with a sister event in Riverview. PE Misaki made an adorable and creative video clip to celebrate and welcome the two outstanding girls of the Iota Phi class. Misaki's voice and various clips of Aquilina filled the room with laughters (only because we love you, Aquilina <3).

Next, we had Starlit and Allegro, who have always been famous for their lyrics writing and rapping skills, presented us with a rap song written by themselves.  I wish I had gotten a video of this. However, by popular request, they will be filming an official MV of the song sometime soon :)

Last but not least, we ended the sister event with a senior send-off slideshow that was put together using messages from each of us given to the seniors. The messages and pictures reminded all of us of all the great memories that we shared and all the worked that the seniors had done for Iota Sigmas. We couldn't have been here without you guys. We hoped that you enjoyed the slideshow and that everytime you watch it, you will want to visit us :) (Thanks for the amazing sense of humor of Aranea and Miki and their hilarious messages, social chairs have failed to bring the seniors to tears, which totally was our original purpose, lol)


At around 8PM, we headed out to Bistro 135 in East Rochester for the long-awaiting dinner. We all had a great time bonding with each other over delicious dinner and relaxing atmosphere.

We also handed out sister awards and senior gifts. Sister awards is always my most favorite part of Installs because it shows how much we understand each other, pay attention to what each other does and appreciate each other strengths.

For this year senior gift, we made glass vases with picture collages of the seniors. We hope that everytime you use the vase for whatever purpose, you will think of us too (hehehe, we are determined to haunt your life in every way possible). Hope you all liked the gifts!

Aquilina and I did some magic trick and treated everyone to personalized fortune cookies as desserts for everyone. Okay, some were cute, some were .... stupid, and some didn't have a point, but you girls all liked the idea I hope.

Soon enough, it was picture time. Thank you so much for our pro photographer Comet and Forte for taking beautiful pictures of us, and bearing the cold weather why the rest of the chapter cuddled under the heater. All the pictures came out extremely nice. We all looked pretty and happy :) For more pictures, please stalk our facebooks :)

Every parties eventually have to come to an end. It was a great night spending with everyone and I really hope that everyone had a fabulous time. Thank you so much Priscilla and Michelle for taking you time and joining us. It was so great getting to hang out with you guys.

Installs was a nice ending to a very Sigmalicious year. We have been through a lot this year. There were good times and bad times, but we made it though as sisters. Sticks and stones can't break our bones, they just make us harder, better, faster, stronger ;) Let's keep it up and try even harder next year <3


Again, welcome Reaper and Aquilina,and congratulations on graduation Seniors <3


Oh and good luck with finals everyone. You can do it! Summer is verrrryyyy close.


- cavatina


Photo credits:  Comet

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