4. At the rush, Cassidy knows her stuff. Do you think the Betas were impressed with her knowledge of their history, and what do you think the other interested girls were thinking? When you are trying to be a part of a group, what are ways you can be prepared?
5. The girls’ line is divided when some want to be hazed and others don’t. Do you feel it was right or wrong for Cassidy to stand her ground? What are better ways to settle differences?
6. Cassidy starts having nightmares and flashbacks of images she can’t completely explain. Do you think it was right that she kept this from her roommate and everyone else? When you feel you’re in too deep, to whom do you turn for help?
7. Cassidy misses lots of events. Do you feel it was great that her sorority sisters found her and got her professional help? Do you think dealing with your past is healthy for your future?
8. Al Dutch reveals he is HIV positive. Though Cassidy is scared, she ultimately gets tested for HIV. How can being properly informed help you?
9. Cassidy tells Konner of her situation. Do you believe it is honorable for him to still want to be involved with her even though they don’t know her fate? What types of qualities do you want the person you’re in a relationship with to have?
10. Cassidy and her sorority sisters go through much but come out tighter in the end. Does it seem that once they turned things over to God, things worked out for them? Do you feel that having the Lord in the midst of all you do can make the biggest impact?
Stay tuned for the next book in the series,
GET WHAT YOU GIVE,
available May 2010, wherever books are sold. Until then, satisfy your Beta Gamma Pi craving with the following excerpt from the next installment.
ENJOY!
1
BABBLE
“Would you risk your own life to possibly try to save someone else’s? People talk about best friends, including you, Hailey Grant, but would you really lay it all on the line to make sure your best friend was spared from pain?” my roommate, Teddi Spencer, rambled on as I tried to study. “I mean, ’cause you’re not acting like it.”
What was she talking about? We were tighter than tight, and she knew I had her back. But every now and then when I wasn’t doing something she thought I should, she’d try to lay a guilt trip on me. So I kept on studying and ignored her tail, hoping she’d get the picture and shut up.
Actually, most of the folks who had known us all last year wondered why we were even friends. We were pretty different. I was about facts, and she was about fiction. There was nothing wrong with dreaming, but you had to get your head out of the clouds if you wanted to actually get things done. I swear, her address was La-La Land. She irked my nerves all the time, but I knew I could never intentionally walk out of her life. Teddi had lost more in her high school years than my heart could bear. If being my friend made her happy and gave her joy, I’d do anything to protect that.
“I’m just saying. I gotta win the election, Hailey. And you’re not helping. That guy Colvin—Calvin—Compton—whatever his name is—thinks just because he’s the state senator’s son, everybody’s on his jock. Well, I’m ...” I finally tuned Teddi out when she began talking about her disgust for her rival SGA opponent in the upcoming election.
I looked at my short, frail, light-skinned friend. She had been through so much over the past two years I’ve known her. We were now sophomores at Western Smith College. When she’d lost her parents in a tragic car accident her senior year, she’d moved in with her grandmother and begun attending my high school.
She hadn’t known anybody, and she’d seemed like she was in deep pain. I had taken it upon myself to help and befriend her. I didn’t know where that had come from—you know, the knack to want to help someone out. I guess somewhere deep inside me there is a place that feels I should give back because I’ve been taken care of all my life. I have two great parents. My uncle is the president of the college I attend, for goodness’ sake. My older sister went to college at Western Smith, and everyone remembered what a gem she’d been. Honestly, I’m no princess, but I haven’t had any tragedies in my life either. Because I can clearly identify that I am who I am because of the people in my life, I guess I feel the need to help those who have no one.
Teddi sat on my bed next to me in our dorm room and turned my face toward her. “You’re not even listening to me, Hailey. I mean, I need to win this election. It’s time for a female to take charge, and I’m the right person for the position, especially after all the drama we faced with the last President. They need to feel confident in the new President, and, personally, I don’t think anyone comes close to me.”
“What are you saying, Teddi? We need a female President?” I asked. I mean, it would be cool to have a female President, but that shouldn’t be the only reason she should run.
I guess Teddi didn’t like my response, ’cause she got a little loud with me and said, “You got a problem with that? You don’t think I’m strong enough, do you? You don’t think I can lead? I mean, why would any of us females around here trust someone who leads by what’s between his legs, like our old President Al Dutch?”
“No, no. I’m just saying that just because one male was stupid doesn’t mean the others have to be the same.”
Teddi paced back and forth, freaking out. “Well, I’m just saying we need a change, and you’re completely not behind me. My campaign manager isn’t on my side.”
“Why are you overexaggerating the issue?”
“Because we need to come up with a strategy. I’ve seen posters all over campus for this guy, and my posters aren’t even up yet. Isn’t that your job?” my ungrateful roommate and best buddy uttered.
Quickly, I reminded her she was the reason we hadn’t gotten a lot accomplished with her campaign. “Listen, chick. I love you, but you’re full of it. Every idea I’ve had, you’ve shot down. It’s your fault you don’t have a platform. I drill you on the basic questions, like ‘Why do you want to be the SGA President,’ and you stutter and say, ‘Because we don’t need a male.’ That’s bull. I can’t put out material on your campaign when you have no legit ideas. What do you expect?”
Teddi sank to her bed and played the victim role. “Then say I’m just a loser. Quit my campaign. Don’t help me.”
“Oh, girl, don’t be melodramatic. I know you have substance. Find it and let’s get a plan. I’ve seen the posters of the guy running. People in the dorm have been hovering around them. But we can get yours out,” I said, trying to let her know I wasn’t planning to bail, but if she wanted to win, we needed to get cracking.
Can’t get enough of sorority life?
Turn the page for more of Stephanie Perry Moore’s
Beta Gamma Pi series,
available now wherever books are sold.
From Work What You Got
1
BRIGHT
“So you think it’s okay if somebody whacks you upside the head, calls you all kinds of names, beats your behind, and who knows whatever else, Hayden Grant? I’ve even heard of cases where sororities make pledges perform some kind of sexual act,” my mom Shirley voiced in anger, as my caramel face turned pale.
“Mom! I can’t believe you would go there with me.”
“What, Hayden? Don’t be shocked. I know how bad you want to be a Beta and I know you might lose your mind to get what you want. Plus, you’re about to be a sophomore in college, at a predominately African-American school. I know there are several nice-looking young men around grabbing your attention. Something made your grades slip last semester. I think you’re still pure, but we need to talk about sex.”
“I can’t talk about this with my mom. I just can’t,” I said, shyly turning my head and twirling my mid-length do.
“Better she talk about it with you,” my sister, younger by four years, popped into my room and said.
“Hailey, have you been standing there the whole time? Quit being nosy,” my mom scolded and shooed her away.
“We we
re talking about being a Beta, Mom. We weren’t talking about me and sex,” I quickly reminded her.
“Well, I’m not done. I think any young lady that makes smart choices will do that across the board. If you make wise decisions, particularly when the alternative is giving it up to some boy who the next day probably won’t know you exist. You could wind up pregnant or with some disease. Isn’t it better to stay away from all that? Someone who’s strong enough to resist temptation and stands for what God says is right, will not want to be a part of some group that thinks the only way you can get in is to participate in some form of illegal activity that the organization doesn’t even tolerate,” she said, getting louder and louder with each sentence.
“Okay Mom, I get it! You don’t have to go on and on and on about it,” I said to her, extremely frustrated.
I didn’t want to go there with her, but it seemed to me like she needed to get her groove on. My dad Harry was away at war. He’s an officer in the Navy and his girl had too much idle time on her hands. So much so that she was all up in my business.
My mom knew I wanted to be a member of Beta Gamma Pi ever since she pledged the organization’s alumnae chapter when I was in the fifth grade. After she became a member, I remember many nights during my childhood when she was away with the service-oriented organization, working in the community by taking food to the poor, being there for the elderly, and helping the uneducated gain knowledge. Even though part of me resented not having all of her time, it just fueled me, excited me, and made me want to strive to become a member one day. My mom had wanted to pledge as an undergraduate when she was in college, but due to females tripping, she didn’t. I had a deep longing to obtain that goal for her.
My mom came over and got right in my face. “Let me just tell you this really quickly. I desperately want you to be a Beta. But if you participate in any of that foolishness and anything happens, I don’t want you calling me. I don’t want you thinking that I can help save the line. None of that. Do you understand? I’m telling you now, I don’t support hazing and in the end it only divides. Be a leader on that campus, Hayden Grant.”
She went on to explain, for the fiftieth time, the legitimate steps to becoming a Beta. First, there was rush, where an informational session is held and the members of the organization explain all about what they stand for and what they do. They also distribute application packets to the prospective candidates, which need to be turned in by a certain date. After the packets are returned and reviewed by the members of the organization, then comes the interview. But not everyone will get one. After the interview, if you receive enough votes from the sisters of Beta Gamma Pi, then you become a part of the pledge line. After handing in the money for the pledge fee, a Pi induction ceremony is held. There are five gem ceremonies and an Eagle weekend hosted by the alumnae chapter, which pledges must attend. Next there is an intense week of studying the history of the sorority and a major exam is given before the candidates are ready to cross over and become sisters of Beta Gamma Pi.
“You participate in any other activity and it’s hazing. Got it?”
I nodded. Of course I heard her, but I couldn’t say what I would and wouldn’t do once pressure from the Betas was applied. I didn’t want to be ostracized and considered paper because I wouldn’t participate in a few little uncomfortable things. I mean how bad could hazing really be, right?
There are certain rules that go along with the way many people think is the best way to pledge. First, pledging on the collegiate level carries more weight than pledging in an alumnae chapter. I thought this was crazy. However, the rationale is that collegiate chapters really make members do things way over and above what the standard rules call for. Also, many believe that if you don’t go through the collegiate process then you are not a real pledge, only a paper one. And let’s face it, if you have the chance, who wants to be called paper? Definitely not me.
Then there is the legacy rule. In some sororities if your mother is a member and you have the qualifications, then there is no vote necessary. You automatically become a member. But, with Beta Gamma Pi, that isn’t the case. Since my mom didn’t pledge on the collegiate level, their preferred methods, I knew I was going to have to pay for what she didn’t go through. I was ready for it, because I knew if I made line I could legitimize my mom’s place in the sorority.
“I’m gonna make you proud, Mom. You don’t have to worry,” I said, stroking her verbally and psychologically.
“Honey, all you need to do is concentrate on your grades and be the best Hayden you know how to be. If the Betas don’t want you, it’s their loss. You can always pledge the way I did,” she said in a sweet tone, so I’d keep my hope. But I wasn’t having it.
My mom wasn’t all excited about the way she pledged. She knew the stigma attached to alumnae pledge methods. Though I knew deep in my heart that being put through an intense pledge process didn’t make one a better member, if I had the opportunity to get all my props, I had to do it. Why would she think I wouldn’t want all the respect?
My mother continued, “Now see, I can tell by your face you think pledging on the alumnae level is not kosher.”
“Well, it was your dream to pledge undergrad,” I quickly reminded her.
“Yeah, but just because that didn’t work out doesn’t mean that I would go back and trade my experience for anything. I was so connected with the ladies on my line. And quite honestly it was absolutely the best timing. God knew what He was doing. And Hayden, for you to have the outcome that He wants for your life, you have to ignore what others say and just focus on what is right. You know how to be a strong person, but a strong leader knows that God’s way is golden. So seek Him and figure out what He wants for you. Plus, I truly now believe pledging on an alumnae level is the best way to join the organization,” she said with her worried eyes locked on mine.
I smiled, feeling she believed those last words. I hugged her to let her know though I wanted a different experience, I was going to be okay. Then I was off to college. Western Smith College, here I come.
We hugged, and then I was off. It was time to get my sophomore year started.
From The Way We Roll
1
BECOMING
If I see one more Beta Gamma Pi girl looking down at me because I’m not sporting any of them pitiful letters, I might just kick her tail. Yes, I’m here at their convention, but I am not Greek. I’m not here like other wannabes; I’m here because I have to be.
My mom, Dr. Monica Jenkins Murray, is their National President, and that makes me sick. I can’t believe my time with my mom has taken a backseat to the sorority. For real, when it came to my mom doing sorority business versus my mom being a mom, I came last every time. Yeah, she said all the sorority stuff was for the good of the community and one day I’d understand her sacrifice, but when she didn’t make any of my piano recitals or parent-teacher conferences, I started to detest the group she loved.
After my parents divorced and my older brother moved out with my dad, it was just my mom and me. Though we lived in the same house, we were worlds apart. Basically I felt Beta Gamma Pi took everything away from me. I was at the National Convention only because some of the ladies on the executive board were more of a mom to me than my own mother. The First Vice President, Deborah Day, who lived in California, begged me to come support their endeavors. Because she was always there when I needed someone to talk to, I came. Plus, the VIP rooms in the hotel were stocked with alcohol. With no one around to supervise, I was feeling nice.
“You’re all smiles. I guess you just finished kissing the National President’s butt, huh?” I said to a girl coming out of my mom’s presidential suite.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” the girl said, squinting, trying to figure out who I was.
“You’re so full of it,” I said, calling her out as I stumbled, trying to get my key to work on the door. “You know who I am. You’re just trying to get on my good side to raise your stock with her.”
>
The girl persisted. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to offend you, but you really do look familiar. Do you need some help with that?”
I snatched my hand away. “I don’t need your help.”
“What’s going on out here?” The door flung open, and my mom came out in the hallway.
“I was, uh, trying to get in the room.” I fell back a little.
“Girl, you are so embarrassing me. Get your drunk behind in here now,” my mom said sternly. Then she sweetly spoke to the other girl. “Hayden, come in, please.”
“Wasn’t she just leaving?” I said. I was so confused. My mom went over to this Hayden girl and just started explaining my behavior, like she needed to apologize to some college girl about how I was acting. Why couldn’t my mom apologize to me that I had to put up with a brownnoser?
“Come here, Malloy, I want to introduce you guys,” my mom said. I reluctantly walked over to them. “Hayden Grant, this is my daughter Malloy Murray. Malloy, Hayden is the Chapter President of Beta Gamma Pi on your campus.”
“See, I thought I knew you.” The girl smiled, and she reached to shake my hand. “I’m going to be a junior. I knew I’d seen you around school, but I didn’t know this was your mom.”
“Yeah, sure you didn’t know this was my mom,” I said sarcastically while keeping my arms glued to my sides.
My mom huffed, “Lord, you don’t have to be rude.”
“Then don’t force me to talk to someone I don’t want to talk to, and don’t apologize for how I’m feeling. I have a right to be angry, okay, Mom? I don’t want to embarrass you anymore, so please get this girl out of my face. I don’t care what school she goes to. Unlike both of you, I don’t think Beta Gamma Pi is God’s gift to the world.”
“Hayden, I’m so sorry about this again. Let’s just keep this between us. My daughter doesn’t usually drink. She’ll be much more herself when you guys get back to school. Let’s just say I do look forward to working more closely with your chapter, particularly when Malloy makes line.”
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