| Article Index |
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| TESTIMONIALS |
| Reyna Martinez |
| Roshnee Vazquez |
| All Pages |
We are living proof of the changes that take place as result of being a part of this amazing Sisterhood. Here are Words of Wisdom from sisters to those who aspire to be. Each of them has either impacted C.U.S. or been impacted by C.U.S. Women with a passion to live up to Chi Upsilon Sigma's mission statement by servicing and educating their communities.
Reyna Martinez
Alpha Chapter, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Pledged Spring 2008
I came to college not knowing where I was headed, and the Sisters of Chi Upsilon Sigma took me under their wings. Instantly, I fell in love with the organization and what it stood for. As a second-semester freshman, I became a Sister, and it is with great pride that I say that it was undoubtedly the BEST decision of my life! Through Chi Upsilon Sigma, I have matured into a strong and determined woman, always ready to stand up for what I believe in.
My strong belief in academic achievement is what drew me towards C.U.S. because I do believe in “Wisdom Through Education” and I also believe in the empowerment of women through knowledge. This passion for learning has been fueled by the wise women that I have had the opportunity to interact with over time. I have also met a plethora of people across the nation, including Sisters, with whom I have formed unbreakable bonds, and active leaders working hard to strengthen and uplift the communities we live in.
As an undergraduate, I have not only achieved academic excellence, but I have also learned how to run an organization effectively, and while doing so, I have acquired the skills necessary to excel professionally. Through programming, event planning, fundraising, advertising, and time-management I have experienced a taste of the real world that comes after graduation.
My ultimate satisfaction from Chi Upsilon Sigma is the rewarding feeling of selflessness after giving back to those in need through community service projects. It is also that feeling of self-fulfillment when I give genuine advice to younger women striving to find their place among their peers in the complex structures of higher education. C.U.S. is indeed everything I ever wanted--an organization made up of competitive businesswomen that hold QUALITY as their highest ideal, a revolutionary movement founded for the empowerment of women of all backgrounds, and a sisterhood that has unified the hearts of loving women that will stand by me for a lifetime.
Roshnee Vazquez
Delta Chapter, The College of New Jersey
Pledged Fall 1997
As a first generation college student my transition to college was somewhat rocky. While I had love and best intentions from family, there were certain challenges that they could not relate to and could not offer the support I sought. During my first year at TCNJ I began to explore avenues that could provide me with the foundation I needed to help me succeed and thrive. During that journey I met women who were interested in Chi Upsilon Sigma and attended my first interest session. The next semester I began the new member process and became a Sister.
At first glance I felt that I had found the grounding I yearned for. I found women who like me came from humble beginnings but dreamed beyond the barriers that were imposed on us as Latinas of lower socioeconomic upbringings. What I realize now is that I did not just find a group of women to help me through my college years, but I found a family that has been along side me during times of celebration, times of grief, and times of growth. I am the woman I am today because of the lessons we taught each other and the support that I am eternally grateful for.
Today I am a Doctoral Candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a young girl from Union City, New Jersey entering the EOF program at The College of New Jersey I never imagined I would be working on a PhD at an Ivy League institution. C.U.S. taught me to work hard, push myself, and always be proud of who I am and where I come from. I still carry these values with me and they have helped me clarify who I am, what is important to me, and what my contribution will be to my professional field and mi comunidad.
What keeps me involved with C.U.S. is my belief in the sisterhood. If I can help another young woman with an academic issue, transitional struggle, or “growing up” questions, I am not only showing my gratitude of what was done for me but I am fulfilling my duty of carrying on the legacy. There are the fun times of hanging out with sisters, partying and traveling that bring a smile to my face. However, there is something deeper, more valuable that I have gained and could not imagine myself without it. Thank you hermanas de mi corazón!