The Challenges of Being Accepted into a Sorority

Lois Call graduated from Logan High School in 1943 and entered Utah State University that fall. This was a big step for her, partially because of the many challenges she faced growing up that were different from most other children.

When she was 18 months old, hot grease was accidentally spilled onto her head and ran down her face, neck, and onto her shoulders causing a serious burn. The doctor made a house call to examine this little girl, then placed bandages on her head and turned to her mother to deliver the bad news.

“Mrs. Call, these are serious burns, and I don’t know if your daughter will live or if she will die. If she does live, she may be blind, but one thing is certain, she will have terrible scars. He left with a promise to come back and check on her.

Several weeks later the family learned that their precious little girl was not blind, and they enjoyed a moment of relief as they celebrated this miracle.

As she grew older, the physical pain subsided, but when it was time to start school the emotional pain of being laughed at, called names, and taunted in every way imaginable was a new experience. She endured this pain the best she could. Her parents and family protected her the best way they knew, but it was not enough. Eventually the surgeon’s knife removed most of her scars.

Lois had a special friend who accepted her for who she was. This friend wasn’t embarrassed by her appearance and became Lois’ confidante and protector.

With this background we can get back to Lois’ experience with a sorority at Utah State University. Her older sister Melba was a student at the same university, beautiful and well liked among her sorority sisters. She strongly encouraged Lois to pledge the same sorority, and, with her sister’s influence, she was accepted. Both sisters were excited.

Not long after her acceptance Lois was called into a conference by some of her sorority sisters. In this meeting they started talking to her about her friends and told her that they didn't want her associating with her childhood friend. They suggested that Lois drop this friend in order to stay in the sorority.

I don’t know what Lois said to those girls, but I know what she did. She continued her relationship with her friend, someone who was not superficial with her friendship. Lois left the sorority, never once regretting her decision.

My mother, Lois Call, was passionate about friendship and treating others with respect. She taught us to accept all people no matter their circumstances or physical appearance. My mother experienced first-hand the difficulties associated with ignorance, thoughtlessness, and dealing with those who lacked tolerance. Now you know from where Lois got her strength to not let sorority sisters or anyone else dictate who her friends could and could not be.

As parents we can use Lois’ example to provide a family foundation for treating others who are different with respect and tolerance. Let’s communicate the importance of acceptance and friendship. Let’s not tolerate bullying or cruelty from our children to others. If our children are bullied or are not accepted by others, let’s help them develop the courage and strength to channel their frustrations in a different and acceptable manner.

Let us help our children learn and apply the teachings found in this poem:

Here’s to failing forward,

Calvert


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