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Authors: Stephanie Perry Moore

BOOK: Get What You Give
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“Covin told me to take it all in.”
“Well, I know I told you before, but, again, I was way wrong,” she said.
“Wrong about what?” I asked, needing my memory to be refreshed.
“I said he wasn't a good choice for you. He's actually exactly what you need.” I reached over and gave her a big hug. “I still should be SGA President though.”
I just laughed. “He's leaving, so you can try next year.”
“You're right,” she said and kissed me on the cheek.
There was a break between sessions, and my mom and her Chapter President came over to me. My mom pinched my cheek, and that meant she wanted something. I wasn't into meeting more important Betas. I knew it was important to personally know our leaders, but it was also important to enjoy my sands at our first convention.
“People from different regions have been coming up to us asking who our candidate is for Second Vice President. Nobody else has another choice. Say you'll do it,” my mom said to me.
I turned around to try to walk back up to my room, but Teddi was standing right there with the rest of my line sisters. They were nodding on my behalf. Even Sam, Cassidy, and the other prophytes surrounded us.
Sam walked up to me and said, “You better represent and make us proud, even if somebody else decides to run with you from the floor. We're gonna win this. You need to lead us. I lost my way, and you helped me.”
Evan came up to me and whispered, “Because of your love and leadership, I finally had the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship. You care like no one I know. You must run.”
My sister took me by the hand and said, “I got robbed four years back. I had rumors keep me from becoming elected. Run and win for me.”
I loved my sister. She had always been my hero. I kissed her and walked by my mom. I nodded, ready to accept the challenge of being nominated for a national office in my beloved BGP. I guess I'd given much more good than I knew to receive such support.
Soror Walker took to the mic and said, “Madame National President, for the office of National Second Vice President, I nominate Miss Hailey Grant from Alpha chapter.”
Soror Murray said, “Thank you for that nomination. Do I have any others for this office? Going once, going twice, hearing none ...”
A collegiate soror wearing a skirt that looked five sizes too small, had five different colors of bad weaves, and long gold nails that made it almost impossible to hold the mic said, “Miss President, I'm Soror Gina Bell. I'd like to nominate myself for the position.”
The room erupted. I knew the image of this girl was not what we needed for the organization. However, I didn't want another fight. I was headed to withdraw my name.
Seeing me head toward Soror Walker, Hayden got in my way. “Hailey, I know you. Don't back out. Your experience will be different from mine. You know you're the leader we need. Give it your all. If you don't try, you get nothing.”
We hugged. The National President slated both of us. I had to give a speech in an hour. Locking myself away from everyone to concentrate, I struggled on what I'd say.
Sixty minutes later, I was listening as my opponent took the microphone and said, “Look at me—I'm a college student who knows who I am. We college kids aren't alumnae sorors yet. We're young, and we need not to act old. I can help keep the sorority young. Vote me, Gina Bell, and when I win, you can ring it at my par-tay. We shouldn't take this so seriously. Laugh, y'all.” The room was still. “Well, just vote for me then.”
I wasn't here to down anyone else, but this girl had no clue. My sorority was serious to me, and I needed to give a speech my man would be proud of.
Standing on a platform in front of the crowd of Betas, I took a deep breath and spoke from my heart. “As I look out into this full audience at my lovely sisters adorned in purple and turquoise, I come humbly seeking the office of Second Vice President. I'd like to be elected because I believe you get what you give. I want to give my whole heart, body, mind, and soul to this organization. And if I can serve on the highest level to spearhead policy ideas, enforce the rules and laws, keep alive the rich tradition of our founders, and inspire Betas as I hold the office, I know I'll give back much in return. We Betas are powerful women. Though we have different opinions and different talents, we all have a collective goal: we all want more for our community, more for our sorority, and more for ourselves. As your Second Vice President—unlike my opponent—I'd take this very seriously. I'd make sure each and every soror is reminded that united we stand and divided we fall. There is a way to work out our differences. We are sisters, leaders, educators, and Christians who give. When I was pinned as a part of the sorority, much was given to me. Much was given to us all. Now it's time for us all to give back, give all, give more, give big, and give strong. Elect me, Hailey Grant, your National Second Vice President, and together let's give all we can for our beloved BGP. We are worthy of nothing less. Thank you.”
The auditorium went wild. Immediately, the voting began, and when it was announced that I was Second Vice President, Hayden squeezed my hand.
“I wanted this so bad four years ago. But God knew what He was doing. He gave office to the one who sees the worth in every individual, the one who wants to get better, the one who doesn't think she's worthy when she clearly is. You are the essence of Beta Gamma Pi. I'm proud of you, little sis. The collegiates are in really good hands, and so is Alpha chapter because I know you're gonna lead with purpose.”
A Reading Group Guide
Beta Gamma Pi, Book 5:
 
Get What You Give
Stephanie Perry Moore
 
 
 
 
 
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
 
The following questions are intended to
enhance your group's reading of
Beta Gamma Pi: GET WHAT YOU GIVE
by Stephanie Perry Moore.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
Hailey Grant is the campaign manager for her best friend, but she doesn't think she's the best candidate. Do you think it was right for Hailey to support Teddi's candidacy? What are ways you can be there or be a friend to someone even when you're not supporting everything he or she does?
2.
When the fire breaks out, Hailey goes back to try to get Teddi's important objects. Why do you think it was important for Hailey to help her friend by risking her own life? What are things you do to show others you truly care for them?
3.
Covin Randall has Hailey's interest. When she knows her best friend may have a problem with this, was Hailey right to keep it a secret? What are positive ways to deal with tough issues you know won't please someone you care about?
4.
Hailey isn't sure that Beta Gamma Pi is for her. Do you think it was a smart idea for Hailey to check out the other sororities? Why is it important to do your homework and check out organizations and groups before you try to join them?
5.
When Hailey finds out Teddi has not made the line for Beta Gamma Pi, she goes to bat for her friend. Do you think Teddi would have done the same if the shoe were on the other foot?
6.
After Hailey is chosen to become chairperson, she receives tons of resistance. Do you think she handled being a chairperson correctly? When you are the leader, how can you get others to follow, especially when you know they are envious of your position?
7.
Covin wants to take their relationship to the next level, but Hailey wants to see other people. Though she wasn't ready to go further in the relationship, should she have pulled so far away that it led her into the arms of another? What are some good dating do's and don'ts?
8.
The sorority is trying to raise money to help others in the community. Do you think helping others was the driving force behind Hailey getting her own life together? What good does one get from helping someone else?
9.
Later, before the big charity event, Hailey and the Chapter President have a heated exchange. Do you think fighting resolves anything? What are positive ways that conflict can be worked through?
10.
What points did you get from the speech Hailey gives to the delegates when she runs for national office? How are you striving daily to give more than you take?
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!
1
BRIGHT
“
S
o 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 were 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 University, here I come. It was time to get my sophomore year started.
We hugged, and then I was off. It was time to get my sophomore year started.
1
BECOMING
I
f 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.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Hayden said, really getting on my nerves. She could not get out of the suite fast enough for me. Of course, after she left, my mom looked at me like she was disappointed. Shucks, I was the one rightfully upset. The alcohol just allowed me to finally let out how I felt.
“Mom, don't go making no promises to that girl about me being on line. I'm in school to get an education, not to pledge. Plus, their last line was crazy. They haze up there. You want me to have something to do with that? You're the National President. You're supposed to be against any form of hazing. I'm telling you it was all around school that they put a girl from the last line in the hospital.”
She looked at me and rolled her eyes. I believed what I was saying. Some of those girls would do anything to wear Greek letters. Not me.
Changing her tone, she said, “Sweetheart, if you're a part of it, they won't do anything like that. I don't have to worry about anybody doing anything you don't want, as tough as you are. Just promise me you'll take this into consideration. This is one of my hopes for you, Malloy. Being a part of this sisterhood can be so fulfilling. You don't even have a best friend, for crying out loud.”
“Yeah, for crying out loud, one of your biggest dreams for me is to be in a sorority. Not to fall in love with a man and stay married forever—like you couldn't. Not to graduate from college with honors and get a great job or doctorate—like you did. Instead, you're praying your child gets into a sorority. I might have had a couple drinks, but it's clear to me that's the thing you want most for me.” I plopped down on the couch, picked up the remote, clicked on the television, and put the volume on high. “Don't hold your breath on me becoming a Beta. Sweet dreams, Mommy.”
She went into her part of the suite and slammed the door. I knew I had disappointed her. However, as much as she had disappointed me in my life, we weren't anywhere close to being even.
 
“Mikey,” I said the next morning as I came out of my side of the large executive suite I was sharing with my family and saw my brother watching the sports channel with his friend.
“Hey, sis,” he said, squinting his eyes as he looked at my outfit.
I hadn't realized my silk gown was open, and the little nightie I wore was revealing much more than my brother wanted his friend to see.
“Cover up, girl. Dang,” Mikey said.
“Not on account of me,” his friend said with a smirk.
The guy was so fine. I could see the outline of his chiseled chest through the T-shirt he wore. When I looked harder I knew exactly who he was. It was Kade Rollins, the starting linebacker for the University of Southeastern Arkansas.
Mikey was a defensive back on the same team. He wasn't that great, but he'd started. On the contrary, this Rollins guy was great. I remembered the sports writers wondering why he didn't go pro last year. Kade was staying for his senior year to graduate and make his stock go even higher. He was predicted to go in the first round of the draft.
Kade's dark mocha eyes were so into me. I was actually loving the glare. It made me feel sexy. Mikey was furious. I turned around and went back into my room as Mikey followed.
“What's up with that? Why are you going to come out and be all disrespectful like that? Fix your clothes.”

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