My derived understanding the purpose why I joined MONA LISA are as follows:

One purpose is that of sharing relations. By providing an “extended family relationship, membership makes the adjustment to college easier and quicker. A big sister is a special friend who helps in this early adjustment and is a special person to whom a new student can turn.” . . . “Each fraternity and sorority provides close personal friendships, which endure over a lifetime.” . . . “Fraternity is living and working and enjoying life with one’s friends. The years of experience will be invaluable to the individual in his dealings with people the rest of his life. One learns to be a individual and at the same time relegate his doings to those of society.”

A second purpose is increased loyalty to Alma Mater. “The loyalty developed in the institutions allows both alumni and undergraduates to work together to renew relationships to the organization and the college.” . . . “Statistics show that fraternity members are the largest contributors and supporters of their Alma Mater. ” . . . “For the college, fraternities play a significant role in maintaining a sense of identity and friendship for members which translates into loyalty to the institution when they become alumni.”

A third purpose is to provide social activities. “The college fraternity often provides a core social activity on campus, provides the driving spirit behind many extra-curricular activities, and gives the institution a sense of spirit.” . . . “The benefits of the system include sponsoring events for the entire campus.”

A fourth purpose is service projects for the betterment of mankind. “The fraternity and sorority teaches the importance of service to the community and the college. It support numerous and varied philanthropic endeavors, serve as scout leaders, to participate volunteering activities in times of environmental crises such as typhoons, floods. Ready to share to the less furtunate in any forms of assistance and support.

A fifth purpose, and one cited even by all organizations as one of its most important purposes, is to develop intellectual vitality. “Self-discipline and supervised study are cornerstones of organizations and develop a solid reputation for acceptance on campus. The atmosphere of chapters fosters intellectual ideas.” . . . “Fraternities and sororities promote high academic standards and achievement by providing programs in time budgeting, how to study, take an exam, etc.” . . . “Sororities are firmly grounded in the precept that, above all else, commitment to academic work is the essence of the student’s role at her selected college. This precept is placed into action through active scholarship programs, ranging from study hours to tutorials, from special help to orientation sessions. Sorority chapters further augment the efforts of the college itself by carefully orientation new pledges and members to resources available through the college, such as the counseling service or college tutorial center. Additional support materials and awards incentive programs are often provided from the national level as well.”

A sixth purpose, is to provide outlets for inter-college associations and friendships. Membership allows undergraduates to share ideas with students on other campuses. Each fraternity and sorority is leadership conferences, both on regional and national level, to build undergraduate programming and professional guidance for leaders in each chapter.” . . . “Fraternity membership provides a support system not only during college by beyond through Collegiate Chapters, alumnae chapters, national publications and networking programs”.

A seventh purpose is to provide guidance for moral and ethical growth. “Members learn to take responsibility for conduct and behavior of members and to handle problems which may arise through proper and fair procedures, always providing due process.” . . . “The fraternity joins with the College in setting reasonable standards for comfort, safety, and acceptable behavior.” . . . “Anti-social behavior, lack of social discipline and gross social activity under the pretense of boosting college spirit must not be tolerated. Fraternity members should be committed to helping each other become more humane, competent, responsive, mature and committed to the development of awareness and understanding of the individual and the environments in which he lives.” . . . “Each group has its individual ritual, but all of these rituals have the common thread of high ideals and honor. Sororities systematically challenge members to implement those ideals in everyday life.”

The eighth purpose stated for fraternities and sororities is to provide opportunities for leadership. “The students involved in a college fraternity enjoy a sense of shared responsibility, self-governance, and financial self-sufficiency.” . . . “Members learn leadership and followership.” . . . “Chapter management and organization provide a climate for development of leadership skills and related areas of personal growth. Systematic officer training workshops provide know-how and personal skills. Goal-setting sessions at chapter meetings spill over to personal goal-setting even years after college. Leadership positions in undergraduate chapters increase personal self-confidence and readiness to enter the job market.”

IM PROUD TO BE PART OF MONA LISA FAMILY!!

By Brod Jing Yamit (Adamson ’83)

In the list of all registered fraternity and Sorority in the Philippines, MONA LISA is the only fraternity and sorority, which is not using Greek Alphabets and culture that don’t go along with Greek Fraternities. Our organization prides and determined toward excellence in every aspect of human endeavor. Many organizations may focus on one facet of the college or even in professional experience. For example, there are organizations that focus primarily on community service and others on socializing. What sets MONA LISA apart from any other organization is our commitment to Academic Achievement, Cultural Awareness, Righteousness, Unity and Friendship/Loyalty that are essential to the college and professional experience. Through our Fraternity, you can become part of a Brotherhood and not only do we claim those commitment, we act upon it.

Common Mistaken belief:

Many students come to college believing that Fraternity and Sorority only party and get drunk. They see fraternal organizations as an avenue where students can buy friendships and do nothing but socialize. However, prospective members should consider why fraternal organizations were first formed and the goals many of these organizations were founded upon. Although social aspects are part of any organization, MONA LISA, prides itself to Academic Achievement, Cultural Awareness, Righteousness, Unity and Friendship/Loyalty. We believe that MONA LISA is a place where students and professionals can better themselves. We encourage our members to do well in school and professionals to be active and excel their chosen career/business, and to service the community. Most importantly, through our organization, we build everlasting bonds among our Brothers and Sisters. Rather than accepting the folklore, that most fraternities and sororities are good only in drinking and party lovers.

By Brod Jing Yamit (Adamson ’83)

Fun. Want to fill up your social schedule? Join a fraternity or sorority and you’ll have more social events than you’ll ever be able to attend. When will you ever have a chance in your life to have this much fun?

Friendship and community. Even though college campuses are full of people, they can be very lonely places when you don’t know anyone and haven’t found your niche. Filipino life provides an easy way to meet people, make friends, and join a community. And membership to any organization is for life, so you’ll always have a network of friends to fall back upon. Many campuses offer ethnic or religious fraternities and sororities, which can be a great way to find a comfortable home on a big campus.

Networking. When you’re looking for a job a few years from now, your skill set often is not as important as your connections. This is unfortunate, but it’s a reality. Fraternity and Sorority membership is a great way to connect with people, both in your pledge class and through members who have graduated and joined the working world.

Leadership opportunities. Fraternity and Sorority membership offers opportunities in the local chapter and in your school council as well. Great résumé material.

By Brod Jing Yamit (Adamson ’83)