Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2024 17 Sisterhd Abroad their native language alive and one way they combat this is most high school juniors go on a trip over the summer before their senior year and only speak the native Irish Language. Which is Gaelic. In preparation for this they study Gaelic all throughout their school career and the tests they take their senior year to help them get into college includes a Gaelic language section that has to be passed in order to graduate. I think this is really helping the country work in the right direction to keep their language alive." Both Simmons and Bricelyn White recalled the fantastic experience they had with their tour guide. When asked about the highlight of her trip, White said it was "...getting to meet our wonderful tour guide. She was so sweet and we loved getting to know her and showing her fun things like how to play UNO." On a similar note, Simmons claimed, "I will never forget our tour guide, she was so incredible. She loved when we sang and had never led a group like us; she even taught us an old Irish folk song which sort of became our trip anthem." e two had an overall positive experience exploring Irish cities and enjoying their interactions with locals. White recalls, "Everyone was super friendly. I loved being able to walk through the streets of the cities and always feel like I'm in a safe, welcoming environment." While lengthy trips can sometimes bring about the end of friendships, the bond between the Sigma Alpha Iota sisters remained strong. Simmons said, "Going on any long Co-Ed trip creates drama; some friends fall out of friendship. But on our trip specifically, the SAI sisters grew closer together. Some of our sisters' individual friend groups broke up but the rest of our little SAI group was there for each other." White claimed the trip helped bring her closer to her sisters, stating, "With the times we spent together I think we have formed a long lasting bond that I wouldn't trade for the world." Being from small towns in Southern Louisiana, the trip was very significant to those who made it. e rarity of international performance opportunities made the trip a once- in-a-lifetime experience. Simmons spoke on what the trip meant to her, stating, "I never thought I would be able to do such a thing, and I knew the impact it would have on my life. I personally am not a music major; I continue to do music as a passion only, but I haven't been in many ensembles over the years. I also never did choir until my second year in college. All of this just fell into place to give me this trip of a lifetime. I will never forget my experience in Ireland." e journey was also very important to White, who said, "is trip meant the world to me. It showed me how much I love to travel and experience other cultures and gave me an opportunity that I would have never experienced otherwise. It is an experience that I hold close to my heart that I will never forget." e choir received much support and praise from their community. Before their trip, a short segment on the Nicholls State University Chamber Choir premiered on WAFB, a news station based in Baton Rouge, LA. e choir also held multiple fundraisers to help offset the costs of the trip both on campus and in the local community. Prior to their departure, the group held a concert at the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in ibodaux. e concert, which had a very high turnout, showcased the pieces the choir would perform during their tour in Ireland. e journey to the Emerald Isle in the Summer of 2023 became a period of growth, unity, and cultural enrichment for the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota. Beyond the musical notes, their journey through Ireland became a symphony of shared experiences, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and the hearts of those who supported them back home. Isabella Lasseigne is a sophomore at Nicholls State University in ibodaux, LA. In addition to serving as editor for the eta eta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, she is a member of the university's marching From left, Ashlyn Simmons, Sarah Oubre, a concert attendee, From left, Ashlyn Simmons, Sarah Oubre, a concert attendee, Megan Chiasson, and Bricelyn White after a concert performance in Ireland. Megan Chiasson, and Bricelyn White after a concert performance in Ireland. and symphonic bands.

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