It’s official: I am a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society!
When I first received the invitation, I thought it was a scam. I wasn’t familiar with the society at all, and I wasn’t expecting the invitation. Here are some of my thoughts and experiences so if that email ever lands in your inbox, you’re more prepared than I was.
Current Education Path
I am about halfway through a Master of Fine Arts program for creative writing. It has been the most fulfilling educational experience of my life. Yes, I have a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, but that program was focused on the literature gifted to the world by other writers. This program gives me the opportunity to focus on myself and my place in the world as a writer. I have more confidence in myself as a writer than I have ever had before, especially from a creative perspective.
Reaction to the Sigma Tau Delta Invitation
My first reaction when I saw the email about Sigma Tau Delta was something along the lines of “Is this a scam? This is probably a scam.” The email felt like it came out of nowhere and I have received similar invitation emails before from groups that claimed to be an honor society but they’d let anyone in as long as you paid them. I thought this might be another one of those emails, but then I noticed the sender was someone from my institution.
Fun fact: it’s not a scam.
After a bit of research, I realized that Sigma Tau Delta isn’t just some random sorority or fraternity (another first thought based on the Greek name). It’s an honor society specifically for students studying English in some way.
Why I Decided to Join
I have several reasons why I decided to join Sigma Tau Delta, but here are a few of the basic ones that are the most relatable.
It’s Just for English Lovers
I love the niche nature of Sigma Tau Delta. It’s not saying, “Hey, you’re a graduate student and you have a nice GPA. Want to join?”
Sigma Tau Delta is only for those studying English in some way. If I meet other members, I know immediately they love to read, write, or both. I don’t have to feel weird about asking them their favorite book genre because I am fairly certain they are going to have opinions.
Recognition
As an honor society, John Smith and Mary Jane can’t wake up on a sunny Tuesday morning and decide they want to join Sigma Tau Delta. You have to be invited, and you have to earn that invitation. It’s a recognition of your hard work and success. It also looks good on a resume!
Awards, Opportunities, and Benefits
Sigma Tau Delta has a Membership Benefits section on their website, and that page had a significant impact on my final decision to join. There are newsletters, blogs, and social media where they feature members, and they also have an annual convention. The convention has featured authors like Neil Gaiman and Ursula Le Guin!
While I do not currently anticipate attending every year, the knowledge that I can attend these conventions is a benefit. The convention locations change each year, so I can also prioritize attendance based on location and how reasonable it would be to travel for the event.
Lifetime Membership
The one-time fee was also very appealing to me. In a world where most of us are paying monthly for subscriptions to Spotify, Netflix, and who knows what else, it’s easy to balk at the idea of another recurring bill. Sigma Tau Delta does have a membership fee, but it’s a one-time thing. Once you’re in, that’s it. You’re in for life.
Community Building?
I admit I hoped there might be some extra community-building opportunities as a member. I haven’t experienced this yet personally, but that’s the nature of going to school online. I think it’s still very possible and I would love to connect with fellow members!
Surprise Delivery: Graduation Cords
As I mentioned previously, I joined Sigma Tau Delta a few months ago. I had a surprise package arrive last week from my school. When I opened it, I found a membership pin as well as graduation cords.
I haven’t decided yet if I am going to attend my graduation. I live almost 1500 miles away! But it’s nice to know I have these cords whether I decide to attend or not.
Are you a member of Sigma Tau Delta or are you considering membership? I’d love to hear your thoughts!