Building a Community as a Commuter Student

I often reflect on my life and separate my experiences as before and after I joined a sorority. Becoming a part of the Panhellenic community was such a defining time in my life. There are times I even ponder what my life will look like as an alumna. But those are thought for another day. Today, my focus is to share my current path to becoming a sorority leader, friend and sister.

Before joining a sorority, I went to a small high school in Northwest, Ohio where everyone in my graduating class knew each other well. I always had a strong group of friends who encouraged each other to try new things and go outside of our comfort zone. We all went separate paths after high school leaving each other at square one. Everyone talks so highly about the connections and friendships that you make in your college years. They say, “These will be the best years of your life!”, or my personal favorite, “You will meet your lifelong friends in college!” But what they fail to mention is that you must push yourself to make these kinds of connections, they do not just find you.

During the first month of school, I had a comfortable routine: drive to school, go to class, ask questions if necessary and head home. I felt lonely and did not connect with my classmates beyond sparing class related conversation. I knew that I had to make a change, but I felt like it would be too difficult to find a connection as a commuter one month into school. 

I knew that without risk, there would be no reward. I pushed myself by signing up for Panhellenic recruitment in Fall 2022 with 10 minutes to spare. I was completely alone in this process, or so I thought, leaving me uncomfortable and second guessing. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a positive change, and this would be a pivotal time in my life.

At Panhellenic orientation we are assigned groups with other potential new members and our recruitment counselors, women who promote the sorority experience without bias. Throughout the recruitment week, we shared opinions, feelings and even ice cream. I quickly realized that I was not alone, and we were all met with those confusing feelings and uncertainty.

After joining a sorority, I met my big sister who encouraged me to join council where I am on my second term. I was given the chance to attend Kappa Delta’s 125^th Biennial Convention in Baltimore, Maryland with some of the most inspiring women. I was our Panhellenic delegate for the 2023 term giving me the chance to network and strengthen our Panhellenic connections within our chapter. After the recruitment experience, I recognized familiar faces in my classes and on campus. I felt more comfortable talking to girls with Greek letters on their clothes and even recognized girls who were new members like myself. My connections, my friendships, my confidence and my life have been shaped by the positive impact the Panhellenic community has had on me.