I have been surrounded by strong women my whole life. From my family to friends, I have seen the impact of having a strong support system. So many women in my life have joined different sororities, and I saw just how each one shone in its own way. In high school, I was outgoing, loved learning, had my small group of friends and played tennis. But I never felt truly confident in myself or my work.
Coming into college, I’ve always wanted a close group of friends that I can create memories with and help each other grow. I also wanted to feel a sense of community at my university. All of that led me to sorority life.
I learned about Primary Recruitment for my university’s College Panhellenic through social media, but mainly through my older sister. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi and was the first to talk to me about recruitment. I was honestly excited about the recruitment process, but even more nervous about actually going through it. I have always loved meeting other people, but I have had a hard time truly connecting with a small group of friends.
When I went through Primary Recruitment, I openly looked for ways sororities have helped their members grow and develop since I always look for ways to improve myself – academically, mentally and physically.
It sounds cheesy, but the moment I walked through the doors of the Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) house, I felt something different than the others. I immediately felt welcomed. The atmosphere felt like a warm hug. Every single person I talked to was nice and energetic, and they made me feel seen. Over the following rounds, I got closer to the members and learned more about their philanthropy: The Ronald McDonald House Charities. All of the conversations, things I learned and most importantly, the little details, I truly felt like I had found my home away from home. The biggest reason I joined ADPi was our shared values.
My tennis team showed me what it meant to have a true sense of sisterhood. My biological sister showed me what it means to have your true character in any situation. My need to keep growing my knowledge. My friends, teachers and family showed me why it is important to always have service.
I have truly gained so much from my sorority, and it is hard to put into words. I have had the opportunity to work with my chapter’s recruitment team for two years before moving into larger-scale positions. My sorority helped prepare me for my Panhellenic Council role as Vice President of Public Relations. I’ve also gained friendships that I know will last a lifetime. From the friends I met freshman year to the friends I have made along the way. These friendships have helped shape me into who I am today. I still play tennis, and I have even started my own tennis coaching business. I largely attribute that to my sorority sisters’ support and the confidence I gained in myself.
I’ve been able to grow into the person that I am today because of the women around me in my sorority and all those who are part of the Panhellenic community.
No matter what university you’re going to, your perception of sororities or if you have family members who are in a sorority, it is important that you remain yourself the whole time. It is easy to get caught up in social media perceptions, wanting to showcase your best self, but in all reality, in order to find your home away from home, you must be yourself.. College is a time meant to find yourself, grow into who you want to become, and a sorority is here to help you flourish.
