How a sorority changed my life

Let me start off by saying that never in my life did I imagine I would have joined a sorority in college. No one in my family had a real grasp on what Greek Life was, and the only interactions that my parents had with sororities or fraternities in college were not the best.

When I arrived on Northwest's campus in the fall of 2016, I begged my parents not to leave me after moving in all of my belongings into my residence hall. The sudden reality of living two hours away from home without my parents or the friends I had made growing up hit me hard and I was terrified that I was not as ready for college as I thought I was. What if I had trouble making friends? Who was I going to sit with in the cafeteria when I ate my first meal? How long would it take for me to call Northwest my home?

After my parents left (against my wishes) it did not take long at all for me to meet new people and begin to feel comfortable at Northwest. Fast forward a few weeks later, all of the girls on my residence hall floor were freaking out about Fall Rush beginning, and everyone was asking me whether or not I was rushing. Having no one in my family go Greek or even understanding the concept of sororities myself, I decided to go ahead and do it, because everyone else was. Normally that's not a good reason to participate in something, but I thought the worst thing that could happen was I would not get in any sorority but at least I would get a free t-shirt.

Recruitment was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many inspirational and strong, powerful women in each sorority that I had such a hard decision when it come time. After an eventful weekend of parties and insightful conversations, I was over the moon excited to open my bid from Alpha Sigma Alpha on Bid Day. I ran home to over 100 of my new sisters and immediately felt peace in my heart that choosing Northwest and choosing to go through recruitment was one of the best decisions I made because it led me to these people.

Since then, I have grown as a leader, developed my communication skills, and have surrounded myself with more empowered women who push me everyday to be better than I was before. My entire life I have struggled with confidence issues and feeling unworthy of love, but being in a sorority has taught me what true self-love entails and how to care for my own heart.

I have also gained the opportunity to participate in over 100 service hours including working with Special Olympic athletes within Maryville and cheering on young girls at Girls on the Run. This past term I served as the Vice President of Membership Education, where I mentored 38 new members after recruitment and helped them to get adjusted into our sorority. I was nominated to attend our sorority's national convention in Phoenix, AZ in the summer of 2018 along with three other girls from our chapter, where I was able to meet other sisters across the nation.These are just a handful of experiences that have helped shape me into the woman I am today.

Without Alpha Sigma Alpha and Greek Life at Northwest, I can honestly say that my life would be completely different. College is a time to expand your comfort zone and to gain real life knowledge and experiences that will form your character into adulthood, and I am so grateful that my time within my sorority taught me how to have fun, live life, and joyously live each day.