Like most first, taking your first step into college is an exciting, but scary experience. At first, you think about all the possibilities in store, but then the dread of actually being alone and independent sets in. Activities for the day have ended and you are now alone in your dorm or back home (if you commute) with a new onset of FOMO (fear of missing out). Maybe you start to think about missing home or everything you’re missing out on. These feelings may have been amplified throughout the past year as we all tried to navigate life during a worldwide pandemic. Regardless, there’s a moment in your collegiate experience when you start to feel disconnected and in need of a community of support. I found mine in the sorority.

Push aside all those ideas of what you think sorority life is. The ones from movies and television shows that depict the negative images of what it means to be in a sorority. Sorority is nothing like that. Sorority women are strong, caring, and intelligent women who come together to uplift and support one another. Sorority is about community, growth, and empowerment.

I never once thought about being in a sorority, that’s what makes me a “maybe joiner”, until my best friend called me up to debrief her first night of formal recruitment. At first, I was skeptical. I only knew sorority as what the media had portrayed it as, but then she shared how she was able to connect with so many women and have that memorable college experience we’re all looking for. She started to love her experience and shared that excitement with me. A year later, I decided to go to a recruitment event being held on campus and met the women that became my community for the rest of my undergraduate career.

I remember walking to our student center one afternoon after classes to meet the women of Alpha Sigma Alpha on my campus. I was a nervous wreck. As an introvert who stayed within her small friend group circle, this was a huge step of growth for me. I still remember my heart pounding as I walked down the hallway towards the ballroom. I remember pausing at the door and contemplating turning around and going home. I don’t know what gave me the courage to open the door, but it must have been rooted in my need for a sense of belonging.

I’ll admit that at first, it was awkward and scary. I honestly debated leaving early until one of the members sat down next to me with a big smile on her face and asked how I was doing. I couldn’t remember the last time someone asked how I was and truly wanted to know and listen, but she did. This sister, and friend, was the reason I chose to come back the next day. While my best friend inspired me to seek out a sorority, this new friend showed me a reason to join and stay.

Soon I found myself running for a leadership position and growing both personally and professionally. Sorority and the opportunities created by my membership are what allowed me to take a step outside of my comfort zone and grow. I learned how to embrace who I am and my confidence grew. I went from being super shy and introverted, to wanting to connect and meet new people. Before I joined, the idea of speaking up in class or in large group settings paralyzed me for the thought that what I had to say was wrong. I always struggled with failure and that’s held me back a lot in the past.  Sorority taught me that it’s okay to fail because there will always be a group of women there to catch you when you fall and support you in getting back up.

Sorority gave me the sense of belonging I never knew I needed. I’ve met women that I never would have crossed paths with who are now close friends. It has a way of bringing together like-minded women all while celebrating their differences.

My story of finding my sense of belonging started with one person and that’s how simple it is to share this experience. It starts with one person reaching out to another and creating that bond of friendship and trust then introducing her to the world that is sorority life. Before you know it, that support from the one friend grows into something much bigger, a sisterhood. A sisterhood not bound by generations or geographical location, but one that’s reach may surprise you.

Mikelah Suzuki, ZΠ