Since I was a junior in high school, I envisioned how my college career was going to be. My main goal was to join a sorority, build a network, and take on leadership roles. I knew that the sorority life would give me great experiences, so I vowed that I would get involved as much as I could.
I participated in recruitment during the spring semester of 2018. I was a sophomore, excited to learn what the sorority life had to offer and get involved with a greater community. I was filled with much excitement, and I could not wait for recruitment weekend to come. But something struck my mind, something that I didn’t think about at first. Do they have Asian members like me? It sounded like a dumb question at first, but then it started to hit me. Is the sorority community diverse in general? I went to a diverse middle and high school where I was able to meet and befriend different cultures, so attending a predominantly white-based college was a little difficult to adapt to. I wanted to stand out. I wanted people to know me for my work. I wanted to provide excellent services to my chapter, that future members will know me for. But how can I do that if I am the only minority woman in my chapter? I was scared.
Recruitment weekend finally came, and I was so excited to meet all the Panhellenic sororities. I remember being filled with happiness, love and excitement when I entered my sorority’s room. It was a great experience, I instantly felt like I belonged there. The conversations began, and I turned to the sister who guided me into the room. Within a few minutes into our conversation, I asked her if she had any sisters from different backgrounds. My heart was racing when I asked this question. I was terrified if I said something wrong, or if she was going to take my question in a negative way. “Oh, of course,” she replied. “We have sisters from different cultures. In fact, we are the most diverse sorority on campus!” I was shocked. I did not think it was true, but I was overjoyed to be completely wrong. A big smile ran across my face to the point where my cheeks froze in place. It was then I knew I found my home.
Finally, we got to bid day, where all the girls who participated in recruitment would find out what sorority they had received a bid from. I opened my envelope and was thrilled to become a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. I ran up the steps to see the sisters waiting to greet their new member class, and that was when I saw it. So many sisters of different ethnicities all coming together to welcome their newest members. The moment was exhilarating and one of my greatest memories of college.
As a collegiate member, I continued to excel within my chapter by holding a chapter position for 2 years, serving on the recruitment committee, becoming a national chapter ambassador in my senior year, attending a national fraternity and sorority leadership conference and being involved with philanthropy. I became known for my works, my passion and my dedication. By the time I graduated from college, I achieved my goal of excelling within my chapter as an Asian woman.
As an alumna, I want to inspire young minority women who are uncertain of joining a sorority. It impacted my life so why not let it impact yours?
