When I started attending university, I never thought I would find myself in a sorority. I didn’t know much about fraternity and sorority life. I only knew sororities were a great way to make new friends, expand your network and gain leadership opportunities. But I didn’t know if I would fit in. I knew that I had already missed my college’s National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) recruitment week. However, I came across a sister of Sigma Psi Zeta distributing flyers during the fall of my sophomore year and learned a little bit about the organization. She encouraged me to come out to recruitment, which was during the second week of the quarter.
I had countless questions about joining a sorority. Was I a good fit? Would I have to live in a house? What exactly was being a sister like? These were the questions that were leaving me hesitant on whether I should really attend rush. I decided that I would give it a shot and attended one of their informational events. I participated in recruitment week during the fall of my sophomore year and eventually accepted a bid to join Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Psi Zeta is part of the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Panhellenic Association (NAPA). NAPA is a collective group of leaders in the APIDA community who work together to advocate, collaborate and educate our members and constituency for the greater good. As a sister of Sigma Psi Zeta, I was exposed to NAPA, NPC and even the local United Greek Council (UGC) on my campus. I got to learn more about my cultural roots and share them to others as well.
As a member of a multicultural sorority, I got countless opportunities to meet people outside the fraternity/sorority life community. Through my sorority membership, I got connected to philanthropic organizations that help women who went through domestic violence, working with cultural organizations to learn about other cultures and support their events. We even volunteered together with other people at the local homeless shelter. Being part of a sorority gave me experiences that I otherwise might not have found on my own.
Through Sigma Psi Zeta, I had countless memorable experiences that I would not have had if I did not join. From recruitment week to the intake process and participating in social and professional events as an initiated member, Sigma Psi Zeta gave me opportunities that I would not have even imagined. I got to meet members of other NPC and NAPA organizations, help coordinate large-scale events such as our annual Step Out performance and network with alumni to decide on my future career goals.
Sororities and fraternities come in all different shapes and forms. Aside from NPC and NAPA, there’s the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), which promotes awareness of multicultural diversity within collegiate institutions. There are also organizations within the Professional Fraternal Organization (PFA), which include medical, engineering, business and other professional sororities and fraternities. Each one of these organizations has their own purpose and mission but they all give great value to the collegiate experience and beyond. Depending on the organization, you can also be a part of multiple sororities or fraternities. I personally was a member of Sigma Psi Zeta as well as Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, and had an amazing experience in both.
Being a sister of Sigma Psi Zeta, I am constantly exposed to opportunities to meet other sisters, learn about different cultures and a variety of leadership opportunities. Sisterhood doesn’t end after you graduate college. There are countless opportunities to stay involved after college and Sigma Psi Zeta, as well as other sororities, are constantly growing, improving, and adding members. Being a member of a sorority, whether a NAPA, NPC or other sorority, is a great opportunity to be part of a community for life. I highly recommend anyone thinking about it to research the various types of organizations out there and give it a shot.
Chloe runs and operates Off Hour Hustle, view the blog here.