The Lifelong Impact of Sorority Membership

WRITTEN BY AVERY BRACKEN, PHI MU MEMBER

From new member to alumna, the impact of sorority membership evolves. You will meet new people and build a network, grow as a leader and become the best version of yourself. Meet four sorority women in different parts of their sorority journey and hear their stories of how sorority has impacted their lives.

When Natalie King was in high school, she had a fixed idea of what sorority life was like. “I thought sororities were filled with girls who were all the same: same fashion choices, same ambitions and even same personalities,” she recalled. “I thought of it like a box. You either fit the standards or you didn’t.” However, her journey in college would eventually show her how wrong those assumptions were.

Natalie’s perspective on sorority life changed when she arrived at Southern Arkansas University. “The sororities held informational events to learn about them,” she explained. When she began to meet sorority members, she noticed something unexpected: “No two girls were alike, and that was accepted. They supported each other on a personal level.” The sense of community and support she experienced during these interactions made Natalie reconsider her previous misconceptions. She realized sorority life was at the heart of campus involvement and saw joining as an avenue to enhance her leadership skills and make a difference.

Among all the sororities at SAU, Phi Mu stood out to Natalie. She admired the commitment of its members. “They were leaders, volunteers, athletes, student teachers and so much more,” she noted. During recruitment, she felt motivated and inspired by the women she met in Phi Mu.

Now, Natalie is eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. “I am so excited for not only the leadership opportunities Phi Mu will provide but also the never-ending ways to do good in the world,” she said. She looks forward to making a positive impact through the chapter’s philanthropic efforts and deepening her friendships within the sisterhood.


Camille Enriquez started her college journey determined to break out of her shell after spending many of her high school years at home during the COVID shutdowns. Feeling shy and socially anxious, she made it her goal to put herself out there, even though the idea of recruitment was intimidating. Now, she reflects, “We have a joke in our chapter. It seems like everyone came in very shy, but now they can’t get us to stop talking.”

Through joining the cheerleading team and becoming a member of Phi Mu, Camille found the community she was looking for. Sorority life helped her push past her comfort zone, build strong, deep friendships and grow into a more confident version of herself. “I felt like I could be myself at Phi Mu,” she shares, adding that these experiences have shaped her leadership skills and sense of accountability.

Her commitment to Phi Mu has also opened doors for personal growth. As she took on leadership roles, she pushed herself to step into new challenges, like running for Vice President of Chapter Development. In this role, she’s not only gained confidence in public speaking but also learned how to manage responsibilities and guide others. These experiences have allowed Camille to develop key leadership skills and take ownership of her personal and professional growth.


Amanda Taylor, a graduate of Florida International University (FIU), currently serves as the marketing and public relations specialist for her family’s companies—her mother’s floral and event business and her father’s outdoor sporting goods store. Living in a small town, Amanda takes pride in helping her family succeed by marketing for them and attending networking events to further their brands.

Her time as a Phi Mu at FIU played a significant role in her professional development. Serving as Phi Mu Secretary and President, Amanda learned invaluable lessons in communication, adaptability and problem-solving. These leadership experiences gave her the confidence and skills to excel in her career. “In marketing, trends are always changing, and Phi Mu taught me how to think on my feet and alter strategies quickly when needed.”

One particular challenge Amanda faced involved handling an upset customer in her father’s store. “My time in Phi Mu helped me understand how to resolve issues calmly and efficiently,” she said. These skills, honed through her sorority experiences, allow her to manage customer interactions and keep the businesses running smoothly.

Amanda’s role requires her to stay organized and proficient in creating marketing materials, a task she’s prepared for thanks to her Phi Mu leadership roles, where she regularly used programs like Excel and PowerPoint. “I stay motivated by remembering Phi Mu’s value of honor, and that keeps me dedicated to my work and my family,” she reflected.


Christy Todd, a founding member of Phi Mu’s Nu Chapter at Shorter University in 2003, has had a remarkable journey from college sisterhood to being named Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2024. As a music technology teacher at Rising Starr Middle School in Fayetteville, Georgia, Christy’s classroom is far from traditional. Known for inspiring her students to discover their creative superpowers, she’s built an entertainment empire within the school walls.

Christy’s students don’t just learn about music—they create it. Through “Hall Pass Entertainment,” the school’s very own student-run entertainment label, they produce content that reaches far beyond the classroom. They release albums, host weekly podcasts and manage a YouTube channel, developing marketing and branding skills along the way. “I didn’t learn those skills at school,” Christy shared. “They came from working in extension at Phi Mu.”

A former Phi Mu staff member, Christy credits that experience for helping her transition seamlessly into teaching. “Thanks to working for Phi Mu, there was never one moment when I didn’t feel prepared to do my job as a teacher,” she explained. Her volunteer role as the National Academic Excellence Chairwoman also played a huge part in shaping her teaching style, where she encourages students to explore and showcase their talents in creative ways.

Christy’s story is a testament to the power of Phi Mu’s sisterhood and its lasting impact on personal and professional growth. She’s not just teaching music technology—she’s helping students share their voices with the world.

Thank you to Phi Mu for providing this article. Visit the Phi Mu website to learn more about the organization.
NPC The Sorority Life Favicon

The Sorority Life

Interested in blogging for us? Learn More

Curious about sorority life?

Learn more about sorority recruitment, membership and benefits of sisterhood by signing up to receive our newsletter.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We won’t reach out more than once a month and we promise not to share your information with others.