As I begin my last semester at Stevens (as an undergraduate student at least), I have started to reflect on my journey throughout college and throughout life. It has certainly been one to remember, and for all the best reasons. I came to Stevens as a confused, scared, and unsure freshman who had no idea what her future would hold. Now, I am a second-semester senior who has changed her major and career path, made some best friends, joined organizations, and created memories of a lifetime. Besides my found family I discovered at The Stute, there is a major group of girls who have made my college experience absolutely amazing — my sorority, Alpha Phi.
In Spring 2021, I was absolutely lost. I was stuck at home trying to make the most of my “college experience,” which had winded down to doing online school with my little sister in our living room. It was impossible to make friends, which left me feeling extremely lonely and isolated. My mom encouraged me to try joining a sorority, and I immediately shut her down. I vividly remember repeating to her, “I will never pay for friends!” She continued to push the idea, and I finally budged. I figured it was worth a try, and I am so glad I put myself out there. I signed up for formal recruitment and got ready to meet my future best friends. Formal recruitment was an amazing experience, even online! Meeting so many inspiring, intelligent, and passionate women at Stevens was empowering in itself. Every sorority was unique, special, and welcoming — Panhel love is so real and so prevalent! In the end, I found my home at Alpha Phi and I never looked back.
Moving forward two years, I have met my big, Delia, and my little, Wiki, who are two of my closest friends. Currently, I am serving as the Vice President of New Member Education and Member Experience. My responsibilities include making sure all sisters are having the best sorority experience possible by hosting sisterhood events, fun activities, and more. My role is centered around bringing happiness and positivity to our chapter, and it has been extremely rewarding thus far. It’s funny to look back and think I had no interest in joining a sorority, and now I am serving on the Executive Council.
I’ve come to realize that being in a sorority is such a special and meaningful experience. There is something so wonderful about having a group of girls that are always there to encourage, support, and love you no matter what. I am a girl’s-girl to the heart, and Alpha Phi is the perfect place for me to thrive. Whenever I need it, I know my friends will be there for me. On top of this, I have gained valuable leadership experience — I am currently writing this piece from Alpha Phi Executive Council Conference in Pittsburgh, where I am learning new skills to bring to my chapter. Alpha Phi has given me so much in making my college experience worthwhile. I have come a long way from the scared freshman who was a little uncomfortable in her own skin, and I owe a lot of that to my found family at Alpha Phi. My advice to anyone considering doing something that scares them or is something new: go for it! I am so glad I did!
