When I started my freshman year of college, I never thought about joining a sorority. Social media gave me these negative views of what sororities are like. It made me think that I would never fit into a group like that. During the first month of school, I started to make new friends and found out that they were rushing. I decided to go to an information night that Greek Life was hosting to learn about the sororities here. From that night on, deciding to go through the recruitment process. Joining Zeta Tau Alpha has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and has heavily shaped me into the person I am today. These are some of the many ways Zeta has touched my life and made me into the person who I always have wanted to be:
- Friendships & A Community that will Last for a Lifetime
Growing up, I did many different extracurriculars, from different sports and various clubs throughout high school. In all of these involvements, I had the people I was friends with and talked to, but never felt a part of a community. I would show up, do my job, and talk to the people who I was friends with. That is not the case with being a part of Zeta. For the first time, I feel like I am a part of a huge family where I feel like I have authentic connections with all the girls. The community has given me a sense of belonging that has felt so rewarding. I have met some of my best friends and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. This is one of the things that I am most grateful for in our chapter because a community like this makes me feel like I always have people to count on and friends that I consider my future bridesmaids.
- Dedication to Service
Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy is breast cancer awareness and education. Since it is October, it is a super meaningful time for our chapter. I always did community service before college, and I wanted to continue it at Merrimack; joining a sorority has allowed me to continue that. We do multiple service opportunities throughout the year, and it is truly rewarding to partake in. Being a part of an organization that gives back to a greater cause is so fulfilling and makes me feel good about myself. I am so glad to be a part of an organization that is very dedicated to service because doing these acts of service makes a difference in people’s lives.
- Leadership
When I came into college, I always wanted to have leadership positions in some club or organization. Zeta has opened numerous doors for me to become a leader early on. In my second semester of my freshman year I was able to get on our Program Council and attain the role of Corresponding Secretary. Now, as a sophomore, I took on two more positions as Inclusion Chair on our Program Council and Judicial Chair. These roles have taught me so many valuable skills that I will need after college, such as organization, time management, event planning, public speaking, etc., but they have also let me come out of my shell. It has allowed me to challenge myself and try new things. I love my positions and the abilities I have gained from them. I am becoming that ambitious, confident, and enthusiastic leader that I have always wanted to be.
Zeta has allowed me to flourish and do things that I never thought I would. I am so incredibly grateful for joining and the opportunities it has given me. My college experience has been so positive, and Zeta has contributed to a lot of that. I would not be who I am today without this sorority, and it is my home away from home.