No one truly knows what to expect when they enter their first year of college. Some people are more prepared than others based on family history, but with the recent growth of first-generation college students, more and more people are entering college feeling a little lost. I like to think that I entered slightly more prepared than most, but I am still a first-generation student. 

If entering college isn’t scary enough, joining a sorority can be even scarier. As a non-legacy, and first-year, first-generation student, I felt like I was blind walking into day one of recruitment. I felt even more confused when I walked out.  

Time passed, and eventually I received my bid to Kappa Delta. Out of nowhere, I had an entire network of Kappa Delta love surrounding me. I was no longer afraid or anxious, but full of life.  

Often, Greek life has a negative stigma associated with it that comes from Hollywood dramatizations. At first, friends from back home and from college alike doubted if I was “sorority girl material.” To them, I didn’t meet the stereotype. However, the sisters I came to know didn’t fit that stereotype either. I was welcomed into a group of strong, confident and motivated women. As I began my journey in Kappa Delta, I noticed a major shift in my life that I couldn’t necessarily control. 

Within our chapter, we all pursue our own unique interests and positively impact those around us in our own ways. Some of us are tour guides, resident assistants and orientation leaders who have the opportunity to build confidence in new students. Some of us are involved in clubs such as PACEBoard, which serves as the campus entertainment organization. Others are members of our school’s award-winning Federal Reserve Team, which encourages students to explore the monetary role of the Federal Reserve and present proposals during a competition. Every single member of the sorority pursues her own interests while exuding our Kappa Delta core values in ways that resonate with her. This means, we are a group of diverse leaders both on and off campus. 

So, while people outside of Kappa Delta questioned me, I never did and neither did the sisters who welcomed me with open arms. They didn’t doubt me or judge me. Instead, they encouraged me to grow, both within the sorority and outside. By being introduced to this sisterhood, I had endless doors open for me and someone to guide me through each one. 

And that was only the beginning. From there, I found a story of love begin to unfold. 

Kappa Delta built my confidence exponentially, and I haven’t even been initiated yet. My increased confidence may be due to the fact that Kappa Delta’s platform is building confidence. However, I also believe that if any sorority doesn’t help you feel greater self-worth then something is probably wrong. I’m so grateful for this feeling and for these women. 

I went from taking food from the cafeteria to eat alone in my room to being welcomed by a table of 20 or more sisters. I suddenly had countless friends to go with on last minute frozen yogurt dates after I had my heart broken. My off-handed comments about my love for One Direction are now met with shrieks of understanding from fellow fangirls. Not only will I find unconditional support for any adventure upon which I wish to embark, I will most likely have someone to hold my hand as they travel with me. 

Every step of the way, I find myself growing into a bigger person. As I learn our creed, motto and every other element of being a KD, I find myself reflected in it. Kappa Delta Sorority has bolstered my confidence and given me a strong support system. I can’t speak for every sorority, but I know this one is special.  

So, don’t listen to what the Hollywood productions say. I know that we, as sorority women, are painted as catty snobs, but I promise you that is as far from the truth as possible. Every time I tell someone I joined a sorority, they expect to hear some story about Hell Week. I’ll let you in on a not-so-little secret though: there was no Hell Week — only love and respect. This is what joining a sorority should be like, and this is the reality so many of us live.  

Alex West
Eta Iota-Pace