Even though I joined Kappa Delta nearly two years ago, I remember recruitment like it was yesterday. I made some amazing friends during that time, including my inspiring recruitment counselor. As soon as I walked through the doors of Kappa Delta, I felt a sense of home. I was surprised to feel this way about someplace other than my actual home in Tucson, Arizona, which is over 1,000 miles away.

After receiving my bid from Kappa Delta, my mom called me and said, “You are going to do such outstanding things in this chapter. Make sure your voice is heard and you can make a difference.”

Emma and her Kappa Delta sisters sharing a slice.

As  I began my journey in Kappa Delta, I was hesitant to get involved with the sorority and on my campus. I wanted to learn the ropes and find my place before I ventured too far beyond my comfort zone. However, my Kappa Delta sisters saw something in me that I did not see in myself. They pushed me to apply for positions in and outside of the chapter. Though I lacked confidence and did not think I could have an impact as a freshman, I joined various committees in our chapter and several campus organizations. Three years later, I am still actively involved in those organizations. Taking the initiative to get involved sparked a fire in me. I realized this fire was what my mom was referring to on Bid Day — making certain my voice was heard.

I was committed to making a change within our campus community. During my sophomore year, I received the humbling and life-changing opportunity to be a recruitment counselor. Since first meeting my own recruitment counselor, I knew I wanted to be one, too, and help women have the best with recruitment experience possible, all while empowering them to be unapologetically themselves. I wanted to help others find their place.

Emma helping potential new members find their sorority homes at Iowa State.

Now, I have the privilege of serving as vice president of recruitment education for the Collegiate Panhellenic Council. I work closely with 54 of the most amazing, passionate and driven recruitment counselors. They are just as excited about empowering women and helping them find their place as I am. They have taught me so much about myself as a person and as a leader.

The sisters of Kappa Delta’s Sigma Sigma chapter.

At the start of my Kappa Delta journey, I wanted to find my place and let my voice be heard, and I could not have done that without motivation from my sisters. They pushed me to accomplish what I did not know I could. This sisterhood is truly indescribable, and I am thankful for all it has brought me.

Kappa Delta showed me how to be a confident woman and leader. It allowed me to be unapologetically myself. My sisters made me feel that I have a voice not only in the community, or in my chapter, but for myself.

Emma Reese

opens in a new windowSigma Sigma – Iowa State University

Discover more about the Kappa Delta experience  opens in a new windowhere.