When I stepped foot on the San Diego State University campus, I envisioned so many things. I saw myself rushing to class (because let's face it I'm literally late to everything, it's a part of who I am), enjoying the beautiful San Diego sun as I ate my lunch by the koi pond and spending hours upon hours in the Love Library studying, I didn't take into account how lonely I would feel. I missed my family and my friends. I missed my water polo and swim team but most importantly I missed the friends that I considered family and the familiarity of walking down the hall and knowing every single face.
San Diego State was bigger than I anticipated. Some of my lectures were 500 person lectures and my smallest class boasted 150 students. So yes, I was overwhelmed. My dorm was at Chapultepec Hall, working 40 hours a week, and going to school full time. I had no interest in spreading myself thin by joining any organization or club on campus. Even when my older sister was telling me that she was interested in the first multicultural sorority on campus and that she was planning on dedicating herself to become a member of Sigma Theta Psi, I never thought that a sorority was for me. The fall semester of my junior year changed all that. Here are 7 reasons that I'm grateful I joined Sigma Theta Psi, the first multicultural sorority at San Diego State University.
1. My sisters accept me for who I am.
Growing up as a multiracial little girl was difficult. I always felt the need to justify who I was. It was never enough to say that my mom was mostly Chamorro (Guamanian) or that my dad's family was from Texas. I felt pressured to say all the races that I was because I felt that because I was so many races, I wouldn't be fully accepted by any culture or group of people. I was wrong. Sigma Theta Psi welcomed me with open arms. I felt comfortable with them. I didn't have to identify as one specific culture because I knew that they accepted me for who I was. I, in turn, embrace my sisters for who they truly are.
2. I have a constant support system.
My sisters always have my back. No matter what it is. When I was debating on switching my major because it was "too hard" they told me that I could do anything that I set my mind to. Even offered to go to the library with me and help me find a tutor. When I finally decided to get my license when I turned 20, they all supported me and taught me how to drive. Whenever I'm having a bad day or a particularly good one, I know that I can count on my sisters. At the end of the day, I know my sisters support me for who I am and the woman that I want to become and I do the same for them.
3. I met my best friends.
I never thought that I would meet women that would literally light a fire in my soul. I would have never been able to navigate life without these girls by my side. My line sisters, what can I say? I love you all so much and I am so blessed to be part of Sigma Theta Psi's Alpha Gamma Class. We all persevered together and because we demolished every obstacle that came our way, we cemented our bond. So thank you, for putting up with me and loving me unconditionally.
4. I have professional real world experience.
Being in a sorority is harder than it looks. We run our organization, in the most professional manner that we possibly can. Our meetings are held weekly and we follow Robert's Rules of Order. We encourage all of our members to step up and hold a position, not only to ensure the survival of our organization but to prepare them for their prospective fields. I currently hold four positions at my chapter: Vice President, Philanthropy Director, Rush Chair Assistant and Pledge Educator Assistant. I've previously held Historian and Public Relations director. The skills that I have learned while holding these positions have taught me more about the professional world than any class or campus activity. I know how to conduct myself in a meeting, dress professionally, proper workplace etiquette, plan and execute large events, public speaking, etc.
5. I am part of a close-knit community at San Diego State. (United Sorority and Fraternity Council).
Being part of Sigma Theta Psi means that we are part of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council at SDSU. USFC is a council for all cultural organizations. We all support each other and have created a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone and we all look out for one another.
6. I am able to use my sisters as a resource to better myself.
Networking is a big part of our success. We always look to sisters that are successful to help us to navigate not only SDSU but the professional world. Our alumni serve as our support system. They let us know what they did in the past to be successful and how we can evolve not only as an organization but as individuals as well. They are our direct link to the "real world" and they help us better ourselves and ultimately our futures.
7. Sisterhood.
No matter what it is, I know that my sisters will be by my side.They're there for me through my good times and my bad times. They were there for me when I lost my grandpa last semester and when I was having tough roommate situations. They never asked for anything in return. I am so grateful for my sisters because it doesn't matter how close we are or how long we've known each other. I would do anything for my sisters and I know that they would do the same for me. No questions asked, expectation free. To me, that's true sisterhood and that's why I'm proud to call myself a sister of Sigma Theta Psi.
