My freshman year in college, I rushed Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Honestly, I was not all that excited, I was a legacy and knew that contributed to Alpha Chi's choice in selecting me; however, I wanted something different. I felt numb that the sorority of my choice did not choose me, but at the same time, I knew I had to come to terms with it. It took a little while, but once I did warm up to the idea of being a member of Alpha Chi Omega, I enjoyed getting to know my sisters. I knew that not being selected by others, which I felt more to be rejection, was nothing personal. Once I coped with that fact, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my sisters, the traditions, sisterhood, most importantly the stance Alpha Chi Omega takes on domestic violence. God knew what he was doing when I was selected by AXO and I would eventually see that to be the truth.
During my freshman year, I became involved with a man from a neighboring school, back in my hometown. For a few months, everything was great, but by the time my school had spring rush in January, we had not been dating that long and things were still really good. After a month of being in AXO, things took a turn. He suddenly became increasingly violent and nasty with me. Drugs took over for him and despite my efforts to help, it only made things worse. I knew I needed to get out, yet I felt trapped. I have been described as a Southern spitfire with a strong voice and opinion. I would have to say that is very true! During that time of my violent relationship, I was left thinking, “What happened to me, the tiny little spitfire who always had a voice?" Sorority sisters, in general, make us feel loved, important and like we do have a voice. My Alpha Chi sisters certainly made me feel that way. Knowing that Alpha Chi supports “Healthy Relationships Week" and condemns domestic violence, I slowly found my voice again.
When I had gone through house tours during rush, I vividly remember Alpha Chi Omega talking about domestic violence. Such a poignant message, it really stuck with me. I thought “the Alpha Chi legacies in my family never told me this was their philanthropy, they never warned me how sad it was!" It truly stuck with me more than the other sororities I observed. Everything happens for a reason, and I now know God was helping me and that Alpha Chi Omega was the medicine I needed.
Several months passed and finally, I was able to break away. I felt free and broken at the same time. I was emotionally, mentally and physically broken and exhausted. I felt sick at times when I had to support my sorority's philanthropy, knowing I was a victim of domestic violence. My sisters did not know it, as I kept a happy face even though I felt scared and weak. Though I never shared my experience with them, my sisters of Alpha Chi Omega helped me in more ways than they will ever know. Sisters who I did not know even helped me. The beauty, love, sisterhood, and strength the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega possess helped me cope, but also shaped me to become a better person. I truly believe that without Alpha Chi Omega, I would not be where I am today. I have the utmost respect for all sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and the wonderful sorority Alpha Chi Omega is.
Although I transferred schools and I am no longer an Alpha Chi Omega, but a Pi Phi, I still have a place in my heart for AXO. Everything does happen for a reason, and I was placed in Alpha Chi Omega for a reason. My sisters in Alpha Chi Omega taught me not to judge a book by its cover because if you do, you may miss out on a lifetime of opportunities and the ability to meet wonderful people. I am glad God chose Alpha Chi Omega for me and Alpha Chi Omega chose me. For that, I am forever grateful. Today, the Alpha Chi Omega at my former school is one of the top sororities, filled with the most wonderful sisters, who are some of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and represents a message dear to my heart. As some of you know, Alpha Chi Omega's "Healthy Relationships Week" was a few weeks ago. It is hard to always take the time to value the relationships you have in life, but it is so crucial. Take the time to tell those who mean the most to you, that you love them. I encourage you all to practice and value healthy relationships every day and every week of the year because, after all, love shouldn't hurt.
