In August I wrote about my first experience in the Sorority and Fraternity Community at Iowa State University. I was nervous about rushing as a queer woman, but now I have found a sorority chapter that is perfect for me. On August 16th, I was welcomed home to the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and I will be initiated as a member on October 4th.
Throughout recruitment week, I became increasingly nervous that I was going to be dropped. I was visiting a smaller amount of houses than the other potential new members. I thought over my fears and decided to talk to my Rho Gamma about them. At Iowa State, we do value based recruitment. Before recruitment week, potential new members fill out a values bracket to find out our top values. My top value was acceptance. Throughout the week, I then realized what I needed in a chapter was acceptance, and eventually, I found that. I did not want to be in a chapter where I felt that I could not become my best self because that is the point of a sorority, isn't it? I would not be able to do that without the acceptance from my sisters. I found what I needed at Kappa Alpha Theta.
Kappa Alpha Theta felt like the right choice since the first day I visited. I talked to three woman on that first day and it immediately felt like a place where I would be able to thrive. The second day was equally as good, but it wasn't until the third-day (house tours) that it really felt like home. I was being shown the house by a woman who fake laughed at all of my dumb jokes, and then when I was asked back I knew it was the place for me. The fourth night was when it got real. During preference night, I was supposed to ask questions that would make my decision easier, but I had none; I knew I wanted to be a Theta.
Then at 1 pm on Thursday, August 16th, I was, and by tonight will be a fully initiated member. These past two months have been wonderful: I have made some amazing friends, I got the best big ever, and I finally feel like I have a place on campus. I have a group of women that will support and encourage me in anything I do. I was terrified that I was going to be dropped because of all of the stereotypes surrounding the Sorority and Fraternity Community. Yes, in some instances, I am still scared of telling certain people in the community about my sexuality for fear that they will not accept me. Yes, I am sure there are some people in my chapter who are uncomfortable with how open I am about my sexuality, but honestly I do not care. Most of the women in my chapter accept me and that is all I wanted. I am so happy at Kappa Alpha Theta. It feels like home, it feels right, and it will help me become my best self.
