Transferring from a community college to another commuter school made it difficult to make friends. Like others, I came into Hunter College alone not knowing anyone. It's common for people to already know others from their high school. Since it's a commuter school, many simply go to school and leave. But when I left my community college I wanted a different experience,

I didn't want to just go to school and go home. I wanted to have a college experience. My first semester of college consisted of many weekend trips home. Then I decided to go to my college's club fair and saw many sororities. I never had much interest joining one because I felt like they were fake. My only knowledge of them was from the media.

Despite my hesitation I rushed for one but it wasn't the right fit. Then the spring semester came and I kept getting emails for Zeta Phi Alpha with rush information. I decided I'd give it another try and if I didn't like it I wouldn't rush for another one again. Within five minutes of the event I felt comfortable with the two sisters in the room, who would eventually become my big and another sister in my family line.

I saw how the two bonded with each other and with the other people in the room. I was excited to continue the process. When I met my line, it was a little weird at first, like meeting any new group for the first time. But it didn't take that long to feel a connection to them. They were all people I could go to with any problem I had, both in the sorority or outside. Through out my process I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone in the sorority made me feel like we had been friends for awhile.

Although I was worried about the stereotypical sorority, the connections I've made are genuine. Everyone truly wants to make the community a better place. We take all our sisters' interests into consideration and do our community service based on that. We come together as a group to benefit the community. We embrace all of our differences and what makes us each unique and empower one another.

The feeling of community made me feel much and less alone at a commuter school. I know I've made friends for a lifetime. They truly made Hunter a much better place for me. I'm lucky enough to call these girls not only my friends but my sisters as well.