Millennials as a whole are often betrayed as self-centered and superficial, and specifically, sorority women get the brunt of this image. This could be because of media portrayals, the sheer amount of pearls strung around our necks, or the glittery recruitment videos, whatever the reason, sorority women can be cast off as silly and self-absorbed. People, particularly potential new members and women looking to join a sorority, can perceive as the sisters as perfect or flawless. From the outside looking in, these women often seem to have their lives together, happy, and healthy. This may leave women with disabilities feeling as if they would never find their home in such a picture-perfect group of women.
My sophomore year in college, I developed a neurological disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is often considered one of the most painful disorders a human can acquire. It is very rare, and even more rare at the age of 20. I am endlessly grateful that I was already in my sisterhood when I was diagnosed.
Alpha Xi Delta has been through this all with me. It was a sister that first drove me to the Medexpress on the 10th day of extreme pain and waited with me at Riteaide for the heavy painkillers. She took hours out of her day in the middle of Greek week to make sure I was getting the medical attention I needed.
Before I even went to Medexpress, my PMom was on campus and found me when she heard I was in a lot of pain. She, albeit drunkenly, climbed into my bunk bed and hugged me. At this point, I had been meticulously planning on how to end the pain, but couldn't even manage to get out of bed. Her comfort allowed me to actually fall asleep and reminded me that there is not only pain in the world.
My sisters have done so much more, though. They have taken me out after spending my 21st birthday in the hospital, even though it was in the middle of mid-terms, brought me ice, and have sent me so many good vibes and prayers when we weren't sure if it was a brain tumor. Sometimes they even advocate for my body to me. They remind me that it is okay to not be okay.
Last year, my first International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness day, I made little pins with teal ribbons. All my sisters wore them and wore teal. This year, though, they did more than I could ever have imagined.
One of my sisters, Margot, started planning this year's International TN Awareness day back in July. Without me knowing, which is very hard because I am notorious for knowing all that goes on in our small campus, she had one of our recent alumna design a shirt just for our chapter to wear on this special day. Almost all of the sisters, even some alumnae and parents, bought the shirts. The company, South by the Sea, is donating 5 percent of the profits to TN awareness and research. They surprised me the night before by sitting me down and telling me how much they love me.
On the actual day, October 7th, I walked across the quad to class crying because all the girls in the bathroom getting ready had been adorning the teal shirt, and then as I checked my social media it was filled with kind words from sisters and pictures of them wearing the shirts. As I arrived at "our table" in my college's lounge, it was a small sea of teal and smiles. I was completely overwhelmed with heart sunshine.
I do not believe it is possible for me to ever express to them how much they have helped me. These women take the sorority stereotype and shred it to pieces. My sisters have shown me that not only do I not have to be perfect all the time, but I have the strength for when I am not. I owe Alpha Xi Delta more than dues, I owe some of them my life.
