When I first entered Wake, I found the amount of sororities to choose from to be dizzying. As a typical freshman, I couldn’t keep them straight, and I could never figure out what made them different besides the occasional gossip passed from girl to girl in the residence halls. My only impression of sororities had come from TV or movies, and we all know how that goes: avid partiers, Valley girl voices, cookie-cutter blondes, and a focus on looks rather than smarts.

I was quick to realize by my sophomore year that those stereotypes weren’t the definition of Greek life—though of course there are a few of those that fulfill the generalizations. Instead, I met girls from all chapters who helped redefine my views of what it means to be part of a sorority. It wasn’t about hazing or hooking up with frat boys—it really was about sisterhood. My only question was, what did that mean to me?

Enter Delta Xi Phi. I had never even heard of this small sorority until the end of my first semester as a sophomore. I remember watching my friend during the probate where she finally revealed her new membership into the group, and the rush of curiosity I felt at seeing this new kind of sorority. It was close-knit, and unique from all the others on campus, since it was defined by its cry for awareness and spread of multiculturalism.

I am white. I am attending a predominantly white school. But I grew up nationally and internationally. I’ve been in and out of different cultures, surrounded by different races, and when I met the girls in DXP I’d never felt more connected to my cultural past. They offered a new perspective on the world that not only embraced diversity—which most sororities also strive to do—but also made it a point to spread and discuss this diversity, a noble cause on an arguably less diverse campus.

I have encountered some criticism and questions for my decision to join a multicultural sorority—mostly based on the observation that I am a #basicwhitegirl. However, the fact that this question arises in accordance to my race only solidifies why I joined DXP. This sorority is not about race—it’s about culture. I may be white, but my culture is different from the white girl next to me. I am a product of a Midwestern upbringing, New England schooling, and a dash of Hungarian tradition. I am so much more than the color of my skin—and DXP has helped me realize that.

For those who have yet to find their niche at Wake, or who struggle finding their cultural identity amongst traditional Greek life, take a look at a multicultural sorority. It might just be the happy place you’re looking for.

I, for one, am proud to be a Xi Phi sister.