To say I had a rough freshman year of college is an understatement. By January I was touring new schools to transfer to because I was so unhappy. When COVID hit and we all moved home my plans of attending a new school didn’t work out so I figured I would just stay at Linfield and most likely not make any college friends and I accepted that.
Fall of my sophomore year I wound up meeting girls in Alpha Phi through the cheerleading team and I felt so comfortable with them and felt like they were people I could really be friends with. Fast forward to a few weeks into the school year and I receive a message asking if I would be interested in meeting with someone from Alpha Phi to discuss possibly joining. I was so excited and nervous but I knew Alpha Phi was something I wanted to be a part of especially after meeting with one of the members. From the moment I received a bid I instantly felt accepted and welcomed into the chapter.
One of the most memorable moments from joining Alpha Phi was when one of the seniors Gen asked me and another new member to go to breakfast with her. Although it was a simple gesture I felt so special and excited that girls wanted to get to know me. The connections I have made with my sisters since then have amazed me. I have seriously met the most amazing people within Alpha Phi and I need to give a few of them a shoutout.
Courtney: I met Courtney at Starbucks for a “date” and I knew from that point on I wanted her as my big. She has been nothing short of the best big anyone could ask for. She is such a genuine, kind person who always has my back and makes me laugh. We have done so much together and watching her graduate, although it made me sad to see her leave, I know she has such an amazing future ahead of her.
Molly: From being in classes together freshman year and being too scared to ask her to hang out to now having her as my best friend is the biggest blessing Alpha Phi and Linfield have brought me. Molly is somebody who is always there for me, who supports me, laughs with me, cries with me, and has the most genuine soul. There is nobody else I would rather have by my side going into senior year with.
This chapter has also given me an opportunity to grow in a lot of ways. It has helped me become more outgoing and confident and has also given me the opportunity to hold a leadership position. I am the current Vice President of New Member Education and it has been such an enjoyable experience. I was able to attend the Alpha Phi Conference in Dallas, Texas with the executive board where I learned so much and have been able to take that knowledge into my role as educating New Members and matching bigs and littles.
One of my favorite times in this chapter has been getting to work with so many amazing women on the executive board. I have been able to learn skills about being a leader, having new responsibilities and have been able to work with an amazing team. After traveling to Dallas with them we became so much closer and it has just made our ability to lead that much better.
Another part of this sorority I cannot forget to mention is our philanthropy. I have a very deep connection with our philanthropy and it has been such a powerful way for me to connect with current and new members. Sharing my story and being surrounded by women who care to support a larger cause means so much to me.
Loyalty is quite literally built into this sorority. The women I have met through this chapter are people I know will be in my life forever. They will be those who stand by me at my wedding, meet my future kids, and continue to inspire me throughout my life. As I am preparing to start my senior year of college I have really been able to reflect on what Alpha Phi has done for me and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities, experiences, memories, and friendships I have made in this chapter.
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