Sorority Fosters Support, Inspiration and Friendship

Photo courtesy of Amaya Willis

When I committed to Wichita State, I knew I would struggle without a community. I am a deeply extroverted person, so I had my eye out for opportunities to find friendship and belonging in a new environment.

The first time I heard about fraternity and sorority life was at an admitted student event. By pure coincidence, my mom and I sat at the table with a representative from the Panhellenic Council. I asked a lot of questions, and I remember feeling so safe and excited about the process! At first, the idea of recruitment scared me, but all my questions and worries were answered and soothed. I left that event feeling confident and excited to give it a try, if nothing else.

Going through recruitment brought a lot of joy and anxiety, in equal measure. I was stepping outside of my comfort zone in this way, on top of starting college for the first time. However, I was sure that I could handle it, and I wanted to put my absolute best foot forward.

More than anything, I was excited to meet people, and that I did! At the beginning of the recruitment process, all of us going through recruitment were sorted into smaller groups and assigned a “recruitment counselor.” These groups allowed us to have a direct person to contact with questions, concerns, or anything else we may have needed. These recruitment counselors were also members of the sororities on campus, so they could answer specific questions about what life was like in them.

Photo courtesy of Amaya Willis

The recruitment process was both stressful and fun. Each day, we would visit several houses, and afterwards we’d make decisions based on where we made the best connections. The first three days were for learning about each sorority and its values, service and sisterhood. I’d made a lot of connections already, and I was floored by how nice everyone was. The final day - called preference round - was when I realized that I’d found my home in Tri Delta. At the time, I was torn between two houses, but after speaking with Sydney Schnieders, who ended up being my big, I was certain where my home would be.

Later that evening, I met back up with my recruitment counselor and group to prepare for bid day! I was excited and thankfully not too nervous—I’d made wonderful connections in all of the houses, and while I had my preferences, I knew that I’d be happy wherever I ended up. All of us were given a sealed envelope that held our invitations to a sorority. We ran into the center of Charles Koch Arena, where each sorority held its letters, and hidden signs with the names of new members.

It was time for the countdown, and I was giddy. As soon as we were allowed, I ripped open my envelope, read that I’d gotten Tri Delta, and ran home! I found Sydney, who held my sign, and I didn’t stop laughing until I returned to my dorm that evening.

Photo courtesy of Amaya Willis

Since joining Tri Delta, I have found immeasurable opportunities for growth, leadership, service, and most of all, friendship. I became a link in a long chain that has existed for more than 100 years, and I couldn’t possibly be happier. It has meant so much to me to have amazing women around me to support, inspire, and motivate me to be the best version of myself.

I have held officer positions, served on committees and even participated in recruitment on the other side of the process. All of these experiences have shaped me into the woman I am today. I can confidently say that I have found a lifelong sisterhood, one I will cherish forever. If you’re even slightly interested in fraternity and sorority life, I encourage you to give it a try!