Changing Conceptions: How a Sorority Impacted My Life by Devyn

Changing Conceptions: How a Sorority Impacted My Life by Devyn - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I never had the intention of joining a sorority. Based on movies and shows, sororities were always partying and left little time for academics. During a campus-sponsored event, I approached a table full of beaming girls who were making cards for the children at St. Jude Hospital. After making my card, “You’re Beautiful!” written in the best script font I could muster and decorated with flower stickers, I mindlessly wrote down my name and email. I met them again months later at a different campus event. One of the sisters, who has become one of my steadfast supporters, had remembered my name from that one interaction. I was surprised at the sisters’ dedication to each other, the community, and academics. Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Incorporated has changed my conceptions about sororities and has made an incredible impact on my life.
As an academic sorority, school always comes first. Whether it’s study sessions with sisters or support from alumni, academics are a core value of the organization. Seventeen women founded Lambda Theta Alpha because there was little support for Latina women in college. They had a vision of a sorority that not only created bonds but supported the education of many first-generation Latina students. As a first-generation college student, my family and I are both experiencing college for the first time, so it is comforting to see that it is possible to graduate and become successful. Lambda Theta Alpha motivates me to pursue higher academics by providing resources and a community. I also have a support system when I feel overwhelmed and lost. My sisters have been through college and know the difficulties, and each of us will not let another fall.
We are proud to serve our philanthropy and engage our community. Lambda Theta Alpha’s national philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Across the nation, chapters fundraise and volunteer for St. Jude and their local communities. In my chapter, we have fundraised through Valentines’ day gifts, along with participating in national efforts. We also involve our campus community by inviting students to make cards during the holidays for the children at St. Jude. Through my sorority, I have the opportunity to make a more substantial impact in my local community through spreading awareness and creating involvement. My efforts also help children and families who live hundreds of miles away from me.
A year after joining, I am now president of my chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha, and I have the decision-making power to use my education to create a community impact. This organization is an academic support system and gives back to the community. If I hadn’t joined this sorority, I wouldn’t have had as many opportunities to grow professionally and individually. The strong, universal women who support me have also developed a drive to create positive change. Lambda Theta Alpha has helped me become more confident in my abilities in college and to make a difference. Now, I strive to give new sisters the same confidence and support to become successful.