Fall 2023 was the start of my sophomore year. A new semester meant new adventures like navigating classes, reconnecting with friends, and dodging the brutal Texas heat. At that point, I was only involved in two organizations: a scholarship program and a new organization I had just joined at the end of my freshman year. Still, I felt a desire to do more, not just on campus, but in life. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself because I believed that’s what gives life meaning.
That’s when a friend in my major, who later became my big, told me about the benefits of joining a sorority. She spoke about how it changed her life, and I remember thinking, “I want to experience that.” Of course, I had that common fear: Is Greek life really for me? But when you think about it, fear often comes with anything unfamiliar. But I know that some of the most rewarding moments come when you step into the unknown. Saying yes to Kappa Alpha Theta was one of those moments.
What drew me to Theta was its values, specifically leadership potential. I saw a sisterhood committed to uplifting its members in every aspect of their lives. And I quickly realized that Theta would be a place where I could grow in all ways, especially as a leader.
My leadership journey began the following spring when I applied to be a recruitment counselor. I was quite nervous; I had only experienced formal recruitment from the perspective of a potential new member. How could I now guide others through something I had just experienced less than a year ago? But I reminded myself that leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up with purpose and being intentional. My desire to be a supportive, unbiased resource outweighed my fears.
That following summer, I was selected to participate in Theta’s 2024 Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). ELI is a four-day program that transformed my view of what it truly means to be a Theta. Until then, my experience was rooted in my chapter. But at ELI, I connected with Thetas from across North America who shared my passion for growth and leadership. We dove into CliftonStrengths; unpacked what fuels our passions; explored shifting our mindset from things we would consider to be weaknesses as opportunities; and engaged in vulnerable, honest conversations. I saw how deeply Theta invests in its members’ development. ELI taught me that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s courage. And Theta emphasized that I wasn’t alone in navigating the uncertainties of leadership. All of the members there were in the same boat as me when it came to figuring out their place in this world.
That fall of junior year, I returned to campus confident and energized, stepping into my role as a recruitment counselor. I was proud of the work my team and I put in, and we led a big group of young women to find their homes on our campus. However, I wanted to keep going. By mid-year, I ran for, and was elected, vice president administration (VPA) for my Theta chapter and the equivalent for my College Panhellenic Council. I’ve always loved organizing and supporting how an organization runs, and this was my way of giving back to the community that had poured so much into me.
In January 2025, I had the privilege of attending Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV) Central alongside members from across all Greek councils: National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). It was an enriching blend of cultures and perspectives. I enjoyed the experience of learning more about leadership and how to level up our own campus in different aspects, all while meeting new people and finding a deeper belief in myself. I left feeling more capable and surer of who I was than ever before. Soon after, I joined Theta’s Leadership Certificate Program (LCP), an opportunity that helped me build even more skills for post-grad life. It was such a flexible program and very convenient that it was virtual. I would be able to balance my workload along with participating in the program, which was a great plus.
Through these programs, I’ve realized something powerful: You never stop growing unless you choose to stop trying. Saying yes to Theta and to every opportunity it offered helped me grow as a leader, build lifelong connections, and make a real impact on my campus. In fact, I was honored to receive the Fraternity and Sorority Life Active Member of the Year award in 2024. This couldn’t have happened without trusting myself and trusting the process. Theta’s investment in leadership is more than just words. It’s real and life changing. Because of this sisterhood, I’ve not only become a more confident leader but also a more courageous version of myself. All it took was the decision to just try.