My Experience as a Panhellenic Woman

Coming from a small town in Connecticut, I had no idea what greek life entailed... especially not at an SEC school. Walking onto a campus of nearly 30,000 strangers was definitely nerve-racking; I was hoping that I would be able to find a small, close-knit community within the much larger one that exists on campus. I'm happy to share that's exactly what I found in the Phi Theta Chapter of Delta Delta Delta at Auburn University. It's been an absolute blessing and something that I do not take for granted. Being a part of something bigger than yourself can impact your life in more ways than one.

"Kind alike to all:" a Tri Delta ideal that stuck with me during recruitment week. I was worried I would be at a disadvantage being from the North, but Tri Delta wanted me for me. They didn't want me to fit their "norm". They wanted me to bring my own personality and differences to their community. This made me feel so welcome. Being a part of a community is one of the most comforting aspects of being a part of a greek organization. Although it's cheesy, your sisters really do become your home away from home which is MUCH needed especially in your freshman year. With sisterhood and social events, there are so many memories to be made in your years in greek life.

Another benefit to note is that you are joining a philanthropic organization. Tri Delta as a whole has an extreme passion for children's cancer research which has formed our national partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As a sorority, we hold events every year to raise money for this amazing cause. Some of the events held include Delta House of Pancakes, 24k in a day, pop-up shops, benefits nights, and much more which are great ways to bond with your sisters and share your love with other students on campus. What I find so special about our chapter, in particular, is that one of our alumna, Ms. Gwen Wynn, was a driving force on the team that formed the partnership with St. Jude. The Phi Theta chapter has been recognized multiple times for our dedication to the cause and we have raised over 100k in years past. Knowing that you are making an impact that reaches much further than your own community gives us all a larger purpose within greek life. We help save children's lives, and that truly is something amazing to take a small part in.

Ever since I stepped foot into the Tri Delta community, I knew I wanted to play a larger role. Sophomore year I took on the role of secretary. I kept track of attendance and chapter documentation. Then, I decided to apply for another position. After getting the call that I was selected as our chapter Vice President of Operations, I was in complete shock. To be completely honest, I was terrified. This was a big role to step right into and I knew it would require a lot of time and energy, but of course, I said, "YES!" And I am so glad I did. Not only has this position allowed me to feel involved, but it has also made me feel like I had a purpose within our chapter. Being over finances and operations is no easy task, but I have learned SO much about myself and my abilities to be a leader and a team player at the same time. Who knew I would be looking at how to budget when I'm not even a finance major, or even how to select and train incoming officers and keeping all of our officers and members accountable for what they pledged to be within our organization. I can not recommend enough how wonderful it is to be involved in something you love. My greek organization has given me a family, and it was my turn to give something back.

The connections that being in a greek organization gives you across the world will always make you feel at home no matter where you are. You have an easy network of thousands of people. Although my time as a collegiate member is fastly coming to an end, I am so excited to forever be involved in greek life. It doesn't just end here. I am a member until the end.