Like many potential new members going through primary recruitment, I felt a myriad of contrasting emotions. Most prominently, excitement and fear. Though I was incredibly eager to find my corner of people at such a large university, I often found myself wondering: What if it wouldn’t meet all of the expectations I had set? A year later, I can confidently say that those expectations were certainly exceeded.
Having been raised with two older sisters, I believed I had a firm grasp on the concept of sisterhood and all that it entailed. I never expected the sisterhood of a sorority to mirror that connection. Though, what I quickly learned as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha was that
all of the sacred parts of that bond could prevail beyond biological and genetic ties.
Having been embraced by the loving and welcoming arms of ZTA was one of the most meaningful and integral parts of my first year at Iowa. In times of hardship and despair, as well as triumph and celebration, my sisters were undoubtedly there to support me. To my surprise, that support came from not only my pledge class, but from many of the amazing older women that I adore and look up to. This was definitely not something I expected when joining a sorority, so I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to ZTA for giving that to me.
If I had to make the decision over again, knowing the endless amount of love and support I have received from this organization, I would still choose ZTA. And I would choose ZTA over and over again without an ounce of doubt.
ZLAM,
Gaby Gawedzki