Freshman year was not easy for me. It wasn’t easy on anyone in the class of 2024 due to the tragic coronavirus. College was something I’ve always looked forward to. My high school life was hard. I needed to get away, and when I knew the virus would impact my freshman year, I was heartbroken. Masks were worn everywhere, and social distancing was enforced. A lot of students dropped before the semester even began, but I knew I wanted to persevere and push through. I decided to participate in recruitment, even if it was a little bit different than what I had anticipated. Zoom recruitment was difficult, especially when my dorm had a fire minutes before my first party, and I had to run outside in my open house t-shirt and slippers. From the beginning of recruitment, I knew I wanted to be an ADPi. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s the truth. Every woman there made me feel as if I had a purpose. When bid day came around and I “ran” home, I knew God put me exactly where I needed to be. 

I knew ADPi was right for me, but I didn’t feel like I had a lot of friends. Every girl seemed to find their lifelong best friends within the first week, and I had met maybe one girl. I was so focused on other activities outside of ADPi that I didn’t put myself out there in order to make friends. I didn’t go to Mallard Ball, and I would get too nervous to go to Willy T or the dining hall with other new members. I didn’t want to give up because I truly wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I knew the women of Alpha Delta Pi also saw my potential and would support me. 

This summer, my life turned upside down. During the second semester of my freshmen year, I was already at a very low point mentally, and it only got worse when I moved home. I was in and out of the hospital due to my mental health. I was so unwell that I had to cancel my birthday vacation and spend it in the hospital instead. My parents were concerned about me going back to Kentucky and were considering pulling me from the first semester of my sophomore year. I didn’t even want to return because I was truly heartbroken by learning that I would no longer be a part of the University of Kentucky dance team.  I didn’t think I served any purpose if I wasn’t dancing, but I love Lexington and, I knew I had ADPi. ADPi was the biggest reason I decided to return. I fought for my health and eventually got the help I needed. Around August, I was back on my feet and ready to conquer the world ahead of me. 

I moved in and was extremely anxious for spirit week. Even though it was a long week of practicing and spending all waking hours at the house, I was able to get out of my comfort zone and truly understand what sisterhood meant. These women have made more impact on me than they realize. There are so many girls in this sisterhood that I look up to because they showed me an abundance of love exactly when I needed it. Spirit week showed me that everything really does happen for a reason. It showed me why to cherish being a part of ADPi. I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging every time I walk into the Pi palace. I’ve been able to find my people, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. Even when I wanted to give up on being an ADPi, I didn’t because I truly believed I had a purpose being there. 

ADPi truly kept me going, even when I felt I had no purpose at UK anymore. I held onto my sliver of hope, and I am more than grateful that I decided to keep going. Sisterhood comes when it’s least expected. I was at my lowest and almost left it all behind. I held on all because of ADPi. So why ADPi? Because these women kept me going and gave me a purpose to keep going. Thank you!!!