College is a transitional time between childhood and adulthood, full of memory-making and growth. Does participation in a Divine Nine Organization help enhance the college experience? Read on to find out what some of our readers think.
Meagan Lane
Meagan Lane from Meagan Lane LLC.
Still Impacted Today
Having gone to a predominantly white institution on the opposite coast of my home, Divine Nine organizations created formative memories whose impact carries on through my life as an alum. My first exposure to the D9 was a scholarship pageant hosted by one of the fraternities during my freshman year.
What caught my interest was the chance to meet new people, but the bond we built through service and volunteer work, fundraising, and participation in events at neighboring universities set the foundation for lifelong friendships that have only gotten stronger in the years since. It was the first time I felt uplifted by Black women peers and witnessed the strength of generosity, camaraderie, and care that could exist between genuine friends.
I decided to pursue sorority membership, and as a result, I found that Greek life provided consistent and meaningful opportunities for fellowship. The most fun, the most exciting, the most gratitude, and the most success I had in my college career, I owe in part to my experience in the NPHC.
In my greatest times of need, my sorors were there. If I wanted to have dinner or go to a party, we could do that, too — on top of the impact we created by hosting programs and providing spaces for education or social engagement for other students and members of the community. Even when seeking mentorship or professional guidance, I had a built-in network immediately at my disposal.
Whenever I look back, or forward, the D9 has a cemented place in what I see. Joining the D9 even created opportunities I wasn’t expecting. I was part of a strolling team that received an all-expenses paid trip to perform in the Bahamas.
The connections I’ve made both within my organization and with other members of the NPHC assure me that I can go anywhere in the world and find a home amongst like-minded people. It has taught me that I can accomplish any task I set out to achieve and get the support I need to take steps in the right direction.
I’ve been most fond of sharing my experience with others and participating actively in the recruitment and retention of new members. As an alum (graduate member), I’m still active. I now serve as the undergraduate advisor for my home chapter and look forward to furthering the scholarship, service, and sisterhood that has brought me to where I am today.
Oberon Copeland
Oberon Copeland, Owner & CEO Of Veryinformed.com.
Connect to Students with Similar Values
There is no doubt that college life can be a memorable experience. For many students, it is a time to explore new ideas and meet new people. It can also be a time to form lasting friendships and develop important life skills. For all these reasons, sororities like the Divine Nine Organizations can play an important role in making college life more memorable.
These organizations provide an opportunity for students to connect with others who share similar values and interests. They also offer a supportive network that can help members navigate the challenges of college life. In addition, sororities often sponsor social events and service projects that help to enrich the college experience. As a result, they can be a valuable resource for students who are looking to make the most of their time in college.
Elizabeth Lombardo
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D. from elizabethlombardo.com.
Community Immersion and Outreach Programs
The greatest benefit of being in sororities like the Divine Nine Organizations is tapping into experiences that you wouldn’t normally experience in college. These include community immersion and outreach programs that teach you a lot about local communities and society as a whole. It would be hard to do what organized sororities have the ability to do to the same extent without one. Beyond college, the friendships and connections that you build in sororities will also serve you well as you grow your career. These connections can be leveraged to find potential career opportunities.
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