COLLEGIATE CORNER
Gaining the Confidence to Seek the Heights BY HANNAHJANE ARELLANO (IOTA NU, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO)
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avigating my early 20s as a first-generation college student was an arduous journey, especially during my undergraduate years. As a transfer student from a community college, I embarked on a significant shift from a culinary arts path to a legal path without the guidance or support of someone who had trodden a similar path.
HANNAHJANE ARELL ANO
This transition was fraught with challenges that led to intense bouts of imposter syndrome and negative self-talk, which were exacerbated by the fact that my immigrant parents struggled to grasp the complexities of the college experience. I was acutely aware that forging connections and finding my place in the academic and social landscape were paramount as I embarked on my undergraduate journey.
Upon attending my first chapter meeting, I was inspired by the numerous confident and outspoken members around me. Their presence encouraged me to run for the position of vice president chapter relations and standards, even though self-doubt lingered due to my status as a new member. Negative self-talk resurfaced, fueled by concerns about my qualifications and the perception of my peers.
Understanding that my time at the University of California San Diego was limited, I recognized the need to be part of something more significant than myself. Thus, I decided to navigate the recruitment process for a sorority. Although I initially hesitated, fearing I might not fit in, this decision ultimately introduced me to lifelong connections that would shape my college experience. The recruitment process revealed a welcoming community of individuals who immediately made me feel at home. During Preference Night, I had an epiphany: choosing Alpha Chi Omega would be a transformative decision.
However, I knew that to lead effectively, I needed to embody the qualities of a leader, exuding confidence and strength. My journey to self-assured leadership paralleled my initiation into the sorority, as I grappled with what it meant to be a newly initiated member and a leader simultaneously. Fortunately, my sorority sisters offered unwavering support, reminding me of the importance of compassion and grace, both toward oneself and others.
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ALPHA CHI OMEGA
Alpha Chi played a pivotal role in bolstering my newfound confidence. Serving as an executive member
