5 minute read
From Struggle to Strength
From Struggle to Strength
MY INCREDIBLE COLLEGE JOURNEY WITH THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD
BY CAROLINE SUSKO (ALPHA TAU, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)
If I were to sum up Alpha Chi Omega in a single word, I would say, life-changing. Following my high school graduation in upstate New York, I looked forward to attending the University of New Hampshire. That was until I got there, watched my family drive off and realized I was in an unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. I distinctly remember experiencing intense nervousness as I faced the prospect of being away from home and making new friends. It reached a point where I could not stop crying and even became physically ill a few times, despite how hard I tried to act calm and unaffected in front of my roommate. The first weeks of college proved to be extremely challenging to the extent that I contemplated transferring to college back home. I remember counting down the days until I could leave.
Even though I was bent on not staying at UNH, I decided to go through sorority recruitment to try something new, figuring I was already way out of my comfort zone and maybe this would bring me a new group of friends. When I met the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and accepted their bid, I didn’t know how that decision would change my life. I instantly felt a connection with these women, and to this day, I consider that moment to have been the turning point in my college journey.
Not only did the women at Alpha Chi Omega welcome me, but they also made it their personal mission to help me feel at home and discover for myself that I had found my place. As our friendships deepened, I found the courage to be more vulnerable about my diagnosis of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, explaining why going to college was such a challenging adjustment for me. From that day forward, I never felt like I navigated a day alone. My sisters would take me on drives when I needed to clear my mind, make me dinner when they sensed I craved a homecooked meal, and always offered their shoulder to cry on and an open ear whenever I needed someone to talk to. Soon, my focus shifted from counting the days until I could go home to counting how much longer I could stay. I could not be more thankful for my sisters.
While I knew I could never fully repay them for the comfort, understanding and unconditional support they provided, I was determined to ensure that I paid it forward. Inspired by this incredible camaraderie, love and sisterhood that had been extended to me, I found the confidence to run for vice president new member education in our chapter. I was elected, and this role became a meaningful way for me to contribute and give back to the Alpha Chi Omega community.
My experience with Alpha Chi Omega also drove me to want to share the lessons I’ve learned about vulnerability and connection with a wider audience. These topics became part of my podcast, On the Bright Side, where, every other week, I engage in discussions ranging from the college experience and mental health to themes of positivity, friendship and beyond.
I even created two episodes, titled “College Advice” and “How People Can Feel Like Home,” that speak to different aspects of sorority life so others could begin to understand the genuine warmth and beauty that comes from joining a sorority. Having grappled with and overcome homesickness and mental health challenges, I sought to become a reassuring presence for my listeners, just as my sisters had been for me.
I’m proud to say that what initially began with a goal of helping just one person quickly transformed into assisting countless others. On the UNH campus, students would come up to me in class or at parties and confide that the podcast was relatable and made them feel like they weren’t alone. In just over a year, my podcast has garnered overwhelming support globally, reaching more than 33 countries and earning a spot in the top 20% of the most downloaded podcasts on Spotify. With this tremendous support, I have had the privilege of inviting renowned influencers to share their insights on a wide array of topics, ranging from confidence, body positivity and mental health to fun and trendy lifestyle tips.
This has been one of the best opportunities of my lifetime thus far, and I will forever be grateful to my sisters at the Alpha Tau chapter for their positive influence. If it weren’t for them, I would not have grown so much as a person and, certainly, would not have been as comfortable sharing my story with others. Even now, as I navigate the best years of my life surrounded by an incredible group of smart, strong women, they continue to be a source of inspiration.
At the midway mark of my senior year with just one semester left, gratitude fills my heart for the profound impact Alpha Chi Omega has had on my life. This sisterhood has been my guiding light, imparting invaluable lessons about empathy, true friendship and kindness. As I reflect on my incredible college experience, I encourage others to cherish their collegiate years in a sorority, because within them lie the enduring friendships and life-changing experiences that will resonate far beyond four years.
To learn more about Caroline, follow her podcast, On the Bright Side With Caroline Susko, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.
