Dear DZ: Sami Warren

When I first came to college and joined Delta Zeta, I was truly intimidated. I had joined something that is apart of the bigger picture. There are more girls in my sorority than in my entire high school. The University of Alabama is literally 10 times bigger than my hometown. Obviously with that in mind, I didn’t expect to find my place on campus or in Delta Zeta so quickly, or even as a freshman for that matter.

Luckily, I had some amazing people help me find my path early on. I felt led to join positions in Delta Zeta because I wanted to be like the older girls. They were some of the smartest, most beautiful, and genuine people I had ever met. They were everything and more as to the woman I hoped to become one day. My love for service grew and made me want to make an impact on campus as well. Our current President, Hayley White, offered encouragement and guidance for the positions I desired to be in on campus. I felt so special to have someone in such a high position want to help me succeed, and I never expected to succeed in the way I did. After my first semester of college, I had joined SGA’s First Year Council, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and became an Avanti Orientation leader. I felt so passionate about and connected to the organizations I had joined, and I owe all of that to Delta Zeta and the sisters that helped me get there.

I started pouring my love into Delta Zeta more and more because it had already given me so much. I became an Assistant to the New Member Educator as well as the Freshman Standards Representative. And then one day my entire freshman year changed—I began serving as the Vice President of Programs on the Executive Board. Needless to say, the intimidation level rose to about 1,000. Of course I knew I could take on the position, but the sheer reality of being on Exec. as a freshman leaves you a little shocked. After a whirlwind of training and learning the ropes, I began to realize how much of an impact I could truly make, even as a freshman.

And that’s what I wish every woman in Delta Zeta; that they find where they fit and begin making a difference there. If it weren’t for some of my sisters, I couldn’t imagine how I would have left freshman year. Because of them I leave feeling inspired. I leave feeling encouraged. I leave feeling like I belong. And most of all, I leave feeling loved. Thank you Delta Zeta for giving me so much to be thankful for. I pray that every woman find her place like I have so she may walk truly in the light of the flame.

XOXO,
 Sami
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