One sophomore has overcome physical adversity to join a lifelong bond of tight knit sisterhood and lasting relationships. Becca Combs pledged Kappa Delta following the 2014 University of Alabama recruitment. Combs experienced door songs, ice water teas, and skits just like the other 2,200 women who went through the recruitment process at UA. 

However, Combs' experience varied in one particular way. She was born with cerebral palsy, which is a disorder that can hinder movement, sight, and/or thought. However, Combs has turned her physical disability into an ability to impact the lives of those around her, especially the sisters of Kappa Delta. 

“To me, Kappa Delta means friendship and a sense of belonging. I really feel like I found my place, here, and everyone is so sweet. And I just feel so welcome every time I walk in the door. It just makes me so happy,” Combs said. 

During her time in KD, Combs has invested her time through service at The Miracle League, Crossing Points, and The RISE Center in Tuscaloosa. Hosting a Crossing Points prom for the individuals in the program is one of KD’s local philanthropies. Being a special education major and a summer camp counselor, she has a heart for assisting individuals and empowering them to exceed their full potential. When Combs was young, her parents encouraged her to utilize a walker rather than depending on a wheelchair. Looking back, Combs is grateful for her parents motivating her to challenge herself, because she is now self-reliant. 

However, Combs does not let her walker get in the way of having a good time. She goes to fraternity houses, Tacky Christmas, and other social events with her sisters. 

“They (her sisters) are all really protective, which is awesome! I get knocked into a bunch at parties and so they just get mad at other people when we go to fraternity houses. Sometimes they start yelling at each other because somebody knocked into me,” Combs said laughing. 

Whether she realizes it or not, Combs has made a direct, positive impact on those around her. Through her devotion to philanthropic work, specifically with individuals with special needs, she inspires her peers to give back and get involved. 

“Becca has been such an inspiration, not only to her pledge class, but our entire chapter. She is such a kind hearted and driven girl and has been an example to all of us that there is no obstacle too big to overcome. We are thrilled that she is a part of our KD sisterhood,” said sophomore Anna Lee Price, vice president of operations. 

When asked if she had any differences in her college experience at UA, she had a difficult time answering. Combs is certain that her overall on-campus experience and her shared sisterhood has not varied from any other woman on sorority row. She has sisters who love her and they are continuing to mold her into the woman she aspires to be. 

“You shouldn’t be scared to pledge a sorority because you are afraid that you won’t fit in or because you’re not like other girls. I was thinking that I wasn’t going to really fit in with everyone, and that my walker would make me stand out. But, I really feel like I’m being embraced (in KD), and so I feel like you should just go for it if you feel it’s something that you want to do. Don’t let differences hold you back.”