I have recently started my spring semester of my Sophomore year at the University of Oklahoma. The past few semesters have been challenging, but I could not have gotten through them so well without the friends I have made in the organizations I have joined.

One of the first organizations at OU I ever joined was Chi Alpha ministries. I have to say that this has been the most influential group in my college life. I made friends with a girl named Olivia. She has been so nice and inclusive since my first weekend of college. Chi Alpha is a campus ministry that has "LifeGroups" that are small bible studies once a week. As I write this, I am considering becoming a LifeGroup leader next school year. Some of my best friends are the people in my LifeGroup and others involved in Chi Alpha. If there is a Chi Alpha organization at your University, I highly recommend you join as soon as you can.

Another organization I am heavily involved in is my sorority Gamma Delta Pi. Gamma Delta Pi is a native based sorority although we accept any young women who agree with our values and customs. I was wary of joining a sorority when I came to college but because GDP is smaller and more niche, it has completely changed my perspective. It also helps that absolutely all of the girls are nice and the dues are cheaper than expected. Gamma Delta Pi also has given me multiple opportunities to learn and to participate in my heritage.

I am also involved in Crimson Commitment which is a supplement to the Oklahoma's Promise tuition scholarship. The program requires that the freshmen attend a symposium every month their first year. Mentors of the freshmen plan the symposiums and send out monthly newsletters to the mentees. I became a mentor last August because I wanted to make an impact on incoming students.

Each of these groups has helped me grow in the short time I have been involved in them. My advice to any incoming college students or any who feel disconnected is to get involved in anything. You may surprise yourself or even find out what you don't like.