Journey to the MU

When transferring to JSU my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to do something to be involved and meet new people. Since I didn’t come in as a freshman, I knew I wasn’t going to have the experience of living in a dorm where I would have been able to make friends. I attended Snead State my freshman year. My whole life I had thought I would go to a 4 year school and rush as a freshman, but God always has His own perfect plan. I wanted to be involved and find friends, but I didn’t know if I wanted to go through recruitment as a sophomore. I eventually decided that going through recruitment would be the best way for me to find new friends that I would have for my next 3 years at JSU. Little did I know I would end up finding my life-long friends.

When recruitment week came I became somewhat nervous. I had the “what if” thought of thinking I was the only transfer, or only woman going through as an upperclassman. All of my nerves went away on day one. I learned quickly that none of that mattered. What mattered was the person I was.. What mattered was discovering where I belonged. What mattered was finding my forever home and my sisters. Each conversation I had with Phi Mu was evident that they wanted to get to know me for me. Everyone genuinely cared about me. I could be unapologetically myself. I found a group of women that hold me accountable and always remind me of my purpose in life. I have found friends who are there for me no matter what age I was when I pledged. I knew instantly I wanted to be surrounded by these women through college and beyond.

Another “what if” thought of mine was that I wouldn’t have all the opportunities as someone who had the full four years. Again, I was wrong. There are so many ways to be involved. After joining Phi Mu, I have been able to hold leadership roles. I have served as alumnae relations chair as well as the community service chair. I have been able to be on committees that help plan sisterhood events, fundraising opportunities for our philanthropy, and decorate for events that we have. I have been able to take the most precious littles and grow our "pham" as well. There is always something going on and always a way to be involved with it!

As I start my senior year this fall, I can look back with absolutely no regrets. These past years in phi mu have been the best years of my life. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and molded into the person that I am today. The opportunities and friendships that I have been given are one of a kind and wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t take the step to rush as a sophomore. So, no matter your age or if you are a transfer student, I highly recommend taking the step to find your forever home- I promise you won’t regret it either!

- Caleigh Kitchens, PC '19