Why I joined a Historically African American Sorority Being a Latina

I'm a proud Panamanian, there's no denying it. I claim and hold on to my roots as best as I can having lived in the United States for most of my life now.I'm also very proud to have joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated a little over ten years ago, and today, January 16th, 2016, my organization is celebrating 96 years of finer womanhood existence (insert celebratory music and dance here).I became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as a fresh new college graduate. This may seem strange to you because most people join sororities and fraternities during their college years. Not me, I joined the Fall after earning my Bachelor's degree.Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. caught my attention at the end of my Junior year in college. The organization at the time was a new chapter at the university I attended. I didn't know much about it but it wasn't the organization's fault. It was mine. I had heard the terms sorority and fraternity before, but I didn't understand what it meant to be a part of one. I was the first person in my immediate family to go to college in the states. The idea was new and everything about the college experience was a first to all of us.I remember exactly how I was introduced to the organization. A friend of mine, a charter member (one of the original 8 members of the first line of the chapter), walked into our class wearing an all white business suit. She immediately stood out to me. When she sat behind me I asked her why she was dressed up and she told me that she had just gotten back from a Z Phi B conference. I remember thinking it was so grown up to attend a conference back then.She shared some of her experiences of the conference with me and described the four principles that Zetas stand for- Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. How attractive is that?, I thought. I wanted to learn more.She introduced me to some of the other charter members and before I knew it, I was a fan and completely infatuated with the organization.Why would I want more sisters than I already had? I don't know, but I wanted to definitely be involved with a group of women who were involved in the community and overseen by a group of seasoned women who oversaw and guided them.Because the chapter would hold their next line of new members my last semester of my senior year, I was invited to join the graduate chapter to get the most out of my experience. This didn't deter me from being involved. I became friends with the undergraduate members and they invited me along to any events and fundraisers I could attend.Before becoming a member of Zeta, I did my research. I knew other members of the divine 9 organizations. They were professionals, and nothing against them, but those organizations didn't call me like Zeta called me.I tutored a young girl who was a member of another sorority on campus during that time. I asked her to tell me about her organization and I just wasn't interested. She was passionate, described how being a member of her sorority helped her get through a tough time in her life, but again no offense to her or them, it just didn't grab me.After I became a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Incorporated, I was eager to do the work that I had been called to do. Our meetings were business oriented, followed Robert's rule of order. I was inspired by the leadership in the professional women around the room, and it drew me even closer. They were doctors, and teachers, social workers, dancers, business owners, etc.Because of Zeta, I can say:

• I added being an advisor to a group of young girls ages 9-13 to my resume.
• I was a part of the social committee that created and managed the chapter's first social network page on Myspace many years ago
• I practiced my love of scrapbooking by taking pictures and documenting what the chapter was working on
• I was a member of the street team that advertised our events to the community and attended networking opportunities to share news on our events
• I attended my first retreat with women from our graduate and local undergraduate chapters
• I attended my first step-show and several stepshows after that and learned to appreciate its art. I would love to learn and perform in one. Maybe one day I will.
• I learned the greek alphabet and can spit it out rapidly on command
• I learned the beautiful history of our organization and the other organizations of the Divine 9
• I learned what and who the Divine 9 are
• I had my first experience attending and helping out at a pageant
• Raised money for March of Dimes and participated in my first 5K
• I presented a scholarship to a deserving High School Senior
• I inherited many sisters and friends who share the common love for Zeta. I can be anywhere in the world, spot a Zeta and be greeted with a hug
• I inherited the love and friendship of brothers who share the blue and white blood and dove love with us
• I learned the love of family outside the people I grew up with
• I purchased my first all white business suit and more royal blue blouses than I ever owned before
• I experienced leading the planning and organization of multiple community events such as health fairs, and community workshops
• And so many more experiences that I am grateful for and have prepared me for tasks I currently work on
• And lastly, was introduced to my husband by being a member of Zeta (there's more to this story).

Although the last few years I haven't been as active in the organization as I would like to be, I know that the day I walk back into my chapter home, I'll be welcomed with open arms.Today and everyday for the rest of my life, I am and will continue to be proud of my organization! Thank you Zeta and the women of Zeta who have been a mentor to me in one way or another.My organization is welcoming and does not discriminate. It is diverse, proud, engaged, finer, international, educated, and professional.#ZPhi