When entering college, many students are presented with a variety of organizations to be involved in. This may include participation in sports, fine arts, clubs, or even Greek life. As a college freshman, I chose to participate in Greek life. This descriptively comical, yet personal narrative addresses a rarely approached and insightful perspective into cultural identity. As a new potential member joining a sorority, there exists complex inner conflicts which challenge many young women’s self-identity, values, and potential. I stood out amongst my Caucasian affiliates as an African American, and the pressure to fit in was even greater. In the narrative, “I Am Not Who You Want Me to Be,” my experience in Greek life is illustrated in great detail, and through the eyes of an African American woman. From the struggle of deciding to affiliate outside of my culture’s stereotypical expectations, to reevaluating my self-identity, I am led to discover my true values of what it means to be a part of an empowering organization.
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