The Support of Sisterhood by Sara Jo Cordasco
Almost two years ago, in the summer of 2021, I fell ill. I was almost immediately diagnosed with a chronic illness that I didn’t even realize could affect someone as young as me. From pretty much June of that year to Christmas, I was bedridden. And because of that, I had to take the entire academic year off from school in order to heal properly. And it was absolutely devastating. But from the very beginning, it was clear to me that I had an unbelievable support system built into my life through my involvement in Alpha Xi.
From the moment I was told I couldn’t go back to school for the year, I immediately started thinking about the logistics of it all. How do I even let my sorority know that I’m just not coming back for a year? I reached out to a sister, letting her know that I was taking a medical leave of absence and she, along with other members of the chapter, took control of the situation and handled everything for me. It really was from that moment that I realized the members of Alpha Xi were here to support me.
As time went on, I began to miss my sisters and I felt somewhat left out of things that I should’ve been able to participate in but couldn’t due to my situation. However, throughout the months, I received multiple messages from sisters, both active and alumnae, checking in on me and letting me know that they were a part of my support system. Later on, I learned that the chapter created what they call a “Box of Sunshine”, where they put together a small gift basket for members of the chapter who are going through a difficult time. And I learned that the idea was put forth by someone with a voice in the chapter who was inspired by my story and felt like I needed a little extra support. To me, it makes all the difference to know that my situation sparked the Box of Sunshine, and that this small act of kindness will continue to help other sisters going through tough times.
Coming back into the chapter after being away for a year was intimidating to say the least. I was worried that people wouldn’t remember me or wouldn’t accept me, or that younger members who didn’t know me would feel weird about me all of a sudden coming back. My experience was the exact opposite. I was welcomed back with open arms and it felt like I hadn’t left at all. Sisters that I didn’t know were more than willing to get to know me, sisters I already knew were excited to see me again, I was lucky enough to add a new member to my Alpha Xi fam, and members who have also dealt with chronic illnesses have become more open about their situation.
I feel like during my absence, even though I wasn’t physically with my sisters, I made a positive impact on my chapter. This positivity manifested into the Box of Sunshine as well as unknowingly giving other sisters the confidence to speak about their illnesses. And the impact would not have been possible without the culture of support and sisterhood that has been ingrained in our chapter. Alpha Xi to me means love, support and sisterhood, and this incredible chapter has gotten me through one of the toughest times in my life and continues to provide me with encouragement each and every day. I’m proud to be an Alpha Xi and I feel blessed that, for the rest of my life, I will always have this phenomenal group of women to turn to in times of need.
- Sara Jo Cordasco
